Want to gain a clear edge over a big hitting friend in matches.

[Slazenger07]

My friend and I play 4.5 level singles, weve had a history of closely contested sets, I believe he's won one more set than I have when we compete, so its been very close.

He plays an aggressive style, his best shot is his serve and his forehand is very good too, he hits it hard and flat usually, he also slices the ball really well off of both sides and typically plays these shots when I hit slices to him, he's ok at the net but its not his strength. He hits a two handed backhand but typically prefers his one-handed slice.

My style is an all court style, I love defending but I also attack very well and can get on offense very quickly, I also love playing at the net, and trying to dictate with my lefty topspin forehand(definitely my best shot). I like to slice my backhand, but I hit a very hard and flat one-hander as well, when I want to be consistent I use my slice backhand.

Im curious how you all think I should approach him going forward as I want to gain an edge over him in competition.

 

[SirSweetSpot]

Human Growth Hormone

 

[Slazenger07]

Human Growth Hormone

Hahaha. I was looking for a realistic solution...

 

[UCSF2012]

Try keeping the ball really low. For flat hitters, it's easier to attack high balls than low. Try giving him a series of low slices, and once he gives you an opening, attack.

 

[Slazenger07]

I had several really good on the run hard slice shots when we were hitting last night, need to continue to use that shot.

 

[SirSweetSpot]

It seems to me this contest is going to come down to your return game. If you can find hitting partners to hit serves at you from the service line (and just promise you'll return the favor, or work on something they need help with) and really stifle that serve. The return is the most under-practiced shot in rec tennis...and a good return trumps a good serve.

I'd keep doing everything you're doing now but really step up and clock some hours on the practice court drilling returns.

If all else fails, Tiger Woods' Canadian doctor buddy will be glad to...er...make a housecall...but you gotta pay him cash.

 

[larry10s]

you could try to bring him in with short low slices so hes at net more than he wants to be

 

[LeeD]

I find when I'm playing someone really even with me, experience and practice makes the biggest difference.
Experience from playing different players, different styles, knowing your own tendencies under pressure, and when you're not at the top of your game.
Practice against a higher level, working extensively on specific shots...like low backhand half volleys, like 50 a day, getting a partner who feeds you that shot and you feed him that shot, basically working on specifics rather than just general play or hitting practice.
Whoever works on their weaknesses more, gets the upper hand.
But practice IS work, so no fun....

 

[Slazenger07]

It seems to me this contest is going to come down to your return game. If you can find hitting partners to hit serves at you from the service line (and just promise you'll return the favor, or work on something they need help with) and really stifle that serve. The return is the most under-practiced shot in rec tennis...and a good return trumps a good serve.

I'd keep doing everything you're doing now but really step up and clock some hours on the practice court drilling returns.

If all else fails, Tiger Woods' Canadian doctor buddy will be glad to...er...make a housecall...but you gotta pay him cash.

LOL. I just deleted Tigers number out of my phone recently, I got tired of him playing the wrong game.

 

[Slazenger07]

I find when I'm playing someone really even with me, experience and practice makes the biggest difference.
Experience from playing different players, different styles, knowing your own tendencies under pressure, and when you're not at the top of your game.
Practice against a higher level, working extensively on specific shots...like low backhand half volleys, like 50 a day, getting a partner who feeds you that shot and you feed him that shot, basically working on specifics rather than just general play or hitting practice.
Whoever works on their weaknesses more, gets the upper hand.
But practice IS work, so no fun....

Actually about 2 hrs before we hit I was out practicing my serve which has been lacking for me a bit, and drilled backhands and forehands against a wall. On the down side I wasnt as fresh as him when we hit, but I still won about half the points, maybe a little more than half.

 

[LeeD]

Not the same thing at all.
Everyone practices serves and groundies.
VERY FEW practice low forehand volleys, wider than alley lobs, half volleys, backhand overheads, you know the tough ones.
And practice has to be specific. 50 low backhand volleys, you place them DTL, short CC, or dropped. 3 options, so when you play, they are automatic....after 6 months...:twisted:

 

[Ptrac]

like what LeeD says, repetition, repetition, repetition.

I would use your slice as much as possible which will neutralize his powerful FH, just make sure its deeper than the service line.

 

[nfor304]

If your friend typically slices on both sides when you hit a slice to him, just slice a backhand and come in and hit an easy volley.

You said your backhand slice is consistent and you like to play around the net. He will either have to try and pass you with a slice shot, or try and hit a flat or topspin passing shot off your slice approach which he doesnt seem to prefer.

Typical Brad Gilbert-esque playing your strengths to his weaknesses.

 

[user92626]

There's always pushing which you can resort to.

How does your big hitting friend feel about pushers?

 

[Mr_Shiver]

What part of his game gives you the most trouble? How well does he move? Both sideways and forward. How is he with junk? How does he handle high kicking topspin drives to his bh? I dont care what someone is rated, a deep shot that kicks above the head is tough to handle consistently and annoying. A little bit of liquid enema to the opponents water also helps.

 

[ManuGinobili]

Throw in a drop shot here and there to throw him off rhythm, it works extremely well even at the pro level

 

[Slazenger07]

There's always pushing which you can resort to.

How does your big hitting friend feel about pushers?

He hits the ball too well for me to get away with pushing. I dont like playing that way either, I feel I get into trouble against him when I start playing too defensive, I feel I need to attack him and keep the pressure on him, playing selectively aggressive.

 

[Slazenger07]

What part of his game gives you the most trouble? How well does he move? Both sideways and forward. How is he with junk? How does he handle high kicking topspin drives to his bh? I dont care what someone is rated, a deep shot that kicks above the head is tough to handle consistently and annoying. A little bit of liquid enema to the opponents water also helps.

He is a better side to side mover than a forward mover, though he's pretty good at both. My go to play against anyone is the high kicking topspin forehand, Im very good at getting the ball shoulder high or higher.

Im going to play with him tonight so Ill let you all know how it goes.