You've got your opponent on the run and you have a small opening down the line. Now you have two choices: Seize the opportunity by aiming for the line and an outright winner, or hit a safer but still aggressive shot that increases your odds of winning the point with a couple more swings. Which should you do?

Unless your last name is Safin or Williams, you should take the safer alternative and work the point for a few more strokes. That's called a "play for position." Andre Agassi and Martina Hingis are masters of the art. Recreational players, who often lack big point-finishing shots, would be wise to adopt the same mindset.

Rather than risk an unforced error by going for a winner when the odds aren't firmly in your favor, choose to play a few more shots, using each stroke to gradually get your opponent off balance. Do it well and you'll force your opponent into an error or get an opening for a winner.

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