Up or Down?

The spin of the racquet has been a long and respected tradition at the beginning of a match. It is a fair and immediate way to determine who gets the first choice. But are you really aware of all your options? Let's take a look.

What you really "win" if you win the spin, is the right to choose FIRST. There is a second choice that the loser of the spin will also get, as many of you are familiar. Typically, the winner will elect to serve and the loser will choose which side from which he or she will start. But there is more at stake, and there is an opportunity for considerable strategy here.

Many players are surprised to find there are actually FOUR choices available to the winner of the spin. The first option, is too elect to SERVE. This is followed closely by the obvious second choice, which is to RECEIVE. The third, which we will discuss further momentarily, is to choose which SIDE. But the fourth, and often overlooked choice is to make your opponent CHOOSE FIRST, This presents the winner of the spin with the opportunity to take the second choice and impact their opponent's first choice.

To SERVE is the most popular by far, especially at the higher level of competition. The serve is (or should be) a considerable advantage. If you are confident and serving well, and know your serve is a considerable weapon, this is a no-brainer. Indeed, our scoring system is based on the "assumption" that you will " hold" (vs. being " broken") your serve. If you don't feel this way about your serve, perhaps it's time to do some additional work on that serve.

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But maybe you are a great returner, or maybe you know your opponent is struggling with their serve. Choosing to receive puts substantial EARLY pressure on your opponent and an opportunity for that early break. You also get a chance to play through some early nerves before you have to serve for the first time.

Choosing sides becomes a valuable choice when there are difficult conditions present. A low angle of the sun, or a strong wind from a given direction can certainly make one side preferable to another. Even if its your second choice, you might be able to put a server into a blinding sun. But be careful, remember where you send your opponent to start will be the end you will occupy shortly.

Why would you take the fourth choice, and give up what you have won? At first glance, this often overlooked (and even unknown ) option doesn't seem useful. But this is your chance to put a little pressure on your opponent, and get in their head a little bit. "You choose" can come as a surprise and maybe catch them off guard as the match begins. Plus, you have the opportunity to affect their choice. Let's say they choose to serve, then you respond by moving them to the side with the greater sun or wind problem. Or perhaps they choose sides to put the pressure back on your serve, but you counter by choosing to receive! This option can be very strategic, and occasionally very beneficial.

The real point is that an informed player is a better player. Know your four options well in advance of the spin. Check out wind and sun conditions before the moment you are facing this decision. Maximize your opportunities by being on top of your various options, choices, and opportunities. That way, you will put yourself in a better position to get off to a great start.