Match Tactics Advice

[Jamesm182]

I've recently been hitting with a couple of guys in preparation of some upcoming tournaments, and find myself curious for some tactical advice from you all.

Both guys im hitting with currently have enormous power games, one has a serve at least into 110-120 range consistently, and another with an massive forehand and ability to boom winners from most places on that side.

I find myself in a bizarre frame of my mind where im struggling mentally with the lack of time due to the increased power.

Once i gradually settle into the points/match i more than hold my own , win sets/matches against them etc

Im just wondering if any of you have any advice or tips to combat that initial feeling, and slow sluggish starts, as if it was a tournament i would be facing an immediate uphill battle.

I normally accept that they will hit winners/aces etc while i am adjusting , and try to self examine what i am doing to allow them to hit these shots in points, and solve the problems as i go along.

Any tips/advice would be appreciated

 

[Lukhas]

110-120 with placement and regularity (somewhere in the mid or high 60s 1st serve %age)? That's ATP material and good ATP material at that; especially if the second serve follows with something like few DFs if any, 80 to 100, good spin and placement. Not much you can do unfortunately. You can watch this for ideas about returning powerful groundies but there isn't a secret method: you'll have to get used to it, play more people who hit hard and fast. On the return of serve, if you don't feel confident taking the ball early, step back. If you can block the ball early don't hesitate to play the return straight into their feet in the middle of the court but deep. Don't go for the corners unless you really think you can take a good cut at the ball.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqNU5qRrbp4

Also, I believe you should avoid hitting with rhythm balls they can tee off. Which means with consistent speed and depth and about hip to chest high. These balls don't require much adjustment, and if you're not hitting the corners not much movement either. If they dislike slices or topspin feed it to them non-stop. It's not cheating, you may think it's dirty but it's part of tennis: you don't always win with the pretty shots.

And I alluded to that but if they are really punishing you in every way possible, don't mind your tactical changes or (somewhat) "bothersome" shots, just shake hands and say well played. They're better than you on this day.

 

[Jamesm182]

110-120 with placement and regularity (somewhere in the mid or high 60s 1st serve %age)? That's ATP material and good ATP material at that; especially if the second serve follows with something like few DFs if any, 80 to 100, good spin and placement. Not much you can do unfortunately. You can watch this for ideas about returning powerful groundies but there isn't a secret method: you'll have to get used to it, play more people who hit hard and fast.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqNU5qRrbp4

Thanks, i wouldnt say it was anywhere near 60% probably just over 30% at that speed, with similar placement patterns , which i only noticed over time , to get placement the speed was reduced to comfortably under that.

I developed as the match went on and got used to returning the serve when i could see it was coming, and then tried again to develop that to be with some direction.

Second serve was also considerably more spinny and nowhere near as fast.

More the feeling of less time off the ground in a rally as the serve at least can prepare for, whereas holding a good posotion in a rally, playing sensible but attacking tennis , then all of a sudden got one bombed a few times haha.

Very few rallies and almost a case of first strike tennis, or to make my mark first and then try and close out the point was what i opted for in the end

 

[Lukhas]

Well I edited my previous post to add my thoughts while you typed. But yeah, you noticed playing defensive isn't an option if you give him what he wants, which is key. You need to notice what he dislikes. Where you able to hold your serve effectively? What was the score?

 

[Jamesm182]

The score when we ran out of court time was 2-6 7-5 -2-1

As i have developed as a player ive tried to be more methodical and tactical in my play, whereas i used to go for big shots without much thought , i try to earn my chance to hit a winner or agressive shot.
The match forced me to move slightly back towards my older tactics i guess.
Also as i got a foothold in the match the amount of huge winners i was on the receiving end of started to decrease as i chipped away at the confidence or level of play.
In no way am i hacking or pushing , but i felt like i was gradually turning it into my sort of match if that makes sense.

Its just the initial feeling of no time and almost panic i wanted to avoid

 

[Bagumbawalla]

Before hitting with them, warm against the wall. Stand inside the "baseline" and strive to hit on the rise. If you practice well, you may get off to a better start in your match.