Learning to build points?

[Lautrec]

I'm a 3.5 whose main strength is being able to hit deep consistently. I wouldn't necessarily call myself a pusher as I take full swings and hit with as much pace as I can sustain. Technique alone is maybe 4.0 level.

That has served me well at my level so far. But recently I've hit a brick wall vs one of my hitting partners who is also consistent and actually knows how to build points. As soon as one of my shots lands anywhere near the service line (doesn't even have to be inside) I know I'm done for, even if the killing blow comes 5 shots later. Over the years I have been focusing so much on my technique that I never really learned to "play" tennis.

Is there a way I can go about putting my basics to good use and learn how to build points (on my own)?

 

[Bergboy123]

Think about your strengths and favorite shots -- if you have a particularly strong crosscourt forehand, perhaps a good play for you would be to aim to pull your opponent off the court with a crosscourt forehand and then move in and volley to the open court.

Consider some basic plays as well; in a backhand to backhand rally, if you get a high slow reply, try stepping around your backhand and attacking with your forehand down the line (or just taking an inside-out forehand, which might still be better than your cross court backhand.)

It really depends on what you're good at when it comes to textbook plays; for me, I love to take short backhands early and go out wide to their backhand and follow in to the net, because I like volleys and I have a pretty decent cross court backhand.

I also love to serve a slice serve out wide on the deuce court and move up to volley to their backhand. It's all personal choice!

 

[moonballs]

How does this particular hitting partner build the point? You can think of a tactic to get yourself out of trouble or try pull the trigger earlier than he does.

 

[NE1for10is?]

It sounds like you're a counterpuncher, and if you are then own it. Figure out how to consistently keep your balls deep, angled off, or otherwise keep your opponent off balance.

 

[TimeSpiral]

I'm a 3.5 whose main strength is being able to hit deep consistently. I wouldn't necessarily call myself a pusher as I take full swings and hit with as much pace as I can sustain. Technique alone is maybe 4.0 level.

That has served me well at my level so far. But recently I've hit a brick wall vs one of my hitting partners who is also consistent and actually knows how to build points. As soon as one of my shots lands anywhere near the service line (doesn't even have to be inside) I know I'm done for, even if the killing blow comes 5 shots later. Over the years I have been focusing so much on my technique that I never really learned to "play" tennis.

Is there a way I can go about putting my basics to good use and learn how to build points (on my own)?

Think, shot selection strategy. People have written quite a lot about it, and some links can even be found on this forum.

Don't get too bogged down if you leave a ball short and get punished for it. You're supposed to be punished when that happens. Look at those instances as opportunities to practice high pressure defense. If you're playing versus someone who can mop up those short balls, you should probably be guessing some too on his winner attempts.

Good luck, brother!

 

[Adles]

I think the trick for a counterpuncher is to hit shots your opponent just thinks he can attack. Then, you can counterpunch. Otherwise you are just both hitting rally balls and the more consistent player will win.

At 3.5, I don't see players constructing points five shots ahead. I'm a 4.0, and lots of times I will set up a great point just to miss the putaway. I'd rather be in a position of hitting a pass off of a not-good-enough approach.

 

[Tight Lines]

It sounds to me like your opponent is just a better player. He knows how to elicit a short ball which is the name of the game.

If it were me, I would learn to hit so that you too can elicit a short ball from the opponent.

Harry