“Jack of all trades, master of none.” – Popular proverb
“It’s very important to do three or four things really well, all the time.” – Eduardo Infantino

Everyone talks about working hard, but few talk about working smart.
Many coaches and players think the key is to train everything: attacking shots, volleys, slice, drop shots, changes of pace, kick serves, flat serves, taking the ball early, hitting with deep knee bend… and even impossible shots you might play once every hundred points.

But the truth — especially at higher levels (Futures, Challengers) — is that you can’t be perfect at everything.
Not even Federer was. Not even Safin was.
And if you try to train every possible option, you risk becoming “pretty good” at everything… but excellent at nothing.

🔥 THE PRINCIPLE: FEWER SHOTS, BUT DEADLY ONES
As a coach, my approach has always been:

  • Identify 3–5 shots or patterns that work best for that player.

  • Become exceptional at those.

  • Eliminate everything that is low percentage or doesn’t suit your technical game.

This way, in the heat of a match, you won’t hesitate.
Fewer options = less doubt = more confidence.

“You don’t have it, you won’t have it, and you won’t train it. Do everything to avoid having to play it.” – Javier Duarte to Alberto Berasategui

🎯 PRACTICAL EXAMPLE
If your weapon is the inside-out forehand, your training should revolve around:

  • Creating space to hit it.

  • Building situations where it’s the natural choice.

  • Being able to hit it under pressure.

If your weapon is a strong kick serve, the focus should be on:

  • Varying height and depth.

  • Linking it to the next shot (serve + forehand).

  • Using it in key moments, not just to start the point.

📌 HOW TO TRAIN SMART

1. Identify your main weapons

  • Ask your coach: “Which winning shots do I have the highest chance of repeating in a match?”

  • Review your last 3 matches: how did you win most of your points?

2. Create targeted, repetitive drills

  • Specific training: 20 minutes a day just on your strongest shot, in 3 variations (neutral, attacking, defensive).

  • Pressure training: play a tie-break where you can only use your best pattern to win points.

3. Simulate match play

  • Practice games where you must close points using your 3–4 main weapons.

  • Deliberately remove “weak” options to force yourself to play your own tennis.

🧠 IN MATCHES: YOUR IDEAS MUST BE CLEAR
In key moments there’s no time to overthink. You must already know:

  • How you will serve (direction + spin).

  • Where to place the return.

  • Which shot to look for as soon as possible.

Every time you hesitate, you give your opponent time and confidence.
Every time you stick to your strongest pattern, you boost your confidence and reduce theirs.

💬 WORDS FROM THE CHAMPIONS
“Tennis is a mental sport. You win with your mind, not your arm.” – Novak Djokovic
“Play your game, not the one you wish you had.” – Andre Agassi
“The key is knowing what you want to do before the ball comes.” – Pete Sampras

🚀 CONCLUSION
Train hard, yes.
But above all, train the right things.
When you step on court already knowing your weapons, every point becomes clearer, every decision faster, and every shot more confident.

Next time you practice, ask yourself:
“Am I improving what will make me win… or just filling time?”

by Federico Coppini
https://coppinitennisacademy.com/