Advice vs a good counterpuncher

[coyfish]

I know these questions are very generic and warrant generic responses but here it goes. Friend of mine is a solid 5.0 and im a 4.5. He doesn't hit that hard but he is consistant and has lazer accuracy. Ive tried different approaches to playing him. Ive tried power game (how i normally play . . . i hit pretty flat) and ive tried consistancy. The power sometimes works on my serve but hes so good at giving me balls deep. He waits for me to get anxious and then he strikes. Ive tried to play consistant with him but hes a better player. We will rally about 10 shots and either I will get a good look and go for the winner or he will take me off the court with placement / spin and finish.

He also has a 1H BH which i tried to exploit. I sent him tons of deep high topspins to his BH and he steps in and whips em back. Its amazing.

I guess the only way I could be agressive with him is to practice stepping in and taking balls right off the bounce. He hits so deep its frustrating. Any advice ??

[NotAtTheNet]

He doesn't hit that hard but he is consistant and has lazer accuracy.

This is what you need to beat him. Placement before power... hahaha... i'm one to talk...

[LuckyR]

Most counterpunchers volley poorly. As a 4.5 you should be able to pass him. Work on your dropper.

[coyfish]

Actually he is a very good volleyer. He looks to come forward. Despite his great passing shots I can get my racquet on volleys when I approach the net. I guess I need to improve my volleying to beat him. I punch it deep but I can never finish without risking error.

He is the better player no doubt so my options seem to be limited /:.

As for the accuracy thing. I am pretty accurate but this kid literally catches the side line 3-4 times in a row and topspins me off the court. I can't beat him playing his game.

[Devilito]

you have to be more aggressive than him and take the game to him. Always take advantage of opportunities during rallies. Short balls, court position etc. Attack short balls, come to the net when your opponent is off balance and play your game not his.

It may take an aggressive 5.5 to beat a good 5.0 counterpuncher. There is nothing wrong with losing to a player like that because at the 5.0 level unforced errors are still common and easy to win matches on. Chances are his level will remain at 5.0. What you need to do is raise your level until you can be aggressive consistently. It’s not easy and may require you to breath new life into your game.

[Devilito]

PS, I'm glad you admited he is a better player than you and are not complaining that he is some crappy "pusher". That's a good step in moving forward with YOUR game

[LuckyR]

Actually he is a very good volleyer. He looks to come forward. Despite his great passing shots I can get my racquet on volleys when I approach the net. I guess I need to improve my volleying to beat him. I punch it deep but I can never finish without risking error.

He is the better player no doubt so my options seem to be limited /:.

As for the accuracy thing. I am pretty accurate but this kid literally catches the side line 3-4 times in a row and topspins me off the court. I can't beat him playing his game.

Hhmmm... why are you calling him a counterpuncher? He sounds like an all-courter.