It's not how/where you start, it's how/where you finish . Based on the saying "It's not how/where you start, it's how/where you finish"... I would chose the 'Worse side' first. .
haha, it does not really matter any more because of the rally system now, of either to serve or recieve first. always choose the better side, but for international tournaments... how do you determine a better or worst side?
I think the most obvious answer is the better side. Why? Simply, because you already said it is better. Unless you want to disadvantage yourself, why would you choose the worse side?
If you take into account that the "better" side WILL give you more of an advantage (implicit in the word better), and therefore a greater chance to win, it would make sense to choose the "better" side first. Set 1: Better side --> Increased chance of winning Set 2: Worse side --> Decreased chance of winning Set 3: Better side --> Increased chance of winning Therefore, there is an increased chance of winning 2 sets out of 3. If you were to choose the worse side first, then to win you'll have to compete against both your opponent and your environment. Doesn't make sense.
Really? I didn't know about that rule =/ I suppose that changes things, and makes the decision quite a bit different.
I think the real question is.. what's the better side? Lighting, draft indoors,court surface.. Feng Shui.. so many factors, lol.
Worse side first... Even when I lose on the first set, I know I got a better side to go for come back.... I don't understand why people kept saying 2 games on better side. On 3rd there will be a swap over.
I always chose the good side - since getting the early lead in a potential 3.rd set is soooooo important mentally!
My view is that gaining the psychological advantage first is more important. Assuming you are playing against a stronger opponent. When you win the toss and make a firm choice, you are projecting confidence even though actually there may be no difference between the sides. But your opponent may be left wondering by your firmness and confidence, so his own confidence will be affected. Right or wrong, your choice already imposes a psychological pressure on your opponent. He will play slightly below usual. Now when you choose the better side, the court environment is helping you to play better than usual. Both situations will improve your chances of winning the first game. In the second game, if your opponent does not realise what hit him, he may not recover to take advantage the better side now at his disposal. As long as you keep focus on the opportunity to upset your opponent, the match is yours. Hope my sharing can give a different perspective on this subject.
