Pitti
Rookie
Hi everyone! I've joined a local amateur tournament, and I find I have no main strategy, so I need some help. Here's an abstract of my technique:
- Serve: It's ok. Not the most powerful serve, but not weak either. I tend not to hit a very powerful 1st serve. I can vary its placement and spin. I usually make an ace or two, due to placement more than to power.
- Groundstrokes: FH: I usually hit it with not much spin, using something between an eastern and a slightly western forehand (depending on the bounce of the ball). I'm confident with it and can use it as a weapon to attack. BH: I play with a one-handed backhand. I also use an eastern grip which makes it flatter. If I don't see an easy ball I slice it, although sometimes the slice lets the opponent attack me. I usually play a slightly sidespin parallel slice on short balls to approach the net from the backhand side.
- Net game: I'm not very tall (175 cm). My volleys are decent and I have good reflexes. Some times they are a bit weak. I love angled "stop-volleys" ("drop-shot" volleys) Low volleys are sometimes a struggle. I don't usually miss half-volleys, although lots of times the resulting ball is very easy to attack. My overhead is not the best. I tend to hit it too back. When I focus and hit it correctly it's good. Not very strong, but good enough.
- Other shots: I usually have no problems hitting slightly top-spin lobs or drop shots. I also feel comfortable when hitting sliced smashes from the back of the court.
- Footwork: It's good, as long as I concentrate on it. Whenever I lose focus, it starts worsening.
So why am I asking this? Because the fun thing is that I feel comfortable playing almost everywhere at the court. I like to attack, but I can do so from the back of the court, attacking the net or serving and volleying. I usually play very close to the back line, and step in as soon as possible to try taking balls on the rise. I don't feel as comfortable when my rival makes me play defensive, but then I try to counterattack him.
Another relevant datum is that I usually play in hard court, either indoors (most of time) or outdoors. I sometimes play at an "artificial clay" court which doesn't let you slide, but is gentle on the knees and makes the bounce higher and slower.
What would you do in my situation regarding strategy?
Thank you!
- Serve: It's ok. Not the most powerful serve, but not weak either. I tend not to hit a very powerful 1st serve. I can vary its placement and spin. I usually make an ace or two, due to placement more than to power.
- Groundstrokes: FH: I usually hit it with not much spin, using something between an eastern and a slightly western forehand (depending on the bounce of the ball). I'm confident with it and can use it as a weapon to attack. BH: I play with a one-handed backhand. I also use an eastern grip which makes it flatter. If I don't see an easy ball I slice it, although sometimes the slice lets the opponent attack me. I usually play a slightly sidespin parallel slice on short balls to approach the net from the backhand side.
- Net game: I'm not very tall (175 cm). My volleys are decent and I have good reflexes. Some times they are a bit weak. I love angled "stop-volleys" ("drop-shot" volleys) Low volleys are sometimes a struggle. I don't usually miss half-volleys, although lots of times the resulting ball is very easy to attack. My overhead is not the best. I tend to hit it too back. When I focus and hit it correctly it's good. Not very strong, but good enough.
- Other shots: I usually have no problems hitting slightly top-spin lobs or drop shots. I also feel comfortable when hitting sliced smashes from the back of the court.
- Footwork: It's good, as long as I concentrate on it. Whenever I lose focus, it starts worsening.
So why am I asking this? Because the fun thing is that I feel comfortable playing almost everywhere at the court. I like to attack, but I can do so from the back of the court, attacking the net or serving and volleying. I usually play very close to the back line, and step in as soon as possible to try taking balls on the rise. I don't feel as comfortable when my rival makes me play defensive, but then I try to counterattack him.
Another relevant datum is that I usually play in hard court, either indoors (most of time) or outdoors. I sometimes play at an "artificial clay" court which doesn't let you slide, but is gentle on the knees and makes the bounce higher and slower.
What would you do in my situation regarding strategy?
Thank you!
Last edited: