Written by Mark Sampson
POINTS
- Break points are critical moments in a tennis match that can define the entire course of the game.
- A break point occurs when the player serving loses their service game, having their serve “broken.”
- Break points are important because they mean a switch in momentum and can be used to control the outcome of a match.
- When facing break points as a server, it is important to stay calm and think through your moves carefully. The most crucial part of saving break points is getting your first serve in.
- You win a break point when the player receiving the serve is within one point of winning the game, and you make the point.
Tennis relies heavily on small points to win the game. One point can make the difference between winning or losing the match. Some of the most critical points are break points. They can define the entire course of a match.
What are break points in tennis and what do they mean for players?
During a service game, if a player reaches the point of being one point away from winning the game, they have a “break point.” Break points refer to an event when the player serving loses their service game, having their serve “broken.” It relies on the returner winning three or more points during the server’s service game. This gives them the chance to break serve on the next point.
For example, if the game is 0-40 in the server’s service game, then the server will have three break points. They have three opportunities to win the next point and win the game.
If the game were 30-40, then the returner would only have one break point before the game moved on to deuces.
Serving is one of the most controlled aspects of tennis, so making a point during your opponent’s serve does not happen very often. Getting the chance to do a break point is a wonderful opportunity.
Why are break points so important?
Break points are important in a tennis match because they mean a switch in momentum.
Winning the point when you serve happens much more often than winning a point on your opponent’s turn.
These pivotal moments control the outcome of the match. It is essential to stay calm and do your best when saving for break points. They can make or break your game.
How to save break points when you’re the server?
You win a break point when the player receiving the serve is within one point of winning the game, and you make the point.
When confronting break points as a server, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and stressed. That’s why it is important to stay calm and think through the moves you are going to make.
The most crucial part of saving break points is getting to complete your first serve. This is because you want the best opportunities to save break points and win the game. In the next section, we will review the importance of your first serve.
The importance of getting your first serve in
It is important to get your first serve in when facing break points.
You are in control
With your first serve, everything is in your control. You can take your time, have as many attempts at the ball toss as you need, and give yourself the best shot. This is your best chance to get everything right and get the point.
You can be aggressive
You only have the opportunity for a do-over on the first serve, so you can afford to be aggressive. If you mess up, you get another chance.
You can inflict the first blow
When you serve first, then you have momentum on your side. This makes it more difficult for your opponent and gives you the opportunity to score the point.
Tips for staying calm under pressure when facing break points
It can be stressful when you are facing break points. Here are a few ways to help you stay calm:
Don’t rush your play
Many players may want to rush their play to stop the situation from causing anxiety. However, your best chance at success relies on you staying calm and completing your normal pre-point ritual.
Stay consistent
When facing a break point, keep your play consistent with how it has been the whole game. Don’t try something risky and end up losing the point.
Stick to what you know
Do what you know best. Do whatever you do best and avoid speeding the point up.
Play on your terms
Take a moment to plan what you want to do during the break point. Then, execute your plans with precision.
How do you win a break point in tennis?
You win a break point in tennis when the player receiving the serve is within one point of winning the game, and you make the point. It’s called “breaking serve.”
A score of 30–40 (the server is always listed first) would mean that you are one break point away from winning the game. On the other hand, a score of 15-40 would mean you are two break points away from winning the game. Lastly, a score of 0-40 would mean you are three points away from winning the game.
FAQ
What does double break point mean?
A “double break point” means that you have two opportunities to make the match point. For example, if the score is 15-40, then that means that you have two opportunities to get a break point and win the game.
What does a triple break point mean?
A triple break point means that you have three opportunities to make the match point. For example, if the score is 0-40, then that means that you have three opportunities to get a break point and win the game.
What is the difference between break and break point in tennis?
A break is when your opponent “breaks serve” during the game. A break point is when you have the opportunity to make a match point based on that “break of serve.”
For example, if you had a score of 30-40, then you would have one break point. If the score were 15-40, then you would have two break points. If the score were 0-40, then you would have three break points. If the score were 40-40, you would go to the deuces to see who won the game.
Final Thoughts
Break points are crucial to winning a tennis match. They can give you the upper hand and ultimately help you win the game. It is important to stay calm, do your best, and take advantage of any opportunities that come your way. Now that you know more about using break points, go find a tennis partner and give it a try!