How much do you take in?

Um . . .  Usually.

I mostly take in the main points of a player, which side he favours, which shot he goes to under pressure.

But if both sides are even then you could well come out with no clear idea of which side he prefers. And if he doesn't have any stand out shots then he might just be a big blank to you.

I know I usually have a clear idea of my opponent, unless I was playing badly and then I was mostly focused internally. I also don't get very good reads on players that are much better or much worse. Because either nothing they did was much good or everything they did was much better!!

Often it is easier to see the strengths and weaknesses of a player against someone else.

But you have to look out for people like one of my brothers that change their game to suit each player and sometimes deliberately play in a baffling manner.

I go as far as noticing whether someone is left handed and not much else. Most things are automatic.

At most I remember 3-4 things from each match.  Typically which of my serves worked against them and why and which of their serves worked against me and why.  If I win or lose a bunch of points in a certain way then sometimes I'll make a mental note of that as well.

Edited by wingspan - 20 July 2010 at 01:16

I tend to remember things that I done that worked, rather things about my opponent. Like if I played someone in the first weekend of Junior BL, I'll remember what I did to beat them when I play them again the 2nd weekend.

Never works, but you know :D