Make the Most of Your Changeovers

The changeover between games in tennis lasts 90 seconds, and it occurs after every odd-numbered game: 1, 3, 5, and so on. The break between sets, on the other hand, lasts 2 minutes.

While 90 seconds may seem short, it’s actually plenty of time. Most recreational players use it just to grab some water or have a quick snack, but this break can be much more than that.

During those 90 seconds, regardless of whether you’re winning or losing, take a moment to summarize what’s working well and what could be improved in your game. Then, think about your opponent’s weaknesses. These are just two simple strategies to start with; there are many other ways to use changeovers effectively, which we’ll explore in future articles.

Professional players often treat the changeover as an opportunity to reset, recharge, reflect, or create a new strategy. Some use it to calm down, placing a towel over their head to create a “private space,” while others use it to pump themselves up. Of course, we’ve all seen players get frustrated and smash their rackets—ehm, Kyrgios, Medvedev—, but matches can be tense for anyone. It’s much more productive to use the break to refocus and improve your game rather than letting frustration take over.

Remember two things:

• First, summarize what’s working well in your game and what could be improved.

• Second, think about your opponent’s weaknesses and how you can take advantage of them.