Chip and Charge
by Mat Galemmo

Chip and charge on the second serve. Put added pressure on an opponent's first serve and create doubt and tension about the second. The more you come in the more tension you create.

Your opponent will go for tougher passes and bigger serves. Going to the net can give you an opportunity to take control of the match.

Court Positioning
Take the ball earlier and consequently, your opponent has less time to get ready after making his shot.

The best places to return the ball are down the line or to an opponent's weaker side. You have less distance to travel to be in the optimum volleying position by the time your opponent attempts to pass.

Keep the ball low by slicing the return when possible. Topspin balls sit up making it easier for an opponent to hit a passing shot.

Chipping and charging on the second serve is the percentage play. Doing it early and often in the match can set the tone through out and keep the server off balance. However, mix it up to keep your opponent guessing.

Try this tactic on big points. Whether you win or lose the point, you still gain an advantage.

Get a feel for how your opponent reacts to big point situations. Maybe your opponent is a good player in normal situations but as soon as you put a little pressure on he falls apart.

You've sent your opponent a very powerful message. Miss your first serve and I'm going to be all over that net. Even though youčve lose the point, the server will try to do more with the serve.

Because of the added pressure, you may start seeing more second serves. I know many players at almost every level who have fantastic first serves and below average to mediocre second serves.

Who do you Chip and Charge Against? For the most part, against everyone! I have not watched, coached, or played against a single player, who can stay calm and cool under pressure at all times.

When a big server gives you an opportunity to see a second serve, take it to him by returning and rushing the net. Perhaps the next time he may take a little off the first serve.

Against a serve and volleyer, chip and take the net before he/she does. Force them to play outside their normal game.

Against an opponent who takes the ball early to dictate points from the ground, chip and charge and dictate play before he does.

Don't change this tactic because you get passed a few times. Be persistent, and on the next big point, your opponent may start feeling the tension. Put this thought pattern inside your opponents head and sooner or later you are going to get the break.