Diego Costa (left) clinched his first English trophy at Wembley on Sunday
The Blues beat Spurs 2-0 at the weekend with Costa bagging the second goal - although it was eventually given as an own goal to Kyle Walker.
Terry and centre-back pairing Gary Cahill were instructed to play the ball forward more often than during a regular league game.
And the former England centre-half revealed after full time that preventing Spurs from pressing high was the key to unlocking their defence.
West Ham v Chelsea - Premier League Preview
"It was fairly even in the first half but we controlled it a little better in the second half and we are deserved winners," he told chelseafc.com.
"Spurs like to press, certainly in that first phase, so we tried to miss that out and get the ball into the front man a bit sooner which eliminated it a little bit, and I am delighted for Diego, he is in great goalscoring form and it is great to see him do it on the big stage as well."
Chelsea face West Ham in the Premier League on Wednesday hoping to maintain their five-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table.
Terry added: "The squad is moving in the right direction with some young players and hungry and experienced players as well, it is a great mix.
"A few teams over the years have written this competition off but it has always been close to my heart, and to be in this great stadium lifting this trophy is a really great feeling."
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
