A Guide to Tennis Match Play

[NamRanger]

A Guide to Tennis Match Play

Introduction : Let me start off with that I myself am not an excellent player at all. I love tennis itself, but my natural talent is quite lacking. I win mainly on my ability to outthink my opponents on the court. My fitness is also one of the reasons why I have had some success in tennis. From what I’ve seen on this forum, I have seen mostly tips about refining strokes (groundstrokes, serves, volleys, etc.) Very few threads deal with strategy. So, I decided I’d post a little general guide on matchplay from my own experience.

My philosophy for matchplay :

I believe in percentage tennis. Yes, I do occasionally go for a lower percentage shot at times, sometimes out of frustration or out of stupidity (you’ll have to admit this to get better, sometimes we just make dumb decisions). Often beginners will actually choose to go for a low percentage shot simply out of inexperience (most do not know that a crosscourt shot is the safest shot to hit).

Percentage Tennis : A strategy that revolves in choosing a high percentage shot in matchplay situations, in order to minimize errors. For advanced players, percentage tennis also involves in predicting the shots of your opponent based on percentages (whether it will be safe or not).

Tennis is a game that is mostly revolved around who makes the least amount of errors. The majority of your points will derive from forced errors and unforced errors from your opponent. Hitting high percentage shots will minimize the amount of errors you will commit during a match. It is important to remember, however, that playing percentage tennis is very predictable, and can be countered by your opponent if you do not vary your shots from time to time.

Percentage tennis is both a strategy and philosophy at the same time. One of the first philosophies / strategies that a competitive player learns is Wardlaw’s Directionals. This set of “rules” is playing to minimize your errors and to maximize your chances of putting the ball into play. When using Wardlaw’s Directionals, about 90% of your shots will be hit crosscourt.


Wardlaw Directionals :

To put Wardlaw Directionals in a nutshell, you are either maintain the direction of the ball, or changing the direction of the ball, based on if the shot is an “inside” or “outside” shot. An “inside” shot is defined as a shot by your opponent that DOES NOT cross your body. An “outside” shot is defined as a shot by your opponent that DOES cross your body. If your opponent hits an outside shot that is deep and difficult to attack, you should reply with a crosscourt shot (which would be the same direction as the shot came from) with a high margin for error (plenty of clearance and some topspin to bring the ball down).

An example of outside forehands :

Example of outside backhands :

With an “inside” shot, you should change the direction of the ball. For instance, let us say that your opponent stuck a ball down the line to your backhand, but not with a lot of pace on it. You should reply by hitting an aggressive crosscourt shot, however with still plenty of margin for error. On inside shots, you should step into your shot to take away time from your opponent.

Example of this :

Another example of this :

There are situations where you should attack an outside shot however. If your opponent hits a crosscourt shot that is relatively weak, in your strike zone, or short, this is your opportunity to go for an aggressive shot while also changing the direction of the ball. When you change the direction of the ball on an outside shot, you will be changing the direction by 90 degrees. This means you will have a very small margin of error, as you are hitting into a smaller portion of the court and over the high part of the net. You should remember, only go for these types of shots if you feel comfortable hitting this type of shot. Otherwise, more than likely, you will error.

Wardlaw Directional’s can be applied to any kind of shot. The one lone exception is the serve, which is slightly different, because a serve down the T would actually be going over the low part of the net. However, there are still high percentage serves out there (such as the topspin slice serve, and the topspin / kick serve). Of course, Wardlaw Directional’s breaks down tennis strategy into a very basic form. There is much more to that (as there are many factors in matchplay). However, if you have found that you don’t follow Wardlaw Directional’s often, try it out. You will find that your consistency will go up, and you may find that you will be winning more matches than often.

 

[NamRanger]

Types of Shots for Percentage Tennis :

Topspin groundstrokes : These are the bread and butter of percentage tennis. These shots typically have high clearance over the net, and have topspin to bring the ball back into the court. Also, when hit effectively with depth, they are difficult balls to attack, as they normally bounce out of the strike range of your opponent.

The semi-western and western grips are excellent grips for hitting the topspin forehand. These are excellent grips on surfaces where the ball kicks up high. The eastern forehand and continental grips can also generate topspin, however they do not produce as much topspin as the semi-western or western grips.

Both the 1HBH and the 2HBH are both good at striking the topspin backhand. However, the 1HBH typically has slightly more trouble handling the high ball due to the strike zone of the stroke. The 2HBH does have a greater vertical strike range. However, the 2HBH is limited in the horizontal strike range, due to the fact that with two hands on the racquet, you cannot fully extend your arms all the way.





The Lob : The lob is an excellent tool for percentage tennis players. This is normally a shot you would use in a defensive position in order to reset the point so that you are in a neutral position. When you are pulled wide and you believe you will not have time to get back into the court, you should hit a lob with plenty of clearance and depth (if possible) in order to give yourself time to get back into the court.

The topspin lob is a great offensive tool that has a very high percentage of success against net players. This shot is a must have when you are playing doubles. It has a very high percentage of success, as the topspin will bring the ball back down to prevent it from going long.

Some player’s can hit an underspin lob, which causes the ball to float higher and stay in the air longer than normal. It can also disrupt your opponent as it is coming back down, as sometimes the ball will bounce with an underspin or sidespin, which may cause your opponent to error. The downside with this shot is that it can float out on you.








Slice groundstrokes : These are typically defensive shots that are used to keep the ball low. Many people will use this stroke in order to bring the ball down if they feel that their opponent’s shot is out of their normal strike zone (the slice groundstroke has a very large strike zone). You can use this as a safe and neutral shot, or as a defensive shot in order to prevent your opponent from further hitting an aggressive shot.

The slice is an excellent shot to use if you feel that you need to disrupt the rhythm of your opponent. It is a high percentage shot that stays low, so it is a difficult shot to attack. You can also use this shot as a setup shot for an aggressive play, as a player must hit up on a slice to get it over the net. This usually results in a weaker ball, sometimes short, that can be attacked.

The forehand slice is a good tool to use, and is rarely used today by many players. It can be used in a multitude of ways, such as a safe approach shot, a defensive shot, and you can also use it to fake a dropshot.
The slice groundstrokes are good for approach shots. They stay low and are difficult to attack. Also, because they are typically not very fast, slice groundstrokes allow you ample amount of time to get into the net.






Spin Serves : Many variations of spin serves exist, such as the slice, the topspin slice, the topspin (kick) serve, or the American twist serve. These serves are excellent as second serves, and even as first serves if you feel that you are not confident in your abilities to hit a driving flat serve. Each spin serve has its own use. The kick serve is a very difficult serve to attack, while the slice and the topspin slice serves are good to use as changeups for your first serve. The American Twist serve is a very good offensive tool that can net you a few aces if your opponent is not careful enough.

The American Twist serve is a very difficult serve to attack if you can hit it. The sidespin, coupled with the topspin, makes the ball very erratic and hard to track for many players. The spins also help bring the ball into the service box also, which is always a plus.

Try using spin serves as change ups for your first serve. For example, instead of bombing a flat serve down the T on the deuce court as a right handed player, try throwing out a heavily sliced first serve. One, this will pull your opponent wide and forces him to move, which makes it more difficult for him to attack. Two, your opponent most likely is expecting a flat serve, so in his mind, it is ingrained that the ball will come much faster than it is. Three, it makes you unpredictable and disrupts your opponent’s timing.

Spin serves are excellent for serve and volley players. They are safe, difficult to attack, and give ample time for the server to get to the net. Some of the best serve and volley players use some kind of spin serve (Edberg used a kick serve, McEnroe used a slice serve, Rafter used a kick serve, etc.)




Note : Still a work in progress, I'll try and get some more stuff later in the week.

 

[Headshotterer]

very good guide

 

[kelz]

Interesting, unique in ways.

 

[lovethetriangle]

nice thread bro, very well thought out.

 

[OvertheFence]

nice guide, how much time u spend on it

 

[futuratennis]

cheers man, good job

 

[Deleted member 25923]

Would you consider serve and volley low percentage tennis?

 

[SourStraws]

Good guide.....Thanks =)

 

[NamRanger]

Would you consider serve and volley low percentage tennis?

It would depend. Are you coming in on a high percentage serve that forces your opponent to either move or hit outside of his strike zone? If the answer is yes, then S&V is actually a high percentage play.



S&V is actually a strategy that relies on pressure and percentage tennis. Before the advent of the big return (which began with Connors and Agassi), S&V was the dominant strategy, simply because it is a very high percentage play. Only at the professional levels today do you see S&V being a low percentage play.


At the amateur level, S&V is definitely a good strategy, especially if you are a good mover. Most player's do not have the mental strength or the return of a professional level tennis player. They tend to make mistakes when put under pressure. A S&V is actually playing percentage tennis most of the time, as you are cutting off the angles that most likely your opponent will strike (for instance, if you serve out wide on the deuce court, your opponent's highest percentage play would be to hit crosscourt towards the middle. Some will say the best play is to take it down the line, but this is a risky shot that is very difficult on a good serve).


Against a good returner, yes S&Ving at the wrong times can be a low percentage play. However, in my own experience, I found that S&V is actually a high percentage play to use, as it forces your opponent to make quick decisions, usually bad ones. You are put in the driver's seat, and usually you can make a good guess as to where your opponent will return.


Even at college level matches, I found that alot of player's take to the net after they have gained an advantage. This is simply because there's not many guys out there who can hit passing shots like a professional tennis player.

 

[FitzRoy]

The serve and volley issue in terms of percentage tennis is an interesting one to me. A lot of it obviously depends on the players in question and their respective skill sets.

For me, well, my serve is weak; it's probably the worst part of my game. But I feel very comfortable at the net, so I often throw in serve and volley to actually protect my weak serve. I'm not hitting it with a lot of pace so I have plenty of time to get into decent net position. Now, against skilled players I often get passed or forced into popping up a volley. I get passed more frequently than a lot of players would be comfortable with. But overall I consider it a good play for me because, since I do it maybe 30% of the time, it's just enough to give my opponent something to think about. I also do things like hit the serve and take a step and a half somewhat loudly like I'm approaching the net, but then hold up and stay back.

I find that my opponents make more errors in their return games when I am mixing in the serve and volley. So overall it helps me hold serve.

 

[S H O W S T O P P E R !]

This should be stickied.

Do you know the strategies behind all-court/counterpuncher games? I could write a guide if you wish. Email me at epandemic@gmail.com.

 

[Ballinbob]

Would you consider serve and volley low percentage tennis?

S&V is definitley not a low percentage play if you know what your doing. Of course, if you can't volley to save your life or if your serve is weak then this probably isn't for you. For me, I have a huge serve and average volleys. That coupled with the fact that I'm extremely fast for my age (can run a 100m dash in under 12 seconds) allows me to hit a huge first serve and still be at the service line in time. Fitzroy sounds the opposite of me. He has an average serve but good volleys. To play S&V, you have to play your strengths. If your fast and have good reflexes, have good volleys, a good serve, then this style is for you. If your a groundstroker who only knows how to hit from the baseline then don't play that much S&V.
Also, don't go for too much at the net or with your serve. I see so many people who try and hit a 100mph serve when they know they cant and fault. If you can hit that big of a serve and can reach the service line, then fine, but most cant. A good topspin or topspin-slice serve will do the trick most of the time, and these have a good chance of going in. When at the net, don't go for the crazy killer volley. Just volley to the open court and keep the opponent MOVING. That's the key. Make them move. Don't hit flashy shots, just move them around until they give you an easy shot and angle it off. The beuaty of S&V is that not many people are used to it and they pee their pants when you come in after you serve. I honestly think I win more points with missed returns, service winners and aces than volleys alone. Mostly missed returns though. Also, if you can make that simple volley cross court then everything is cake b/c you've made them move to the opposite side of the court and your right there covering the net.

I hope this helped. As a S&V player I don't want our style to be misrepresented if you know what I mean. Any style of play can be effective if you have the brains to make it so.

 

[NamRanger]

S&V is definitley not a low percentage play if you know what your doing. Of course, if you can't volley to save your life or if your serve is weak then this probably isn't for you. For me, I have a huge serve and average volleys. That coupled with the fact that I'm extremely fast for my age (can run a 100m dash in under 12 seconds) allows me to hit a huge first serve and still be at the service line in time. Fitzroy sounds the opposite of me. He has an average serve but good volleys. To play S&V, you have to play your strengths. If your fast and have good reflexes, have good volleys, a good serve, then this style is for you. If your a groundstroker who only knows how to hit from the baseline then don't play that much S&V.
Also, don't go for too much at the net or with your serve. I see so many people who try and hit a 100mph serve when they know they cant and fault. If you can hit that big of a serve and can reach the service line, then fine, but most cant. A good topspin or topspin-slice serve will do the trick most of the time, and these have a good chance of going in. When at the net, don't go for the crazy killer volley. Just volley to the open court and keep the opponent MOVING. That's the key. Make them move. Don't hit flashy shots, just move them around until they give you an easy shot and angle it off. The beuaty of S&V is that not many people are used to it and they pee their pants when you come in after you serve. I honestly think I win more points with missed returns, service winners and aces than volleys alone. Mostly missed returns though. Also, if you can make that simple volley cross court then everything is cake b/c you've made them move to the opposite side of the court and your right there covering the net.

I hope this helped. As a S&V player I don't want our style to be misrepresented if you know what I mean. Any style of play can be effective if you have the brains to make it so.

Very true. Since I play alot of doubles, I S&V quite often during my singles matches. The majority of my points come from the pressure I put on my opponent because they are not used to constantly being attacked. They miss alot of returns, usually long or wide. The percentages are in your favor of they are trying to go for more than they are used to. Most players today are more comfortable with blocking the return back. S&V nullifies this play and forces your opponent to at least take a cut at the ball.



At a professional level, pretty much everyone is a good mover and can return decently (relative to us). Even the worst returner on the tour knows how to cut off angles and take a cut at the ball. The reason why you don't see it at the professional level is because the surfaces are much slower (which plays in favor of the returner) and the new technology that has been developed (poly strings and powerful racquets that allow you to hit a screaming return off a relatively short swing).


At an amateur level though, as long as you are not trying to be Stefan Edberg or John McEnroe out there, the percentages are really in your favor. Ideally you would want to cut off your opponent's angle by standing towards the middle of his shot cone (which I'll cover later on), but usually that's not possible. The best thing for you to do is to force your opponent into going for a high risk shot that is likely to fail. Cover the high percentage shot and force him to try a difficult shot on the run. This is the key to S&V at lower levels. As long as you keep your opponent moving and force him into going for a low percentage shot, you will have a significant advantage throughout the match. Since you are S&Ving and you are forcing the action, your opponent has to think quickly, as you are quickly approaching the net.


I'm working on more of this guide. The counter punching part will come up within a few days or so. This will cover the basics of counter punching, how to counter punch, examples, etc.

 

[NamRanger]

Strike Zone Tennis


Percentage Tennis relies on forcing errors from your opponent, while also minimizing errors on your part. There's a tactic that I like to call "Strike Zone Tennis" that I use in conjunction with Percentage Tennis. Strike Zone Tennis, along with Percentage Tennis, is really a simple concept.


Definition of Strike Zone Tennis :

Hitting a shot in such a way that it is out of the strike zone of your opponent.



This is a fairly simple concept, yet many players tend to forget about it. I heavily rely on percentage tennis, but I also use this tactic together with percentage tennis in order to frustrate my opponent into many errors. This is not something I made up, I just came up with my own name for it. Nadal is a practitioner of what I call strike zone tennis, as he hits balls that are well outside the strike zone of many players on the tour.


First, let us identify the strike zones of each groundstroke so you will be able to use this information to your advantage during a match.


The Eastern Forehand :

As you can see here, Steffi Graf is using an eastern forehand to strike the ball. When striking the eastern forehand, the ball is struck slightly out in front and to the side of the player. The point of contact should be around waist level (as seen here, Graf makes a slight adjustment by raising her whole body in order to hit the ball in her ideal strike zone). It is very difficult to attack this type of grip with a flat and low shot, as the contact point is closer to the body and low. Roger Federer hits a variation of this grip, which is called the extreme eastern grip. However, I do not think you will be encountering someone with the technique of Roger Federer unless you are on the ATP tour


The Continental Forehand

John McEnroe is a user of the continental forehand. Edberg is also another pro who used this forehand. Today, there are not many players who use this grip, as it is not ideal for hitting topspin, and it is very difficult to hit a controllable shot with modern technique. However, there are still some peopel out there who will use this shot. As you can see here, John McEnroe is about to make contact nearly right next to him, it is barely out in front. The continental strike zone is very close in front of the body, making it difficult to attack with a low flat shot. Also, the continental forehand is typically hit around the thigh to waist height.


The Semi-Western Grip

Here is Marat Safin, who uses the Semi-Western grip. The SW grip is predominantly used by the majority of players today, even at the amateur level. This is because it is a moderate grip that allows players to hit topspin, flat shots, high shots, mid height shots, and low shots. As you can see, Safin makes contact well out in front of his body in order to hit a penetrating shot. This is due to the nature of the wrist position on the SW grip (as well as the Western grip forehand). The SW grip's strike zone is about waist height to chest height, depending on the player and the extremity of the grip (there are many variations of the SW grip).

 

[WBF]

Good comment on forehand slice. I have started utilizing this shot to mix things up and in various situations where it seems useful.

On the S&V bit (singles): This tactic may work for some, but once you start playing at higher levels, people will have the returns, movement, and groundstrokes to make it a bit risky. Certainly a good tactic to mix things up, but relying on it could be dangerous. Personally, I love seeing an opponent charging up to net. I personally think the best strategy (at least for me) is to go at their feet. I've become quite good at shifting between deep returns when servers stay back, and sharp shots at their feet when they S&V. A decent lob can get you out of trouble if you get caught off guard as well, provided you keep it deep enough and preferably to the backhand side if they are quick (and good with overheads).

*edit: And good comment on avoiding the strike zone. The best players I know are superb at this, and manage to pull it off on most of their shots. Even for the serve, I know several old guys who give me more trouble with well placed, low serves (which they can change to good paced deep serves if I move up to attack) than college players with huge serves.

 

[NamRanger]

The Western Grip

Here is Carlos Moya hitting a Western grip forehand. Both the Western and SW forehands have very similar technique, however the Western Grip has much more trouble dealing with a low ball (due to the positioning of the wrist in the shot, which results in the racquet at an ackward angle for low balls) and is better at generating topspin. Another player who uses the Western Grip is Novak Djokovic. Also, the Western Grip has a slightly higher contact point. Ideally, the contact point should be up around the chest to shoulder area.


The Two Hand Backhand

This is the two handed backhand. Novak Djokovic, David Nalbandian, Marat Safin, and Andy Murray all use a 2HBH. This is the ideal and textbook two handed backhand. The contact point is slightly out in front, with your left arm fully extended in order to drive through the ball. Typically, two handed backhands have a greater vertical strike range than a 1HBH (as in, they can hit higher balls easier, and can deal with low balls if needed too). However, the 2HBH does still struggle with a very low ball (such as a sliced ball around your ankles to your shins). Also, the 2HBH has limited reach due to the use of two hands.

The One Handed Backhand

This is Wawrinka's One Handed Backhand. Roger Federer, James Blake, Fernando Gonzalez, and Stanlis Wawrinka all use the 1HBH. The contact point is well out in front of your body, and ideally you would want to strike the ball around knee to waist height. However, in today's game, most of the time you do not have that kind of luxury. As you can see here, Wawrinka has to hit the ball outside of his strike zone and must compensate.


The Slice Backhand

This is the Sampras slice. This is a good shot to use when late or on the defense, as you hit it closer to your body. The contact point should still be slightly out in front, but it is much closer to you than the typical backhand. Also, the slice has a wide vertical strike zone, as you can slice high, mid high, or low balls back with relative ease.



When you are able to identify the strike zones of your opponent, you are able to take advantage of this by keeping outside of your opponent's strike zone. This is important, as this will usually translate into either shorter or weaker balls in order for you to attack. Remember, identify the strike zone of your opponent (usually dependent on grip) early in the match. Probe out his shots and see what he is good at, and what he is not good at. When you have found his weak areas, attack these areas with high percentage shots. This will frustrate your opponent into making more errors, as many players will simply give up and try to hit too hard outside of their ideal strike zone.

 

[jrod]

NamRanger- You need to make this thread sticky....this is some of the best, no-nonsense advice coherently presented I've seen to date. The vast majority of players will benefit from reading this (preferably on a daily basis until it becomes part of their genetic makeup).

 

[GPB]

keep the info coming - i love it!

 

[NamRanger]

Strike Zone Tennis Continued


The Eastern Forehand : Overview

The Eastern Forehand is a versatile grip, able to hit topspin and flat balls. However, it does have weaknesses which will be discussed.


The Eastern Forehand is mainly hit from a closed stance. However, in the modern game, there are players out there who do hit the Eastern Forehand from a semi-open or neutral stance, sometimes even fully open. Sampras was one such player. Henman, Bjorkman, and a few other professional players also adapted this more modern version of the Eastern Forehand.


Strengths

The Eastern Forehand's strike zone is in the lower area of the body, around the waist, and in front of the body slightly. This is the area that you want to stay away from. This is the money strike zone of the Eastern Forehand. Also, the Eastern Forehand is a good grip for attacking low bouncing balls, such as flat driving shots and sliced shots. Also, the Eastern Forehand is great to hit on the run, because you are in a closed stance when sprinting along the baseline. Sampras is a perfect example of why the Eastern Forehand is dangerous on the run. These are the strengths of the Eastern Forehand.


Weaknesses

The Eastern Forehand does have weaknesses. For one, the Eastern Forehand has trouble putting alot of spin on the ball like the Semi-Western and Western grips can. Yes, you can produce some topspin with the Eastern Forehand, but it is much more difficult to do so. This means that the Eastern Forehand does suffer somewhat from consistency issues, especially at higher speeds. The lack of sufficient amount of topspin really hurts Eastern Forehand users. Also, it is harder to hit balls that are chest height or higher, because of the positioning of your wrist, and the inability to create a sufficient amount of topspin to keep the ball in play.


Applying Strike Zone Tennis


So how do you exactly attack the Eastern Forehand? There are three ways to attack in Strike Zone tennis. You either hit a shot that is horizontally out of the strike zone of your opponent, hit a hard penetrating shot to try and get past their ideal contact point, or you hit a ball that vertically is outside of their strike zone. The easiest and most effective way to attack the Eastern Forehand (in my experience) is to attack it from a vertical approach. Hit your shots with alot of topspin in order to get the ball outside the strike zone of the Eastern Forehand.


This will result in a few situations:

1. Your opponent will be forced to wait for the ball to drop back into his strike zone.

2. Your opponent must hit on the rise.

3. Your opponent attempts to hit outside of his ideal strike zone.

4. Your opponent hits a looping topspin shot back to you.


1 is not a bad situation, as usually your opponent will be forced to take a few steps back, giving you an opportunity to gain some court positioning. Situation 2 is difficult for some players because hitting on the rise requires precise timing. The third and fourth situations are advantages for you, because usually, the third situation ends in either a weak reply or an error. The fourth situation will sometimes result in an error also, because it is harder for an Eastern Forehand user to hit with a good margin of topspin.


Attacking the Eastern Forehand in other ways


I have also had some success stretching an opponent with an Eastern Forehand also. This is because of the nature of the grip. The Eastern Forehand, in general, does not produce as much topspin as the Semi-Western and Western grips do. Hitting a wide angled shot usually forces your opponent to hit on the run. From here, your opponent has the choice to either going down the line (a risky proposition in this position) or to go crosscourt with some topspin.

It is at this point that you have the advantage (normally). The lack of topspin from an Eastern Forehand grip usually means that the ball will either A. Sail Long / Dump into the net or B. Be a weak reply with little spin on it.


However, be cautious. I have had plenty of times where I have been burned by a running Eastern Forehand. This is because as your opponent is running across the baseline, they are in a closed stance, which is a good stance to hit the Eastern Forehand from. You should test your opponent early on to see if he has a good running forehand or not.


Trying to hit through an Eastern Forehand grip is very difficult. Since the point of contact is not very far out in front of the body, it's tough for you to hit a shot that will penetrate the strike zone of your opponent. Although it can be done, more times than not, you will be on the losing end (in my own experience).


Conclusion


The Eastern Forehand is an excellent grip for low bouncing and fast surfaces. The ability to absorb pace is an extremely good attribute of the Eastern Forehand, as well as attacking low bouncing balls. If you have a choice of venue, try to pick a slow, high bouncing court. If not, try to apply Strike Zone tennis along with Percentage Tennis as best as you can. You may not win the match, but I believe it will help you win more of the rallies that involve your opponent's forehand.

 

[NamRanger]

Good comment on forehand slice. I have started utilizing this shot to mix things up and in various situations where it seems useful.

On the S&V bit (singles): This tactic may work for some, but once you start playing at higher levels, people will have the returns, movement, and groundstrokes to make it a bit risky. Certainly a good tactic to mix things up, but relying on it could be dangerous. Personally, I love seeing an opponent charging up to net. I personally think the best strategy (at least for me) is to go at their feet. I've become quite good at shifting between deep returns when servers stay back, and sharp shots at their feet when they S&V. A decent lob can get you out of trouble if you get caught off guard as well, provided you keep it deep enough and preferably to the backhand side if they are quick (and good with overheads).

*edit: And good comment on avoiding the strike zone. The best players I know are superb at this, and manage to pull it off on most of their shots. Even for the serve, I know several old guys who give me more trouble with well placed, low serves (which they can change to good paced deep serves if I move up to attack) than college players with huge serves.

This is one of the weaknesses of percentage tennis. S&V is a type of high percentage play (IMO, at least at the amateur level). However, when you consistently do it point after point, it does become predictable. This allows your opponent to telegraph you easier. When that happens, he already has thought of a high percentage shot to use against you, because he already knows what you are going to do.


When you mix-up S&V into your game, I believe it's a good and high percentage play. When you get up to a 5.0 level or higher, I don't know if it is still a high percentage play or not (Highest NTRP I've had is 4.5). I do know that at the professional level, it is not a very high percentage play mainly due to the quality of returns (even from the weakest returners) and the slower conditions for the past few years.


Also, it depends on your opponent. A seasoned veteran player will have no problem coming up with a solution to S&V, especially if you become predictable with it. However, a younger player who does not have as much match experience may have trouble adapting to his opponent (as the majority of the younger players are baseliners, and do not encounter many S&V players in my own experience).

 

[Ballinbob]

When you mix-up S&V into your game, I believe it's a good and high percentage play. When you get up to a 5.0 level or higher, I don't know if it is still a high percentage play or not (Highest NTRP I've had is 4.5).

100% agreed. I'm a highschool player, and just recently decided to play bigger tournaments because the ones I was in were too easy. With better players, my S&V style got predictable and they figured me out. I was stunned at how quickly they caught on and started chipping my serves down the line and giving me these nasty low volleys. I was forced to play from the baseline and mix in S&V, for I was getting destroyed up at net by the better returners. I played a more all court style mixing up S&V every here and there, and that gave me the advantage of surprise again. I should have lost that match badly, but lucky for me it was a really fast indoor surface which allowed me to just serve my way through trouble:neutral:

Point is, S&V becomes less effective the better you get. However, it is a great thing to do to mix it up and keep unpredictable.

Btw, loved the eastern forehand article. Your right about trying to hit through an eastern forehand. Hardest thing in the world... One of my best friends has a good eastern forehand, and we would just rip forehands cross court and he always won. Never could hit through it.