Think Like a Pro: The Simple Power of Ball Recognition

Think Like a Pro: The Simple Power of Ball Recognition

Before he was an Executive Director, Fred Viancos lived the daily grind of the pro tour. Now, he's opening his playbook, sharing powerful tips and hard-won lessons from his personal journey and from conversations with other players at the highest level of the sport.

Fred Viancos is a former collegiate tennis player from Chile who played for Texas Christian University and turned professional in 1985. He was formerly the Chief Operating Officer of the USPTA (United States Professional Tennis Association), and now serves as the USTA Texas Executive Director.

Many players with solid mechanics eventually hit a plateau, wondering what it takes to take their game to the next level. What separates a good player from a great one? The answer is strategy and tactics. Solid mechanics alone will only take you so far. Even the top professional players elevate their game by building upon fundamental tactics until they become second nature. They know to play the ball crosscourt for safety and to send it high over the net when they're pushed back, creating time and resetting the point.

To execute any strategy on the court, you must first master the foundational skill of "ball recognition." Executing tactics effectively begins with learning how to "read the ball." This vital skill involves quickly assessing the shot coming from your opponent. As you advance, you must learn to instantly recognize three situations: a defensive shot that has you scrambling, a neutral ball you can return calmly, or an offensive opportunity from a weak shot inside the court. You need to quickly recognize: Is this a shot that's putting you on defense? Is it a neutral rally ball? Or is this your chance to attack? Your ability to answer that question in a split second determines your shot selection and is the first step to playing smarter, more tactical tennis.

To train this skill, make it a habit to call out “defense,” “offense,” or “neutral” for every ball you receive from a practice partner. Ask a coach or a knowledgeable player to do the exercise along with you to see if you are both reading the ball the same way

As your ball recognition skills sharpen, your shot selection will instantly improve. You'll develop the instinct and clarity to play a safer shot when on defense or in a neutral position, and the confidence to be offensive when your opponent gives you an opportunity to attack.

This little tip goes a long way. Give it a try, and you may find that you’re reducing your unforced errors. Good luck!