Cross-court approach

[ollinger]

For as long as I can remember the mantra of teaching pros has been to not hit approach shots cross-court, as you won't be able to cover the passing shot down the line, yet time and again I see touring pros do this, and my informal tally thus far is that they lose the point at least two thirds of the time with this tactic. The problem is compounded by the fact that most approach shots in this era are topspin drives, causing the ball to sit up nicely for the pass down the line. Why are top-level pros so poorly schooled in the basics?

 

[ATP100]

They are trained to do this so they can be unpredictable.

 

[Funbun]

As far as I've seen with most pro approaches, they anticipate the down-the-line shot.

I know for a fact that Murray's forehand approach is usually a cross-court helicopter shot, leaning him to the left to cover the down-the-line. I think there were only a few times where people passed him as they returned it crosscourt.

I think that as pros hit harder nowadays, it seems to be the better option to hit crosscourt for a slightly higher percentage shot.

 

[gregor.b]

For as long as I can remember the mantra of teaching pros has been to not hit approach shots cross-court, as you won't be able to cover the passing shot down the line, yet time and again I see touring pros do this, and my informal tally thus far is that they lose the point at least two thirds of the time with this tactic. The problem is compounded by the fact that most approach shots in this era are topspin drives, causing the ball to sit up nicely for the pass down the line. Why are top-level pros so poorly schooled in the basics?

Not only are they trying to be unpredictable but hit their best shot.Also,they probably do it a lot less and are not as proficient relative to their other strokes.Then again,maybe they are trying to drag their opponent out of court.

 

[ollinger]

I see what people are trying to say but I've kept an eye on this thing and they absolutely lose the point most of the time, despite the good court position and seeming control of the point.

 

[Dedans Penthouse]

For as long as I can remember the mantra of teaching pros has been to not hit approach shots cross-court, as you won't be able to cover the passing shot down the line, yet time and again I see touring pros do this, and my informal tally thus far is that they lose the point at least two thirds of the time with this tactic. The problem is compounded by the fact that most approach shots in this era are topspin drives, causing the ball to sit up nicely for the pass down the line. Why are top-level pros so poorly schooled in the basics?

^^^^
This +1.

(interview to Borg):

"why do you play the 'big points' so well?"

Borg: I hit cross court (RALLYING as 'BALLING") LOL

Rally crosscourt (acknowleging) there are "short ball opportunities" to hit down-the-line....think: enough to put the return away? ...

ATTACK down-the-line......keep the balll in front of you.

In the pro level, you WILL be passed......at club level, in the 1st set at, say, 4-2, you MAY be passed.

In BOTH senarios, and in esp. the 3rd set--put the pressure on (assuming you have the 'legs' to cover) attack ANYTHING SHORT and cover the attempted pass up the line... unless you have the "jump" into your putaway volley.....jus sayin'

 

[Laurie]

Andy Roddick always went cross court and consistently got passed.

 

[MotherMarjorie]

For as long as I can remember the mantra of teaching pros has been to not hit approach shots cross-court, as you won't be able to cover the passing shot down the line, yet time and again I see touring pros do this, and my informal tally thus far is that they lose the point at least two thirds of the time with this tactic. The problem is compounded by the fact that most approach shots in this era are topspin drives, causing the ball to sit up nicely for the pass down the line. Why are top-level pros so poorly schooled in the basics?

Because most of today's coaches are baseliners and don't understand the fundamentals of serve-and-volley tennis. Its sad that such a great art form in the sport has been sacrificed for little robots without the critical-thinking skills to succeed on a totally different level.

Watching Roddick was just sickening. He should have retired long ago.

Mother Marjorie Ann
Empress of Talk Tennis Warehouse

 

[timeisonmyside]

For as long as I can remember the mantra of teaching pros has been to not hit approach shots cross-court, as you won't be able to cover the passing shot down the line, yet time and again I see touring pros do this, and my informal tally thus far is that they lose the point at least two thirds of the time with this tactic. The problem is compounded by the fact that most approach shots in this era are topspin drives, causing the ball to sit up nicely for the pass down the line. Why are top-level pros so poorly schooled in the basics?

It seems that you are advocating the low (either flat or slice) approach down the line instead. Have similarly kept track of success percentage when pros use this tactic? Is the success rate lower or higher than the cross-court approach?

It's possible that modern technique, athleticism, and equipment has changed this paradigm. Even though it might have a low success rate, it may still be the "best" option available.

 

[Bud]

Andy Roddick always went cross court and consistently got passed.

Lol!

I'm always amused how bad Roddick's transition game really is for a top pro.

 

[West Coast Ace]

OP, it drives me nuts too. It's even worse when the opponent is camped there already and just has to pivot and hit an easy pass. Unbelievable.

I blame the Tennis Academies and the 'hit the high % shot over the net with a lot of top' mantra.

 

[Manus Domini]

Because most of today's coaches are baseliners and don't understand the fundamentals of serve-and-volley tennis. Its sad that such a great art form in the sport has been sacrificed for little robots without the critical-thinking skills to succeed on a totally different level.

Agreed (surprisingly)

Watching Roddick was just sickening. He should have retired long ago.

semi-disagree. He should retire now, just to not be a hypocrite.

Mother Marjorie Ann
Empress of Talk Tennis Warehouse

Completely disagree.

 

[BorisBeckerFan]

I have not kept any stats or tracked this in any way but just from memory it does stand out as a glaring weakness. Just doesn't make sense since there is no question that these are the best players in the world so why it happens as often as it does is odd.

 

[FedExpress 333]

Because most of today's coaches are baseliners and don't understand the fundamentals of serve-and-volley tennis. Its sad that such a great art form in the sport has been sacrificed for little robots without the critical-thinking skills to succeed on a totally different level.

Watching Roddick was just sickening. He should have retired long ago.

Mother Marjorie Ann
Empress of Talk Tennis Warehouse

Agree Completely.