Quite often the loser of a pro match acknowledges that the winner played the "important" points better. This implies that all points are not created equal. How do you determine which ones carry the most weight? We all know that game-winning points such as 40-30 and 30-40 are key, but one of the most important points -- and one that's often overlooked -- is the first of each game.

Vic Braden analyzed match statistics from professional matches and found a strong correlation between the winner of the first point and the eventual winner of that game. And savvy competitors such as Jack Kramer and Martina Navratilova have noted the importance of winning the initial point of each game. Get that early lead in the game and you immediately put pressure on your opponent. Lose the first point and you have to play from behind right off the bat.

By focusing on the first point of each game you play, you may swing the match to your advantage very quickly, and ultimately improve your win-loss record.

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