The player on the losing end, however, is more susceptible to getting overwhelmed, and it is imperative they don’t—a very difficult line to teeter at any level of the game. Thinking about the opponent’s strategies and weakness is always a great use of time during changeovers, but it’s also important to self-reflect: What is working that can be used to go on the attack?
Perhaps up until this point in the match, the serves feel off and the backhand down the line isn’t placing well. Backing off on the serve and going for better placement is one place to start. Being aware of the backhand during points would help a player make sure that a shot down-the-line is only played when there is a big enough target to hit.
Thinking critically and looking for mini-solves, such as playing more patient points or coming into the net more, are great ways for a player keep the mind active during the changeover. (As Troy Bolton would say? ‘Keep your head in the game!’)
At most, the changeover allows for brief awareness of a player’s match position, and an opportunity to do something about it. Focusing on the match at hand, and limiting trailing thoughts, can allow a player to take advantage of the 90-second opportunity to break apart the match into two games at a time.
