Roland Garros begins this week and we'll have many opportunities to see some fine displays of clay-court tennis. One consistent trait that all good dirt-ballers possess is the ability to retrieve and defend when pulled wide of the sidelines. Even though players may look dangerously out-of-position, the slow nature of clay courts allows them time to remain in contention for the point.

Next time you play on clay, remember to:

Keep your cool: We have all a tendency to feel pressured when pulled out of position. Your first priority when this happens is to avoid the temptation to go for a risky all-or-nothing shot -- odds are you'll end up with nothing. Instead go for a safer shot that buys you a chance to stay in the point.

Go crosscourt: Improve your likelihood of staying in the point when pulled wide by sending the ball crosscourt. If you hit down the line, you'll be leaving a big opening for your opponent to target. Even if he doesn't hit a winner, you'll still likely be in a defensive mode. If you go crosscourt, you stand a better chance of getting back to a neutral position.

Good luck.

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