| | Get in the Zone
So you consider yourself a virtual tennis whiz, eh? Not so fast, hotshot—you may be able to crush your little sister’s ego in other tennis video games, but the action in Top Spin™ just might knock you on your butt. The world’s a big place, and playing Top Spin on Xbox Live guarantees that—as soon as you win some matches—some woolly bully will make an attempt at your crown. But don’t fear: You can improve your game by exercising these tips and getting into “the zone.”
The Meter
That inconspicuous bar in the upper corner of the screen is not a life meter, nor is it your power-up bar. This is tennis, so no “fatality” moves will be tolerated (besides, John McEnroe retired a long time ago). As the game progresses and you rip off shot after magnificent shot, the bar will slowly fill up. With each smashing point, you can work the crowd through body language. Feeling sassy? Raise your hands in victory. Don’t agree with the spectator calls? Throw a tantrum. Play the game well enough, and that meter will soon be overflowing with high-powered goodness, ready to be unleashed on your mini-skirted opponent (be they women or Scotsmen). Players savvy enough to harness the extra power of this meter can turn a stalemate into a victory.
Get ready for a no-fault game.
Laying the Smack Down
Work the crowd, and don’t be afraid to show emotion. Much like professional wrestlers, tennis players have to gain a following to improve their game. When you feed off crowd reaction and win its trust, not only will your ego inflate to the proportions of a Thanksgiving Day float, but you’ll unlock added abilities. Each point gained fills up the zone meter. After you’ve gotten in the zone (your meter will flash), consider the ways to psyche out your opponent. A well-placed power serve is difficult enough to return, but after you factor in zone power, look out! He’ll be lucky the ball didn’t burst into flames! If you’re lobbing the ball back and forth in your best Pong impersonation, maybe a well-timed but risky shot to the opposite corner would move the game along. The game of tennis is much like a life-sized version of chess, minus the checkerboard, horses, and royalty. Strategy is the key to victory, so when you’ve got the power, use it wisely.
Get Schooled
Going for the big shot does you no good if you miss it. When you first fire up Top Spin, take the time to get schooled—tennis schooled, that is. It takes only a few moments to learn the controls of Top Spin, although true mastery takes a bit longer. Be patient, young grasshopper. Only through practice and hard work will the skills become second nature. The powers of the zone only come to those who know how to attain them. Watch your opponents, and learn from the shots you miss. Keep those unforced errors down because, if you beat yourself, who else can you beat? 
Game, set, match.
After you’ve put in your time on the practice court, you can put on your game face. While your opponent is busy picking daisies in the back court, lay a drop shot over the net to get ‘em running. Chances are, they’ll barely make it to the ball in time, but if they do, power up and go for a passing shot. Become familiar with your shot types, and practice your aim. Work with your player’s strengths, and overcome weaknesses. Each player has skills in different areas, so plan your strategies accordingly. No doubt, you’ll be waving to legions of fans in celebration at the end of the game.
Be the Ball
Tennis is a contact sport. Skilled players aren’t psychic, but they do have a good idea where the ball is headed before it gets there. Make sure you’re where the action is, so that ball and racquet can make beautiful music together. Remember: Only by winning points will you fill up the zone meter and best your rival, so get cracking!
Now you’ve learned the secrets of Top Spin. Remember to practice those skills. Sooner or later, your little sister will demand a rematch. Send her crying back to momma. By Jim W. Gettys |
