How to learn the most from a warm up?

[msn]

Last night I got clocked by a sub in my singles league.

I have previously learned not to overestimate players based upon them having a good warm-up, but it seems last night I underestimated one.

The first couple of games were played even, and then his level picked up considerably. I tried to quickly raise my game, but it just wasn't happening for me and I actually began to play much worse.

Question: What can I do during a warm up to get a true idea of the skills and strokes of the opponent (without being obnoxious)?

[Anonymous]

you can't really. I usually just tap the ball back and hit soft 2nd serves during warmup, it helps me surprise the other player and get a quick lead

[joe sch]

You can attempt to probe your opponents weaknesses & preferences during warmup but there is little to be learned at the more advanced levels unless you want to start trying to play points during the warmup

[topspin]

1st thing is to check if he's a rightie or leftie; this sounds funny but many times players don't pay attention to this. Try to look for strengths and weaknesses. Hit both to his/her forehand and backhand. See how they handle each shot. Do they hit the forehand always crosscourt? What about on the backhand? How do they handle balls with no pace? What about high bouncers? Do they take them on the rise or sit back and wait for the ball to come back down? How is their footwork? When you're at the net, try to see if they can get shots over the net to you? Often players show that they have no passing shot during the warmup. For the serve, try to serve to both their forehand and backhand and look for weaknesses.

You could really learn a thing or two if you pay attention in the warmup. Hope this helps.

[Cypo]

look back at t thread called 'Sizing up an opponent' - there was some good advice there.

[kevhen]

When he comes to net to volley, I will hit easy passing shots at first and then start cranking up the spins and pace to see how good his volley is on both sides. When we rally from the baseline, I try to see how consistent he is, and which side he misses most often with. Again, I will start easy during the baseline warmup rallies and will pick up the pace and spins to see what he might struggle with in the match. Some players are more solid in warmups than when on the run in matches. Others like myself can look a little bit ugly in warmups but then come alive when the points are on the line. But there usually is some correlation with warmups and how well the guy will play in the match.