Tennis players often spend hours refining strokes, but a new instructional book argues that competitive success hinges on the decisions made between shots. Tennis Mastery in Five Sets, by former collegiate player and professional instructor John Almoslino, examines the strategic choices that can shift the momentum of a match, from shot selection to court positioning.
The book, published with purchasing information available through retailer listings including Amazon, brings together established coaching principles, practical exercises, and lessons from Almoslino's experience as a player, coach, and tennis program manager. It emphasizes that while serves, groundstrokes, and volleys remain essential, knowing when to use each shot is equally important.
Almoslino draws on the influence of mentors including Dennis Van der Meer, Dr. Robert Ford Greene, and Rick Elstein, whose methods shaped his understanding of instruction and player development. The book is organized into five sets, beginning with fundamental strokes and structured practice before progressing to movement, singles and doubles strategy, physical conditioning, and mental preparation. It includes instructional progressions for individuals at different stages, not just advanced players.
A central discussion concerns the five qualities of a tennis shot and how variations in placement, speed, spin, and trajectory influence an opponent's response. Almoslino also examines court geometry, encouraging players to recognize how positioning affects the range of shots they can defend and the opportunities they can create. These considerations become critical when choosing between attacking and defending: an aggressive shot from a defensive position can increase errors, while a controlled return may allow time to recover.
Court movement is another recurring theme. Almoslino introduces the "Six Rs of Great Movement": Ready, React, Run, Racket Work, Recover, and Reposition. This sequence presents every shot as part of a continuous process, beginning with preparation and extending beyond contact with the ball.
Singles strategy receives substantial attention, including observing an opponent during warm-up, adapting to conditions, adjusting court position, and recognizing shot risks. Serving and returning are examined as tactical exchanges, with discussions of first-serve placement, return positioning, and decision-making during tiebreaks.
Doubles tennis forms another important component. Almoslino compares conventional methods with modern tactical approaches, addressing serving and receiving responsibilities, court coverage, partner coordination, and competitive exercises. His interest in doubles reflects his collegiate experience at the City College of New York, where he played under Dr. Robert Ford Greene, whose emphasis on teamwork and preparation influenced his approach.
The book also includes cooperative, competitive, and hybrid drills designed to help players progress from controlled practice to realistic playing situations. It encourages consistency while recognizing that technical improvement must translate into effective decisions during competition.
Although no single method can address every player's circumstances, the book offers a structured framework for coaches, junior and college players, recreational participants, senior players, and enthusiasts seeking a more comprehensive understanding of the game. By focusing on the strategic decisions that shape competitive tennis, Tennis Mastery in Five Sets aims to help players move beyond powerful strokes toward smarter play.
