Versing shorter players

[emo5]

Ok im 170 cm which is about 5'8. I probably will come across a shorter player to pratice with in 2 days (my friend has arrangement I meet this 11-year old junior)
I've seen and vsed shorter players around like <5'6-160cm and I seem to lose because they can chase every ball. I know he's 11 years old so he wont be taller than me so I think I can use that as a game plan. Im sure he's around 155cm or less.
Problem is I dont have strategies against shroter players.
anyone have similar situation or can give me a stradegy?

[psp2]

I wouldn't think too much about it. You should play YOUR game and identify his weakness.

[dave333]

well, a nice thing is to bring him to net and LOB HIM!!! Everyone that is about my height (5 feet 4 inches) hates lobs.

[EricW]

It must suck to be short =[

[Milano]

I wouldn't be too sure that he is shorted than you...I am 14 right now and 6' 1" - 6' 2"... but usually try loading up on topspin, or bring then to the net and hit a nice shot to their backhand (usually harder on backhand, and shorter arm reach...)

[rfprse]

fyi... 170cm is more like 5'7.

Tactics? A simple one is to test if the opponent can handle loopy topspin shots that reach above the shoulder.

[TonyB]

I'm 5' 6" tall and I'm aggressive, especially at net. But since I'm pretty good up there, people tend to simply avoid any attempt at passing shots or trying to hit "through" me.

They just lob. It's amazing how much easier it is to lob over a short person than it is over a "normal" person. Even a few inches makes a huge difference. I'd estimate that 2 inches in height results in at least 3 or 4 inches in overall reach, possibly more. And when you start comparing a 6' 4" player versus a 5' 6" player, the difference is incredible.

[nViATi]

Big deep topspin to the backhand will work wonders :)

[emo5]

ok maybe I'll try using a western grip and pick on his backhand. Mopst of all I think I need patience

[nViATi]

ok maybe I'll try using a western grip and pick on his backhand. Mopst of all I think I need patience
No need to change your grip. Hit your regular forehand but hit it a bit less flat and higher over the net.

[Hot Sauce]

I'm 5"6 and when I come to the net people always lob it, but I jump really high, so I make it harder on them :)

[arnz]

What is versing?

[tennis_hand]

Big deep topspin to the backhand will work wonders :)

agree. give him hall balls.

[Andy270211]

Deep topspin shots = WIN.

'nuff said.

[JordanR]

Like someone else mentioned, I would go with high balls to either side, but particularly his backhand. If its part of your game already go for it, I wouldn't try anything new if you're not comfortable with it yet though.

I absolutely hate high balls and I'm 5'8" also. I either have a sort've awkward upward topspin shot on the forehand that usually doesnt get deep or a slice on the backhand which some people can eat up.

And if you were playing me lobs wouldn't matter, I love running after lobs lol. If he's fast like you say he can just run back and get em.

[Swissv2]

Even Federer, who is 6'1" hates deep topspin balls. Nuff Said.