Tiebreak Strategy

Pause and Evaluate

When the set score reaches 6-6 and you are faced with a tiebreak, it is important to evaluate what strategies worked well to bring you to this moment, and then continue to implement the corresponding tactics throughout the tiebreak. Conversely, evaluate what tactics didn’t work for you and avoid using them.

Resist the Tendency to Revert to Your Comfort Zone

Example: A team is losing 1-5 in the first set. They now deviate from their regular game plan and begin lobbing more. With these lobbing tactics, the score becomes 6-6. Obviously, it is clear the team should continue lobbing in the tiebreak. However, there is a tendency, under the stress of playing a tiebreak, to “play it safe” and revert back to your most comfortable game. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve seen a team do this and lose the tiebreak outright. Remember to stick with the strategy and corresponding tactics that was working successfully to get you to the tiebreak!

50% Rule

If a set has been closely fought to reach the tiebreak, continue your present game plan but be aware of any slight adjustments you may need to make. But there is no need to deviate significantly from a game plan that is at least keeping you competitive in the set. However, there is an exception to this rule. This exception is called the 50% Rule. If you get down 50% of whatever game you are playing, it is time to re-evaluate your strategy. A tiebreak is played to seven points. If your opponent gets a three-point lead in the tiebreak, it’s time to re-evaluate your strategy. You need to win this next point! This may be the time to deviate and try something a little different to get you back into the match.

The Big Picture

Whether you win or lose the tiebreak, be mentally focused when you start the next set. Don’t be discouraged if you lost the tiebreak. Sometimes, your opponents will relax mentally after winning the tiebreak, giving you an opportunity to take an early lead and gain some momentum. The beginning of a new set is a great time to take advantage of their potential letdown!

If you win the tiebreak your opponents may be discouraged. Take advantage of the team’s mental lapse by pouncing on the first couple of games of the new set. The big key is to stay mentally focused when beginning the new set regardless of whether you won or lost!