Tomorrow I have a match against a guy who probably has about 2 years on me. I have only been playing since about June, but I'm apparently really good for how long I have been playing. Anyway, the kid hits the ball pretty well, hits heavy topspin but not as much as me. My forehand is quite a deal better then his, but his backhand is a lot better then mine since I just hit the ball with mine but it's really consistent. One of my friends told me that the kid makes at least one or two doubles faults a game he is serving. People have been telling me that if I just can be really consistent on all my shots and make him play, he will miss all the time. How can I increase my consistency? Should I just slow down the pace I put on the ball, or should i just not go for as many angle shots and just keep it in the court? thanks.
I have a match tomorrow.
- Thread starter b.termite
- Start date
Bagumbawalla
Talk Tennis Guru
To keep the ball in play- play percentage tennis. Hit the ball over the lower part of the net as much as possible. Hit cross court from corner to corner- that gives you the longest distance on the court to hit into. Use topspin to direct the ball up over the net then back down into the court. Hit the ball solidly for control- don't try mess with your normal stroke.
If he feeds off oyour pace then you can slow it down or speed it up- but there should be a reason for doing so.
Try to move well. Keep moving- get into position- but if all else fails- keep the ball in play any way you can, lob, moonball, block it back- whatever- just get it back.
When you do have the opportunity- a short ball, a floater, a bad drop-shot on his part- take advantage- hit to the open court and follow to the net (if you can volley).
Opportunities, don't just make themselves, however. You need to do more than just hit it back. Watch for weaknesses or paterns in his game. Try to set yourself up by opening up the court. For example- hit a ball wide to his backhand, if you get a weak response, move in for the ball- you can hit to his open forehand side, or hit behind him as he runs back to protect the middle.
Mainly just keep a clear head. Play the way you would in practice. Try to be satisfied with your own play and don't worry about the results.
If the match is tomorrow, there is not much you can do, now. Warm up beforehand, practice your serves.
If he feeds off oyour pace then you can slow it down or speed it up- but there should be a reason for doing so.
Try to move well. Keep moving- get into position- but if all else fails- keep the ball in play any way you can, lob, moonball, block it back- whatever- just get it back.
When you do have the opportunity- a short ball, a floater, a bad drop-shot on his part- take advantage- hit to the open court and follow to the net (if you can volley).
Opportunities, don't just make themselves, however. You need to do more than just hit it back. Watch for weaknesses or paterns in his game. Try to set yourself up by opening up the court. For example- hit a ball wide to his backhand, if you get a weak response, move in for the ball- you can hit to his open forehand side, or hit behind him as he runs back to protect the middle.
Mainly just keep a clear head. Play the way you would in practice. Try to be satisfied with your own play and don't worry about the results.
If the match is tomorrow, there is not much you can do, now. Warm up beforehand, practice your serves.
tennis_eel
Rookie
Solid quote man!!
But yeah just try and go cross court as much as possible. Sounds like a match where if your consistent and play smart you'll win easy.
Pretend the sidelines are 1 metre in on each sides and play these safe lines the whole match.
rufusbgood
Semi-Pro
In the entire history of TW has there ever been a single instance of someone posting a "I have a match tomorrow, what should I do" thread where the OP came back to say they won?
Dreamer
Professional
Haha. Actually yes, I do remember one guy.
Advice is definitely a double edge sword because most people don't know how to use it. And in a forum, you can gets lots of bad advice.
Djokovicfan4life
Legend
Well, given that it's been two days and we haven't heard yet, I'm guessing the OP lost.
johndagolfer
Professional
Larrysümmers
Hall of Fame
yeah i think if you come on here to ask advise before a match, you are not believing in yourself, thus leaving you screwed
Sometimes a quick fix can help. It depends on what you have in your toolbox. I played this guy 3 times before I finally figured out how to beat him. I lost, but all the matches were pretty close: 6-4, 7-6, etc. But when I changed strategy, I beat him pretty easily. He even remarked how I was holding back my secret weapons.
