Net Notes: It's time to develop decision making skills

Once you have put in enough quality practice time on your fundamentals, and have a firm grasp of stroke production technique, your focus must then gradually change to developing decision making skills.

The ability to quickly and correctly choose logical shot options is the hallmark of a solid competitor. Don't be the player that has a pet shot they love to hit no matter what the tactical situation demands of them.

As you improve and are competing against higher lever players, you must vary your shots as the position and threat level of the opponent dictates.

Don't think that a firm level forehand drive will win you the point against a skillful vollyer who is well set up near the net. Your slice serve wide will create a response angle from a high level opponent that will run you into the alley and badly degrade your balance — unless you have hit it very wide and preferably very short.

A lob not hoisted high or deep enough will let the high level player pummel an over head smash unless you have caught them by surprise and maybe cheating by being too close to the net.

Becoming aware of the opponents position as the point unfolds is a key ingredient in competing successfully against high level opponents. If your mind is still occupied with the mechanics of racket preparation getting your feet into proper position and following through on your strokes, the chance of cool, calculating observation and decision making is very slim.

Practice your fundamentals until they are thoughtless physical acts very much like tying your shoes is a purely automatic behavior.

Once your essential skills are etched in stone you can then begin your strategic and tactical education which leads to becoming a great match player.