Prefer to play people who hit with pace - Page 2

apor · 11-10-2009, 02:08 PM

I prefer to hit with people who hit with pace b/c I can reply with more pace. While I can add pace to a dink/lob/etc, I find that I mis-time my swing more often than with balls coming in with some speed.
That said, I just like hitting, period.

Cindysphinx · 11-10-2009, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRstriker12

I'm playing in a "4.0" league at a local club - non-USTA. In my last few matches I've had two opponents tell me that they prefer to play someone like me who hits with pace - in the middle of a match (I won both matches - one I just got by in 3 sets and the other timed out but I was up in game score).

I find that really strange because then I'm tempted to take pace off the ball and junk it up since I know that don't like it.

Also, it's not like I'm killing the ball - I'm a 3.5 so I can hit a fairly clean shot (on occasion...when the planets align), but I'm NOT cranking winners.

So is there a point where hitting a clean ball is counter productive? I can mix it up a bit, but I'm not inclined to hit slice on every ball.

I can see why dudes who play with alot of spins or just hit consitently deep without a lot of pace win a lot of matches. Seems like at my level, trying to kill the ball on most shots won't get you very far.

I come at this from a doubles perspective (and I'm a chick), so keep that in mind.

Is there a point where hitting a ball with a lot of pace (which you call a "clean ball") is counterproductive? I am starting to think the answer is yes.

I am finding in doubles that there are a LOT of people out there who feed off of pace. They make more groundstroke errors if they have less pace. And most curious, they volley like crap when the ball doesn't have pace.

I am trying trying trying to remember this when I play. A lot of times the better passing shot is the one with the most topspin you can muster, at the expense of pace. A lot of times the better return is *anything* other than a FH drive right into their wheelhouse.

I am trying to get much more crafty in how I hit, and it is paying off. Thank goodness, because I was struggling mightily with trying to hit ever ball hard and finding this seemed to bother none of my opponents.

I do a drill class where you aren't allowed to hit the same return twice in a row, and it has really helped build my confidence to mix up my shots more.

Vyse · 11-10-2009, 02:28 PM

No pace is a killer. I have won my mathces against people without pace but one of these matches was dangerously close. Paceless people bring you on the brink of quitting the match. It gets that bad in my opinion. You go down to their level and, lose confidence. You just have to be patient and the score will soon go your favor. And no, youll never become more than a 4.5 player if you decide to quit hitting with pace all the time.

JHBKLYN · 11-10-2009, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tfm1973

this is a lot like saying, "i prefer to play with someone who will feed me balls waist high with good pace and only to my forehand side because i'm not good enough to generate my own pace and my footwork stinks."

That's funny! The ones that can't beat junkballers usually has the excuse that the opponent wasn't hitting with pace and that's why they lost. I know because I've used that excuse a couple of times myself! Of course, when they meet someone who hits with pace and lose, they'll say why are they playing at this level!!!!

JRstriker12 · 11-11-2009, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sup2Dresq

It doesn't help when you don't hit it deep. Also doesn't help when you don't play the right shot (especially in the middle of the court).

Keep on rocking. Colt 45.

See you Thursday.

Yes - must keep it deep and outside the "box."

Colt .45 - smooth- kinda like my game

JackB1 · 11-11-2009, 06:22 AM

This is just like how in baseball, some player prefer to hit off a pitcher that throws hard as opposed to a junkballer. I am always amazed and how some people will smash a paddy-cake 2nd serve into the net, because they cant handle a really slow pace.

If your opponent doesn't like balls without pace, it makes sense to mix it up. Test him early to see what he likes and doesn't like.

Tennisman912 · 11-11-2009, 10:52 AM

Very well said tfm1973. It seems everyone prefers pace up to a certain level up to where it doesn’t matter. This is for exactly the reason you mention. They are too lazy with their footwork to get in position and they don’t have the timing to consistently create their own pace, thus they like it when someone does the heavy lifting for them. It is much easier to create pace (the illusion that that will help them win) when given pace. Every level up to and including 4.5 this bears out in my experience. Even a lollipop slow kicker will work against those 4.5s who like to overhit and is good for a usual free point if used intelligently as well as every one below who tries to kill the slow moving serve. Wild swings and framorama begins. It is less effective from 5.0+ plus because they can generate their own pace and have much sounder footwork the majority of the time.

This is exactly the reason that old guy beats all the young guns on clay consistently. He/she just keeps things in the court and deep until his opponent self-destructs by trying to kill the ball.

I would also agree with Cindy's comments as there is such a thing as too much of a good thing (i.e. pace). Knowing when to use pace and when not too is a very valuable skill, especially in doubles.

Good tennis

TM

zapvor · 11-13-2009, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dafox

JR is a 2.5 player; get on the courts and practice and stop posting on a discussion board...

he plays quite a bit actually. and hes not 2.5

EKnee08 · 11-13-2009, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRstriker12

I'm playing in a "4.0" league at a local club - non-USTA. In my last few matches I've had two opponents tell me that they prefer to play someone like me who hits with pace - in the middle of a match (I won both matches - one I just got by in 3 sets and the other timed out but I was up in game score).

I find that really strange because then I'm tempted to take pace off the ball and junk it up since I know that don't like it.

Also, it's not like I'm killing the ball - I'm a 3.5 so I can hit a fairly clean shot (on occasion...when the planets align), but I'm NOT cranking winners.

So is there a point where hitting a clean ball is counter productive? I can mix it up a bit, but I'm not inclined to hit slice on every ball.

I can see why dudes who play with alot of spins or just hit consitently deep without a lot of pace win a lot of matches. Seems like at my level, trying to kill the ball on most shots won't get you very far.

I am in a drill and play since I don't get to play much anymore. One of the guys has an unorthodox style-hits a two hander off both sides relatively flat. He moves extremely well and is very fit and gets to a lot of balls. He is very consistent at his level (3.5 skilled level but 4.0 match level) and keeps the ball in play. However, he can not generate his own pace and he can not hit a consistent ball or finish off points but has a nice drop shot. Sometimes his balls land short especially when you force the action, sometimes deeper. If you do not hit with pace, he can hit a deep ball. He has no volley at all. However, he beats alot of strong 4.0s especially on clay because he can keep the ball in play.

He is a smart player and I give him credit. He admits that against better players as well as players at his skill level, the best tactic for him is not to hit a clean ball and not give his opponet a rythme. He knows he can't finish a point and he relies on the other guy making foolish mistakes and getting pushed out of their comfort zone.

No one likes to play him because it is not fun but you have to tip your hat to him because he knows what he can and can't do and until his game improves this is what he has to work with. I should point out that I am impressed with his athletic ability and how fast he has developed. (he has only played for 2 years)

To become a beter player, you have to learn how to deal with this. It is part of the learing curve.
Admitedly, I have had some trouble and frustration with him in my group as I try to come to a grip with and compromise my game going forward due to chronic knee issues. I had tried to adjust my footwork, technique and shot selection due to my injuries. I had tried to hit the wrong shot at the wrong time and to finish off points too quickly. Before the injuries I would have crushed him... but that was then.

However, last night at the suggestion of the instructor, I changed my mentality and went back to just focusing on the ball, my technique and to hit a heavy topspin ball off both sides and to hit out and generate my own pace, work the point and just finish the points, period! I played 100 times better. I adjusted and wiped him out by the end of the night.

It may not be fun at first, but it is a learning process and once you embrace the challenge and come to grips with the style, it will provide satisfaction and be fun. It will make you a better player.

fruitytennis1 · 11-13-2009, 08:24 AM

If your into improving continue with hitting a clean ball. To me a paceless ball is a sitter even if its on the baseline.

11-10-2009, 02:28 PM	#23
Vyse Semi-Pro Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Northern, MO Posts: 660	No pace is a killer. I have won my mathces against people without pace but one of these matches was dangerously close. Paceless people bring you on the brink of quitting the match. It gets that bad in my opinion. You go down to their level and, lose confidence. You just have to be patient and the score will soon go your favor. And no, youll never become more than a 4.5 player if you decide to quit hitting with pace all the time. __________________ Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.

11-11-2009, 06:22 AM	#26
JackB1 Legend Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 8,305	This is just like how in baseball, some player prefer to hit off a pitcher that throws hard as opposed to a junkballer. I am always amazed and how some people will smash a paddy-cake 2nd serve into the net, because they cant handle a really slow pace. If your opponent doesn't like balls without pace, it makes sense to mix it up. Test him early to see what he likes and doesn't like. __________________ Wilson Black Blade 104 - NXT Tour / Copoly at 55/51

11-11-2009, 10:52 AM	#27
Tennisman912 Semi-Pro Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 487	Very well said tfm1973. It seems everyone prefers pace up to a certain level up to where it doesn’t matter. This is for exactly the reason you mention. They are too lazy with their footwork to get in position and they don’t have the timing to consistently create their own pace, thus they like it when someone does the heavy lifting for them. It is much easier to create pace (the illusion that that will help them win) when given pace. Every level up to and including 4.5 this bears out in my experience. Even a lollipop slow kicker will work against those 4.5s who like to overhit and is good for a usual free point if used intelligently as well as every one below who tries to kill the slow moving serve. Wild swings and framorama begins. It is less effective from 5.0+ plus because they can generate their own pace and have much sounder footwork the majority of the time. This is exactly the reason that old guy beats all the young guns on clay consistently. He/she just keeps things in the court and deep until his opponent self-destructs by trying to kill the ball. I would also agree with Cindy's comments as there is such a thing as too much of a good thing (i.e. pace). Knowing when to use pace and when not too is a very valuable skill, especially in doubles. Good tennis TM __________________ K95 18x20 --Luxilon big banger ALU power spin

11-13-2009, 08:24 AM	#30
fruitytennis1 Professional Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: I wish i knew Posts: 1,040	If your into improving continue with hitting a clean ball. To me a paceless ball is a sitter even if its on the baseline. __________________ At any level-It's the small things that don't matter, that matter.

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