Beat Better Players

In this second part of a conversation with Francie Berrigan, a seasoned tennis coach and USTA Southern Manager of Coach Development, Carolyn and Erin explore advanced tactics for playing against higher-rated opponents. Francie emphasizes shifting from relying solely on power to using strategic variation—such as lobs, slices, and soft serves—to disrupt a stronger player’s rhythm. She shares personal stories, including losing to a lower-rated player due to consistency and using a soft serve to exploit a weak return, reinforcing the idea that 'winning ugly' can be effective. The discussion also covers doubles dynamics, especially when paired with a lower-rated partner: moving aggressively at the net, creating uncertainty, and building confidence through supportive positioning. A powerful anecdote highlights how a coach used forced smiling to help a distraught player overcome emotional stress and win a crucial match. Francie concludes with a call to action, encouraging passionate players to become coaches, regardless of experience, to grow the sport. The episode blends tactical insight, emotional intelligence, and community-building in tennis.