how do I control a rally?

[magic_forehand]

hello folks

i need some advice.

how do I be the offensive player in a rally and to end the point? I dislike long rallies because I start thinking I'm going to be the one who makes an error. Are there any strategies to set yourself up a good ball to put away?

[BillyBee]

Get to the net!

[ramseszerg]

Realize that you are less likely to hit winners or even offensive shots from behind the baseline. Look for short balls. It doesnt have to be that short, it can be just around the service line. Then you can take about two steps forward to take an aggressive shot and expect an even weaker reply. This, of course, is assuming you have good strokes..

[golden chicken]

and the best way to get short balls is to hit deep. practice making all your groundstrokes land within 3 feet of the baseline. this will force your opponent to hit from behind his baseline.

another way to control the rally is to take the ball on the rise like agassi does. basically you're making a short ball out of one that really isn't. it takes practice and good timing.

[magic_forehand]

I agree, golden chicken. I am trying to hit most of my shots on the rise from now on so my opponent will have less time to get back in position. This seems to be most effective way to dominate.

[FuZz_Da_AcE]

rally with him, put a bit of pressure by hitting side to side, then the the short ball comes, attack attack attack!

[ask1ed]

When you get a short ball, attack.. When you accidentally hit a good shot, that has them on the run to a corner, attack. When you have an opportunity, bring them in with a short angled slice to bh side, and try fh side also, and pass them cross court when they approach dtl. Hit at 70% power until you have a short ball. HIt moon balls to their bh side, and wait, and then attack. Chip/charge off returns.

[Honestlybad]

Find out which is your opponent's weaker side and hit to it. Put pressure on that side (it's usually bhand) untill you force him into giving you a shorter ball then put it away. Attacking is always risky and you usually get more points off your opponent's errors than clean winners. To me controling a rally is about not allowing your opponent to hurt you by keeping the ball deep or keeping him on the run.

[Marius_Hancu]

learn this first:

Wardlaw Directionals
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=50734

[Pomeranian]

Depends on your level, but winners are not as frequent at any level. Consistancy is a great way to win rallies but just keeping the ball in won't let you win, you have to keep the ball deep and hit away from your opponent, making him run, or hit at his feet if he's inside the court. Also you can determine which is his weaker side and stronger side and decide which one you an beat. If you can beat his forehand then keep a forehand to forehand rally. If it goes to your backhand, hit down the line forcing him to hit crosscourt to your forehand again or forcing him to take a riskier shot. Even if his backhand can beat your backhand and his forehand can beat your forehand, you can win. Play smart.

Most of points won at the baseline is by putting pressure on your opponent to make an error by running him side to side keeping the ball deep, changing up your shots. If you get a short ball, or a ball you can put away, do so. Even if you lose a couple points, doing so will most likely win you more points. If it's not, you may have to work on your put away shot.