The Five-Step Sit-Down Plan

Don’t neglect the value of a smart changeover routine

- JON LEVEY

When you game-plan for a match, things like first-serve percentage and attacking an opponent’s weakness are common considerations. The changeover? It’s seldom given a thought. Yet, this brief respite after every odd game can play an integral role in determining the outcome.

“Taking advantage of the changeover is a big-time skill,” says Frank Giampaolo, a California-based high-performance coach and author. “Tight matches come down to a handful of points. The players who can problem solve and pay attention will have a huge edge.”

Here’s a sequence you can use to turn this small break into a large asset: