Counter punchers vs Aggressive players

[joe sch]

Counter punchers ??? I often wonder why counter punchers do not play offensive with the great shots that they are capable of hitting but it just seems to be thier mindset. Probably sorta like being a type A vs type B personality. I have also noticed that aggressive players are often front runners thus play very well when ahead and dictating the play but when attacked thier offensive skills often dissapear. These scenarios demonstate why you really should be an allcourt player and capable of being offensive or playing good defense. I am naturally an offensive player so when I practice and play baseline games, I like to practice my defense and try to retrieve as many balls as possible pusing them back deep and hoping to force an error. It not a bad idea being a counter puncher but I sorta think it would be better to be a more aggressive all court player. What do you all think ?

 

[Bungalo Bill]

They do play offense. they play offense more subtly and differently then a power hitter or a S&V.

coutnerpunchers will attack when they KNOW they can take the point in the next few shots.

They like to hit high percentages shots and breakdown and opponents game as the match wears on. They are usually in excellent shape (a weapon) and they love long points. They dont always play for errors but if you give them one they are happy to take it.

Otherwise, a coutnerpuncher will be happy to wait a little longer to take the offensive.

 

[aahala]

Some counter punchers may not have chosen this style, the style may have chosen them because they lack the physical or mental ability or stroke skills to play otherwise.

 

[Chanchai]

I think counterpunchers deserve much more respect than they're given in general. Some people seem to use pushers as a "good example" of a counterpuncher, but I personally think that comparison is insulting.

I'm not a counterpuncher myself, I'm more aggressive baseliner (with poor attempts at an all-court game).

I have a lot of respect for the counterpuncher strategy and its various iterations.

As for the pro game... Most of the counterpunchers on tour have at least a couple really strong weapons. A backhand with full control of all angles, a big forehand for the right moment, lobs, dropshots, etc...

Like many other situations.... Just because you have a lot of power or options in a situation, doesn't mean you have to use it right away.

And for one of the posts above... some counterpunchers choose to play that way simply because they have the ability to leverage their conditioning against another person's conditioning.

-Chanchai

 

[alan-n]

I love playing the game of counter punching, this wears down opponent will to win in the long run. That is simply smart tennis. There is a big difference between this and simply hacking the ball back to the opponent deep into play. Counter punches will go for winning shots once they get one or most will change their style to aggressive and go for mostly winners once their opponents mental game is broken down.

 

[Exxion]

Think of it this way: counter punchers play smart.


Attack at the right moment =)

 

[joe sch]

My main point is that to be a complete and great player, one really needs to be able to play all styles so that you can attempt ot switch the momentum of a losing game. Thus by not being able to play a good defensive and counterpounching game, one will not be able to beat a better aggressive player when they are having a good day.