By Mark Rothwell
Introduction
There are so many varying factors which have an influence on singles tactics that a player must continually concentrate, analyze, and try to keep two steps ahead of his or her opponent. Continually thinking about the game is the only way to ensure the player's tactics are correct in all stages of the match. There are six factors that may affect the player's decision on tactics:
Your own style of play, remembering your strengths and weaknesses.
Your opponents style of play, taking into account strengths and weaknesses.
Court and climatic conditions.
Your physical condition.
Your opponent's physical condition.
Differing mental capacities of players.
Because of these variables it is difficult to make hard and fast rules when designing singles tactics. The following ideas are intended as guidelines and should be analyzed and used to appropriate match situations or differing playing abilities.
General Tactics
Ball control
1. Tennis matches are lost not won! More points are won on errors than by hitting winners.
2. A player must learn when to attack or when to defend. Defensive tennis is a very important part of a player's game and must not be overlooked. A top player must have a balance between defense and offense. The slugger rarely wins, and the pusher rarely wins. The player who wins most has good ball control and plays at about 75 to 80 per cent effort, waiting for a short ball or an opening. Playing at 75 to 80 per cent gives you a margin of error.
3. Play one point at a time, concentrate intently and you will be tough to beat.
4. Players should learn to recognize important points and concentrate intently in an attempt to win each point as it occurs. The following are important points to win:
The first point of every game has a psychological advantage of "getting a head start" on your opponent.
As soon as a player reaches 40, the next point is vital, as it means a whole game.
When serving and you are down 0-30 or 15-30, the next point is vital as it could mean a service break.
After a closely fought first set, concentrate hard for the next few games of the second set, because often one player folds in the second set. Don't let it be you.
If you win the first set easily, force yourself to keep playing hard tough tennis and avoid going into a slump.
5. The object in tennis is to manoeuver your opponent so that you have an opening or a weakness to attack. Hitting deep shots is an important method of forcing your opponent on to his back foot, enabling you to capitalize on his forced weak return. Deep shots keep your opponent near the baseline, which gives him/her little chance of rushing the net.
6. Never change a winning game, but always change a losing game. There are exceptions to this rule however. If, for example, you lose a set by one service break due to your opponent hitting a net cord and a couple of good winners, it is not worth changing your game from your natural style of play. However, if you have lost the set 6-1 you should then re-evaluate your game approach to avoid losing the second set just as easily.
7. Develop a game so that you feel comfortable, both at the net and at the baseline. This flexibility is important to cater for different opponents, court surfaces and conditions. It is important to practice all tennis strokes and all match situations, including the Tie-Breaker.
8. Always aim your shots, don't be content to just get the ball into play. Hit the ball towards the open court or to your opponents weaknesses. Move your opponent around making it as tough as possible for him/her.
9. Avoid aiming for the lines when a shot half a meter inside the court will win the point. This is especially true when your opponent is off the court and all that is needed is to play the ball over the net to win the point.
10. Never give up when behind, or relax when ahead. Fortunes can change rapidly when one player becomes careless or over-confident while his/her opponent keeps trying. Expect to win and never give up.
11. A hard hitter enjoys playing against pace. Hit a variety of slow paced shots, this will force your opponent to generate his/her own speed.
12. Never under-estimate the opposition. Always play as if they have a chance to beat you, it is excellent practice for a tougher match.
13. If your timing is off, or you are not playing well, increase your level of concentration and watch the ball closer.
14. To help your concentration try the "Bounce Hit Technique". Say under your breath, "Bounce" as the ball hits the ground in front of you, and "Hit" as your racquet strikes the ball.
15. Beware of the player who sets out to irritate you and destroy your concentration. Ignore these players as much as possible and concentrate on the tennis ahead. Often a smart comment such as "Remind me to tell you something about your forehand when we finish the match" can change the course of the entire match.
16. Do not spend time in a match trying to correct a stroke, concentrate on match tactics and winning. Correct your strokes between tournaments.
17. There are two basic ways of playing a tennis match:
Concentrate on your strengths, for example, volleys, by taking control of the net at every opportunity.
Concentrate on your opponent's weakness, for example, hitting most of your shots at their backhand.
18. Drop shots are risky to play on a regular basis due to the fine touch that is required, therefore avoid hitting them on important points. Examples of when to hit drop shots are:
When playing on grass or clay, because the ball bounces low, almost never on hard court because of the height of the bounce.
When your opponent is deep behind the baseline and their return is short.
When the ball is close to the net and it is easier to angle the ball short across the net than hit deep.
19. In top tennis, drop shots are best played from the net, not from the baseline. Simply because the ball travels a shorter distance, therefore giving your opponent less time to run the distance to the ball.
20. If your opponent has discovered a weakness in your game and is attacking it continually, change your style of play. For example, if they are attacking your backhand groundstroke, attack the net on every opportunity or bring your opponent to the net. In this way the number of backhand groundstrokes you are forced to hit will be kept to a minimum.
21. If you are being beaten easily, do the following:
Avoid showing frustration or anger in your game. Realizing that you are losing control of yourself will give your opponent a big psychological lift. Act poker faced even if you are angry or frustrated inside.
Slow the pace of the match down, walk slowly around the court to pick up the balls, taking deep controlled breaths as you are doing this.
As you slow the game down, analyze what is happening. Are you making errors by hitting too hard? Are you rushing your shots and trying to hit too many difficult shots? Remember, keep cool and THINK about the situation.
22. Watch your opponent's eyes. Players often look where they are going to hit the ball. For example, a server often looks to the court area where s/he intends to hit the service.
23. Always keep on your toes while the ball is in play and keep alert. By keeping on the balls of your feet you will be able to move quickly in any direction. The only exception is while actually stroking the ball.
24. Never stand flat footed after playing a shot, move directly into the position for the next shot. Always assume that your best drive will be scrambled back by your opponent.
25. A player must be able to recognize psychologically important points or situations. For example, the score is 4-2, 40-0, your serve, and your opponent hits a weak ball close to the net which you could hit anywhere in the court for a winner, but instead you play a sloppy drop shot into the net. 40-15. Two good returns follow from your opponent, a volley error and a double fault on your part and the score is 4-3. Eventually you lose the set 7-6 after a hard fought tie breaker. The set was not lost at set point in the tie breaker, but when you played the sloppy drop shot into the net at 4-2, 40-0.
26. Remember when all else is equal, physical fitness will decide the match. Ensure your fitness level matches the standard of tennis you wish to play. A player training for the world circuit must engage in a tough physical fitness program. A Sunday afternoon social player will require nowhere near the same fitness level, but the fitter s/he is the more enjoyable the game will be.
27. Conserve energy whenever possible during a match. Examples of simple ways to conserve energy are:
Walk to collect balls between points, do not run.
Take time to towel off and compose yourself when changing ends.
Always stand in the shade when your opponent has a long chase to collect a ball, or is disputing a line call with the umpire.
28. During a tough match, if you become extremely tired, try to shorten the points by taking a few more risks, or slow the point down by hitting higher, slower shots giving yourself more time to recover between strokes.
29. Relax physically between points, games and sets, but not mentally. Walk slowly to change ends between games; loosen the grip on your racquet between points; allow your arms to hang loosely by your sides.
30. When playing a weaker player do not go all out. Relax and slow down a little but do not play over confident or give easy points away. Try to win by not losing a point, this will help tighten your game for the tougher matches ahead.
Tactics When Serving
1. Take up a stance about 90 cm (3 feet) from the center marker. This will enable you to serve a slice out wide into the fence, directly at the receiver, or straight down the center line.
A good serve is a combination of speed, placement and spin.
A well placed serve deep or wide keeps the receiver on the defensive.
2. Seventy percent of first serves must go into play. Relying on second serves has the following disadvantages:
Loss of valuable energy by hitting an additional serve due to continually missing first serves.
Extra pressure on the server, the second serve must be good or the point is lost.
The receiver moves closer to the net to return the second serve and usually attacks with the return, thus putting the server on the defensive.
3. It is vital to get the first serve in on important points, for example, when you are down break point.
4. Avoid hitting the first serve too hard. Hit at about eighty percent effort for seventy-five percent result, not one hundred percent effort for fifty percent result. If you are missing first serves try to figure out why rather than just hitting the ball harder.
5. Hard flat serves should be hit down the middle where the net is 15cm (six inches) lower than at the sidelines.
6. Second serves should be hit with spin. Aim the ball high over the net and use the spin to pull the ball down deep into the service court.
7. Vary your service to keep the receiver guessing. Remember you have three choices for direction: wide to the right, wide to the left and down the middle at the receiver. With the four types of serves, flat, side slice, top spin and reverse spin there are many possible variations.
8. The top spin serve is best hit to the sideline side of the second court (assuming that you are right-handed) since, after contacting the ground, the ball rebounds laterally off the court, forcing the receiver wide.
9. The side slice service is best hit wide to the first court since, after contacting the ground, the ball will rebound laterally off the court forcing the receiver wide.
10. Use your serve to set up points by using a well controlled and placed deep serve which drives your opponent off the court.
11. Most serves should be aimed to your opponent's weakness unless you are attempting to manoeuver him/her off the court with a slice or top spin serve. Keep the receiver guessing though, by occasionally hitting to their strength or directly at their body.
12. If a player is serving well, s/he could safely hit the serves a little harder. If a player is not serving well, the serve should be slowed down a little and hit with more spin.
13. When being severely beaten it is tactically sound to hit the serve a little harder in an attempt to 'hit' yourself back into the game.
Return of Service Tactics
1. A player must be concentrating intently when receiving serves, s/he must take up an alert ready position and be prepared to move quickly in any direction. The receiver should stand in the middle of the maximum serving angle.
2. The receiver must get the ball into play thereby giving him or herself a chance of winning the point. A failed return is similar to serving a double fault.
3. In singles the receiver should lob the service return sparingly, as there is a high probability of the lob being smashed away. However, if the server repeatedly comes too close the net, or as a surprise tactic, the receiver should use the lob every now and again.
4. It is worth taking serves on the rise and forcing the server to volley just a little before s/he likes, as s/he is expected to win the game anyhow, why not give it a try.
5. It is estimated that eighty percent of all serves are capable of being returned. Of these, ten percent will be hit for a clean winner by the receiver. Of the remainder, half can be attacked and half can be played defensively by the receiver. On short easy serves the receiver must hit a forceful return to put extra pressure on the server. Therefore if thirty-five percent of services can be attacked the receiver must make the most of them.
6. When receiving most first serves, the receiver is forced to use a shortened backswing due to the speed of the serve and the lack of time to make a full backswing. The receiver should be content to return a fast first serve safely down the middle of the court. Short easier second serves require a longer full backswing when being returned.
7. When the receiver has hit a good return it is advisable to move about 90 cm (3 feet) into the court, this will provide him/her a better court position to hit a passing shot.
8. If the server is missing first serves due to nerves, the receiver should move in a little closer and chip the second serve back quickly, placing extra pressure on the server.
9. When playing a good net rushing player, a sound tactic is to chip the return short and wide. This will force the server into playing a difficult low or half volley.
10. When hitting topspin returns, if the server is rushing the net, the return should dip quickly once it crosses the net, forcing an elevated volley. This will give the receiver an advantage in the rally.
11. If the server does not follow his/her service into the net, hit deep service returns to keep him/her on the baseline or, if s/he has a weak volley, hit short drop shots to force him/her to come to the net.
12. When returning a heavily sliced wide service, the receiver should always move diagonally forward to the ball, thus hitting the serve earlier and not being pushed to far out of court.
Monday, February 27, 2006
The Most Important Strategies for any Player to Know
By Ron Waite
A reader who has written to me on several occasions asked what would be the most important strategies to incorporate into one's game, if she/he is playing competitive situations.
Well, there is no simple answer to this question, but I do think that some basic strategies need to be in place, if one wants to compete at a higher level. At the end of this month's column, I will review them in brief. If you print out this page and put it in your tennis bag, you will have some ideas to consider when things are not going well in a match.
The real difference between quality players and recreational players in my mind is that quality players know how to win when their game is off. Believe me. Everyone has days and matches where he/she cannot play what is his/her usual game!!! This occurs at every level of the game…from pros to beginners.
The natural reaction for a tennis player facing this situation is to panic…and after the panic, frustration and anger set in. Once things get to this point, the match is for all intents and purposes over. The key is to know when and how to change a losing game!!!
That is what this month's article is all about.
Now, if you are a regular reader of my column you know that I classify players into three principle categories: Type A players, Type B players and Type C players.
Type A players are people who usually play best when they are not thinking. They usually have one of two weapons and expect to dominate the match with these weapons. They rarely analyze their opponents, nor do they adapt their play very much to accommodate different styles of play from their opponents. Frequently, a Type A player will not even know that she/he is playing a left handed opponent until the second set!!! Type A players are usually the first to panic. If their weapons fail them, even briefly, they become fearful and this begins a very negative cycle. Getting out of this cycle is not easy for the Type A player.
Type B players (which is what I am) are players who may have some weapons but usually win because they help their opponent lose. These players are thinkers on the court. They are often referred to as "heady" players. They will adapt as many times as is necessary to win a match. They realize that there are no style points in tennis. They probe their opponents for weaknesses. Once they find them, they will give the opponent lots of what he/she does not like and avoid hitting to the opponent's strengths. Type B players usually have a wide variety of shots in their arsenal of weapons. To me, John McEnroe was the best Type B player to ever play the game (some might argue that Pancho Seguro deserves this honor, but he was before my time).
Type C players are what we all want to become. A Type C player is a combination of both A and B. She/he has the weapons and begins each match simply playing her/his game. If, however, she/he gets in trouble, the Type B player inside takes over. The Type C player knows when and how to adapt on the court. Andre Agassi began his career as a Type A player. When Brad Gilbert became his coach he moved to a Type C player. I think Brad is doing the same for Andy Roddick. Mats Wilander was a Type B player who learned to add strokes and strategies to his game. He eventually became a Type C player.
Before we discuss simple strategies, the reader must remember what I call the pyramid of priorities in tennis.
First, get the ball over the net. (Hitting the net is, in my opinion, the worst error of all)
Second, the player should try to keep the ball landing deep in the opponent's court. By this, I mean that the ball should bounce between the service line and the baseline. The closer to the baseline the ball lands…the better.
Third, the player must be able to hit the ball in any direction…left, center or right.
Fourth, the player must be able to impart spin. Topspin is most important, but slice is necessary, as well.
Finally, the player should be able to hit the ball with pace. Unfortunately, too many players (especially Type A players) do not know how to hit with temperance.
The pyramid would look like this:
Power
Topspin and Slice
Hitting in Every Direction
Hitting All Balls Deep in the Opponent’s Court
Hitting Every Ball Over the Net…Even if it is Out
Type B players usually have no problem with this pyramid of priorities and seem to start each match from the warm up to the finish of the match working their way up this pyramid. Type C players usually are ready to hit with power from the outset of the match.
Having said all of this, I would like to give each of you some simple strategies to try in your matches. It should be noted that like strokes, strategies need to be practiced.
The only way that you can truly own a stroke or a strategy is to use it in real competition with effectiveness. Practice sets are great, but there is no substitute for true competition.
I often encourage my students to play tournaments with a view toward learning…not necessarily winning. By this, I mean that the student should play a match using strokes or strategies that are not her/his "natural" approach to the game. Sure, he/she may lose the match…but there is a greater victory…learning!!!
I must admit that it is often times very hard to convince parents of juniors (or the juniors themselves) that this "sacrifice" is worth the price. I remind them that Pete Sampras lost a lot of matches against his peers when he decided to abandon his two handed backhand and adopt the one handed variety. Why did he change? Well, he figured that players with one-handed backhands were more likely to be effective serve and volleyers. His performances at Wimbledon show the wisdom of his belief and sacrifices.
I use all of the strategies that I list below. I am a less than gifted player, and I need to be able to dominate my opponent by helping him self-destruct. Although I am not a pusher…these annoying players know all too well the importance of being able to frustrate your opponent into losing.
Type A players will probably have the most difficult time incorporating these tactics into their games. However, if they truly want to move their games to the level of a Type C player, they will need to be open minded, patient and persistent. I promise them that the dividends are worth the investment.
SIMPLE STRATEGIES THAT WORK
1. Run the "turtle." Don't run the "rabbit." Hit balls that make the player who wants to serve and volley or the player who is not fit in a manner that forces him/her to run side to side. You may lose the first set, but win the match in three. I call these players "turtles." The "rabbit" is the player who is fit and seems to get to every ball. He or she is used to hitting on the run. You would be amazed at how often he/she will become impatient and hit an errant shot when you hit at him/her. Try to keep the ball deep and in the center of the court. If you are going to move these "rabbits" make them come to the net…this is usually not where they want to be.
2. Never let the opponent see the same ball twice. Most players will groove on your shots no matter how well they are struck after a few games. If you are winning the points, keep up the good work. But, if you sense that the opponent is anticipating your shots or has become used to the pace, bounce and spin of your shots…you need to vary them. My opponents often will say after a match that they could get no rhythm on my shots. Well, varying the height, spin, pace and direction of my shots is the reason why. Some of the players on my team have labeled me "The Junkman." It is a title that I wear proudly because it indicates that I have taken something away from my opponent by varying my shots.
3. "Moon" till they swoon. The "moonball" (high, deep, topspin shot) is a shot every player needs. It is one of my favorite "weapons" and I can hit this shot in a manner that puts my opponent 5 or 6 feet behind the baseline. I have actually pinned opponents against the back fence when using this shot. It is well worth learning. It frustrates the player who wants and likes pace. It prevents the superior player from hitting winners. Equally important, this shot takes very little out of you. Whenever I need a "rest" in a match, I will play a point or two using the moonball. Even if I lose the point, I have regained my breath and strength. It amazes me how often these moonballs will frustrate the opponent into hitting a shot that has far too much pace or is hit at too severe an angle. In a long moonball rally, I look to do one of two things: wait for a short reply and put away a winner…or hit a drop shot when I am certain the opponent is well behind the baseline. You won’t win any awards for style using this tactic, but believe me; it will win you points and matches.
4. Hit every shot to the opponent's weaker wing. Simple and obvious as this strategy may seem, it works!!! I have used it exclusively in some matches. The opponent begins to move over to better cover my shots. Sometimes, the opponent will run around the weaker wing to hit his favorite shot. Yes, I lose some points in this approach. But, it wins more than I lose. It amazes me how many Type A players never truly know which is their opponent's weaker wing. If you lose two points in a row using this technique…just vary it slightly. Once the opponent is wide (maybe even out of court), hit something short and wide to the opponent's strong side. By making her/him move forward and sideways, you will be taking a little confidence away from the opponent when she/he finally gets to hit her/his strength.
5. Get every first serve in. Even weak first serves enhance your chances of winning a point. I practice 100 serves per day in addition to my other training. I work mostly on my kick serve. I have served entire matches where I never hit a serve over 80 mph. I have rarely had an opponent tee off on my first serve…even when it is weak with respect to pace. However, I will vary my placement. This is how I keep my opponent "honest."
6. Take a big step forward when returning every second serve.
Make your opponent pay for missing his/her first serve. The best way to do this is by moving inside the baseline when returning second serves. I make this movement forward very obvious. Why? Sometimes my opponent will attempt a big flat serve as a second serve to try and move me back. Truthfully, this tactic may win him a point of two. But, if he is doing it frequently, he is going to double fault. Once the opponent starts double faulting, he usually misses more first serves. The "heady" player will take something off the first serve to make sure it drops in the box. The Type A player, however, will usually go for more on the first serve…this usually leads to disaster.
7. Hit every return cross court and do not try to win the point off of the return. Cross-court returns of serve are the safest return possible…even when playing a serve and volleyer. Too often, players will try to win the point off of the return of serve. This is particularly true when they believe that the opponent is not serving big or if they do not respect the opponent’s skills. The truth is that very few points are won off of the return of serve. Playing it safe and getting the ball in play will probably win you more points than you imagine.
8. Control the "flow" of the game. Very simply, some players like to play quickly. Others will take all day between points. Simply by controlling the flow of the game, you may be taking something away from an opponent. Now, I am not advocating violating the rules of tennis. The play must follow the flow of the server. However, the server must allow the returner to be ready to receive serve. Within these guidelines, there is plenty of flexibility. If an opponent likes to play quickly, slow her/him down. If she/he likes to take her time, try to get things moving more quickly. Allied to this is the old axiom: Speed up a winning game…slow down a losing game.
9. Control your emotions. I know that modern sports psychologists promote positive emotions when playing tennis. Fist pumping and positive statements can be helpful…look at Lleyton Hewitt…he can fire himself up quite well. However, Dr. Allen Fox raises a very interesting point. If you allow positive emotions in your game, you are probably going to allow negative emotions to show, as well.
My approach is simple…never show emotion. I try to be Bjorn Borg-like when I play. I figure that if I can look at a winner and an error with he same expression, my opponent will never know whether I am emotionally up or down. Whenever I see an opponent show negative emotion on the court, I am like a hungry lion. I sense weakness and it makes me more of a predator. Type A players are probably best showing positive emotions…but, they need to learn to stifle the negative ones. Type B players are usually better able at maintaining a poker face. Either way, we need to control our emotions. It is well worth the practice and effort.
10. When all else fails, try to move your opponent in and out. This is a risky and difficult strategy, but one that has won me some matches that I thought were lost. Most tennis players think and move with left to right software. When I have varied spin, height, pace and placement with no success, I usually will go to the in/out strategy. Very simply, you attempt to move your opponent in with short shots, and then, back with high lobs. With quality players, this technique will probably not be effective…but you never know. With lesser players, you may find that "jerking" them around like this is just enough to get them frustrated. Once a player loses composure anything is possible.
Hopefully, my two readers in Venezuela who took the time to e-mail me and ask for such an article will find this month's column helpful. Tennis is a game where the "better" player doesn't always win.
Incorporating these simple principles and strategies to your game plan arsenal will, in time, make you the kind of player you want to be.
A reader who has written to me on several occasions asked what would be the most important strategies to incorporate into one's game, if she/he is playing competitive situations.
Well, there is no simple answer to this question, but I do think that some basic strategies need to be in place, if one wants to compete at a higher level. At the end of this month's column, I will review them in brief. If you print out this page and put it in your tennis bag, you will have some ideas to consider when things are not going well in a match.
The real difference between quality players and recreational players in my mind is that quality players know how to win when their game is off. Believe me. Everyone has days and matches where he/she cannot play what is his/her usual game!!! This occurs at every level of the game…from pros to beginners.
The natural reaction for a tennis player facing this situation is to panic…and after the panic, frustration and anger set in. Once things get to this point, the match is for all intents and purposes over. The key is to know when and how to change a losing game!!!
That is what this month's article is all about.
Now, if you are a regular reader of my column you know that I classify players into three principle categories: Type A players, Type B players and Type C players.
Type A players are people who usually play best when they are not thinking. They usually have one of two weapons and expect to dominate the match with these weapons. They rarely analyze their opponents, nor do they adapt their play very much to accommodate different styles of play from their opponents. Frequently, a Type A player will not even know that she/he is playing a left handed opponent until the second set!!! Type A players are usually the first to panic. If their weapons fail them, even briefly, they become fearful and this begins a very negative cycle. Getting out of this cycle is not easy for the Type A player.
Type B players (which is what I am) are players who may have some weapons but usually win because they help their opponent lose. These players are thinkers on the court. They are often referred to as "heady" players. They will adapt as many times as is necessary to win a match. They realize that there are no style points in tennis. They probe their opponents for weaknesses. Once they find them, they will give the opponent lots of what he/she does not like and avoid hitting to the opponent's strengths. Type B players usually have a wide variety of shots in their arsenal of weapons. To me, John McEnroe was the best Type B player to ever play the game (some might argue that Pancho Seguro deserves this honor, but he was before my time).
Type C players are what we all want to become. A Type C player is a combination of both A and B. She/he has the weapons and begins each match simply playing her/his game. If, however, she/he gets in trouble, the Type B player inside takes over. The Type C player knows when and how to adapt on the court. Andre Agassi began his career as a Type A player. When Brad Gilbert became his coach he moved to a Type C player. I think Brad is doing the same for Andy Roddick. Mats Wilander was a Type B player who learned to add strokes and strategies to his game. He eventually became a Type C player.
Before we discuss simple strategies, the reader must remember what I call the pyramid of priorities in tennis.
First, get the ball over the net. (Hitting the net is, in my opinion, the worst error of all)
Second, the player should try to keep the ball landing deep in the opponent's court. By this, I mean that the ball should bounce between the service line and the baseline. The closer to the baseline the ball lands…the better.
Third, the player must be able to hit the ball in any direction…left, center or right.
Fourth, the player must be able to impart spin. Topspin is most important, but slice is necessary, as well.
Finally, the player should be able to hit the ball with pace. Unfortunately, too many players (especially Type A players) do not know how to hit with temperance.
The pyramid would look like this:
Power
Topspin and Slice
Hitting in Every Direction
Hitting All Balls Deep in the Opponent’s Court
Hitting Every Ball Over the Net…Even if it is Out
Type B players usually have no problem with this pyramid of priorities and seem to start each match from the warm up to the finish of the match working their way up this pyramid. Type C players usually are ready to hit with power from the outset of the match.
Having said all of this, I would like to give each of you some simple strategies to try in your matches. It should be noted that like strokes, strategies need to be practiced.
The only way that you can truly own a stroke or a strategy is to use it in real competition with effectiveness. Practice sets are great, but there is no substitute for true competition.
I often encourage my students to play tournaments with a view toward learning…not necessarily winning. By this, I mean that the student should play a match using strokes or strategies that are not her/his "natural" approach to the game. Sure, he/she may lose the match…but there is a greater victory…learning!!!
I must admit that it is often times very hard to convince parents of juniors (or the juniors themselves) that this "sacrifice" is worth the price. I remind them that Pete Sampras lost a lot of matches against his peers when he decided to abandon his two handed backhand and adopt the one handed variety. Why did he change? Well, he figured that players with one-handed backhands were more likely to be effective serve and volleyers. His performances at Wimbledon show the wisdom of his belief and sacrifices.
I use all of the strategies that I list below. I am a less than gifted player, and I need to be able to dominate my opponent by helping him self-destruct. Although I am not a pusher…these annoying players know all too well the importance of being able to frustrate your opponent into losing.
Type A players will probably have the most difficult time incorporating these tactics into their games. However, if they truly want to move their games to the level of a Type C player, they will need to be open minded, patient and persistent. I promise them that the dividends are worth the investment.
SIMPLE STRATEGIES THAT WORK
1. Run the "turtle." Don't run the "rabbit." Hit balls that make the player who wants to serve and volley or the player who is not fit in a manner that forces him/her to run side to side. You may lose the first set, but win the match in three. I call these players "turtles." The "rabbit" is the player who is fit and seems to get to every ball. He or she is used to hitting on the run. You would be amazed at how often he/she will become impatient and hit an errant shot when you hit at him/her. Try to keep the ball deep and in the center of the court. If you are going to move these "rabbits" make them come to the net…this is usually not where they want to be.
2. Never let the opponent see the same ball twice. Most players will groove on your shots no matter how well they are struck after a few games. If you are winning the points, keep up the good work. But, if you sense that the opponent is anticipating your shots or has become used to the pace, bounce and spin of your shots…you need to vary them. My opponents often will say after a match that they could get no rhythm on my shots. Well, varying the height, spin, pace and direction of my shots is the reason why. Some of the players on my team have labeled me "The Junkman." It is a title that I wear proudly because it indicates that I have taken something away from my opponent by varying my shots.
3. "Moon" till they swoon. The "moonball" (high, deep, topspin shot) is a shot every player needs. It is one of my favorite "weapons" and I can hit this shot in a manner that puts my opponent 5 or 6 feet behind the baseline. I have actually pinned opponents against the back fence when using this shot. It is well worth learning. It frustrates the player who wants and likes pace. It prevents the superior player from hitting winners. Equally important, this shot takes very little out of you. Whenever I need a "rest" in a match, I will play a point or two using the moonball. Even if I lose the point, I have regained my breath and strength. It amazes me how often these moonballs will frustrate the opponent into hitting a shot that has far too much pace or is hit at too severe an angle. In a long moonball rally, I look to do one of two things: wait for a short reply and put away a winner…or hit a drop shot when I am certain the opponent is well behind the baseline. You won’t win any awards for style using this tactic, but believe me; it will win you points and matches.
4. Hit every shot to the opponent's weaker wing. Simple and obvious as this strategy may seem, it works!!! I have used it exclusively in some matches. The opponent begins to move over to better cover my shots. Sometimes, the opponent will run around the weaker wing to hit his favorite shot. Yes, I lose some points in this approach. But, it wins more than I lose. It amazes me how many Type A players never truly know which is their opponent's weaker wing. If you lose two points in a row using this technique…just vary it slightly. Once the opponent is wide (maybe even out of court), hit something short and wide to the opponent's strong side. By making her/him move forward and sideways, you will be taking a little confidence away from the opponent when she/he finally gets to hit her/his strength.
5. Get every first serve in. Even weak first serves enhance your chances of winning a point. I practice 100 serves per day in addition to my other training. I work mostly on my kick serve. I have served entire matches where I never hit a serve over 80 mph. I have rarely had an opponent tee off on my first serve…even when it is weak with respect to pace. However, I will vary my placement. This is how I keep my opponent "honest."
6. Take a big step forward when returning every second serve.
Make your opponent pay for missing his/her first serve. The best way to do this is by moving inside the baseline when returning second serves. I make this movement forward very obvious. Why? Sometimes my opponent will attempt a big flat serve as a second serve to try and move me back. Truthfully, this tactic may win him a point of two. But, if he is doing it frequently, he is going to double fault. Once the opponent starts double faulting, he usually misses more first serves. The "heady" player will take something off the first serve to make sure it drops in the box. The Type A player, however, will usually go for more on the first serve…this usually leads to disaster.
7. Hit every return cross court and do not try to win the point off of the return. Cross-court returns of serve are the safest return possible…even when playing a serve and volleyer. Too often, players will try to win the point off of the return of serve. This is particularly true when they believe that the opponent is not serving big or if they do not respect the opponent’s skills. The truth is that very few points are won off of the return of serve. Playing it safe and getting the ball in play will probably win you more points than you imagine.
8. Control the "flow" of the game. Very simply, some players like to play quickly. Others will take all day between points. Simply by controlling the flow of the game, you may be taking something away from an opponent. Now, I am not advocating violating the rules of tennis. The play must follow the flow of the server. However, the server must allow the returner to be ready to receive serve. Within these guidelines, there is plenty of flexibility. If an opponent likes to play quickly, slow her/him down. If she/he likes to take her time, try to get things moving more quickly. Allied to this is the old axiom: Speed up a winning game…slow down a losing game.
9. Control your emotions. I know that modern sports psychologists promote positive emotions when playing tennis. Fist pumping and positive statements can be helpful…look at Lleyton Hewitt…he can fire himself up quite well. However, Dr. Allen Fox raises a very interesting point. If you allow positive emotions in your game, you are probably going to allow negative emotions to show, as well.
My approach is simple…never show emotion. I try to be Bjorn Borg-like when I play. I figure that if I can look at a winner and an error with he same expression, my opponent will never know whether I am emotionally up or down. Whenever I see an opponent show negative emotion on the court, I am like a hungry lion. I sense weakness and it makes me more of a predator. Type A players are probably best showing positive emotions…but, they need to learn to stifle the negative ones. Type B players are usually better able at maintaining a poker face. Either way, we need to control our emotions. It is well worth the practice and effort.
10. When all else fails, try to move your opponent in and out. This is a risky and difficult strategy, but one that has won me some matches that I thought were lost. Most tennis players think and move with left to right software. When I have varied spin, height, pace and placement with no success, I usually will go to the in/out strategy. Very simply, you attempt to move your opponent in with short shots, and then, back with high lobs. With quality players, this technique will probably not be effective…but you never know. With lesser players, you may find that "jerking" them around like this is just enough to get them frustrated. Once a player loses composure anything is possible.
Hopefully, my two readers in Venezuela who took the time to e-mail me and ask for such an article will find this month's column helpful. Tennis is a game where the "better" player doesn't always win.
Incorporating these simple principles and strategies to your game plan arsenal will, in time, make you the kind of player you want to be.
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