Where should I hit this approach shot? (CC or DTL)

[TimeToPlaySets]

I have been playing some guys who protect and run around a weak BH.
A huge imbalance between a big FH and a weak BH.
I have never run into this before, as all the 3.5s I used to play with all had a solid BH.
These new guys will almost pull themselves off the court in order to hit their FH.
This creates a tricky situation for my lefty game.

When rallying, let's say I generate a short ball.
I run to the red spot, and hit a CC FH.
I've trained this FH approach shot all summer and can reliably hit it into the yellow corner.
But, the no BH guy is always there, ready to hit his big FH.
Sometimes, they almost are waiting in the doubles alley!

The result is an excellent, near perfectly executed approach,
but has me WAY out of position, with a massive open court.
The guy can easily hit a strong FH for a clean winner (arrow)

I think I need to re-program my approach, and start hitting DTL.
All summer, I trained to attack the BH, but these guys know how to protect and run around it.
I think I need to take advantage of this and stop hitting it right to them, with me way out of position.
I will start drop shotting the approach, or hitting it DTL. (harder than CC)

 

[spaceman_spiff]

So basically, you're asking us to confirm that it's a bad idea to hit the ball right to your opponent when you're off to the side of the court and he has a giant gap to hit a passing shot into.

Is this really necessary? It seems like you've already figured out the obvious answer to the question.

 

[Wise one]

If the short ball lands within the middle 2/3 of the court, you should slice the ball aggressively straight in front of you (not exactly down the line). Do not angle it to the corner! If the ball is on the outer 1/3 of the court, this won't work (you leave too much court open if you do that). So, for balls landing close to the sideline, try a half-volley sharply angled cross-court shot.

 

[Traffic]

But, the no BH guy is always there, ready to hit his big FH.
Sometimes, they almost are waiting in the doubles alley!

I think I need to re-program my approach, and start hitting DTL.
All summer, I trained to attack the BH, but these guys know how to protect and run around it.
I think I need to take advantage of this and stop hitting it right to them, with me way out of position.
I will start drop shotting the approach, or hitting it DTL. (harder than CC)

I think you observed what's going on and have come up with a good plan to work on another facet.
I'm probably one of those opponents with a strong FH and a weak BH. So I'll run around a BH because I can hit my FH in many places. Especially on the AD side, if I get a CC from you, it's easier for me to hit DTL because it's so similar to a CC from the deuce side.

Also hitting against a Lefty (my son is a Lefty), my natural FH shot hits to your BH. I have to hit an inside out FH to hit to Righty BH which is more difficult.

You do need to practice DTL FH shots on the Ad side as your first batch won't go in. But if you can get them in with moderate pace, it'll put tremendous pressure on.[/QUOTE]

 

[mad dog1]

@TimeToPlaySets
Do what would your d1 coach would do in this situation.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

Forget about the fact that you're a lefty and that your opponent is running around his BH to hit a FH: approaching DTL is generally preferred because you have to travel a shorter distance to reach a neutral position [equally able to cover either DTL or CC] than if you approached CC.

In your particular situation, it's even more advantageous because your opponent is presumably shading towards CC to try and protect his BH [I'm assuming he's a righty]. So, by hitting your approach DTL, you not only make things easier on yourself from a defense standpoint, you also make it more difficult for him because he has to cover more ground.

Your philosophy of "always attack the BH" is more applicable to baseline exchanges. Things change when you approach.

When is it good to break this general rule?
- Opponent's BH is markedly weaker than his FH and you can target his BH successfully, maybe by hitting a shorter, angled slice. Based on your diagram, though, the only time I'd go CC is if my opponent was DTL and out of position; otherwise, there is just too much ground to cover to defend against the DTL passer.

- Opponent is out of position

- Opponent's FH is so good he can hit it on the dead run

I don't think you have to get risky and go for drop shots. Just hit a conservative shot DTL and see if he can pass you. if he can, then you have to start taking more risks [hitting it deeper, harder, more TS, etc]. One thing you might try is a slice because it keeps the ball low and some people [many, in fact] don't pass well off of a low ball.

 

[TimeToPlaySets]

So basically, you're asking us to confirm that it's a bad idea to hit the ball right to your opponent when you're off to the side of the court and he has a giant gap to hit a passing shot into.

Is this really necessary? It seems like you've already figured out the obvious answer to the question.

It's not that simple. I have a strong approach that attacks the BH. One that I have drilled the hell out of, to boot.
It is too tempting to stick to your weapon vs. trying a less reliable drop shot or DTL shot (Wardlaw violation?)
My next practice, I am going to practice approach shots DTL. It's not as reliable just yet.

 

[TimeToPlaySets]

If the short ball lands within the middle 2/3 of the court, you should slice the ball aggressively straight in front of you (not exactly down the line). Do not angle it to the corner! If the ball is on the outer 1/3 of the court, this won't work (you leave too much court open if you do that). So, for balls landing close to the sideline, try a half-volley sharply angled cross-court shot.

Slicing maybe. I hate when slices sail long. Particularly when the whole court is open.
I will need to practice these and see how my shots are. Slice DTL or topspin DTL.
Either way, I need to not just hit it right back at him while pulled so far left.

 

[TimeToPlaySets]

In your particular situation, it's even more advantageous because your opponent is presumably shading towards CC to try and protect his BH [I'm assuming he's a righty]. So, by hitting your approach DTL, you not only make things easier on yourself from a defense standpoint, you also make it more difficult for him because he has to cover more ground.

Your philosophy of "always attack the BH" is more applicable to baseline exchanges. Things change when you approach.

When is it good to break this general rule?
- Opponent's BH is markedly weaker than his FH and you can target his BH successfully, maybe by hitting a shorter, angled slice. Based on your diagram, though, the only time I'd go CC is if my opponent was DTL and out of position; otherwise, there is just too much ground to cover to defend against the DTL passer.

- Opponent is out of position

- Opponent's FH is so good he can hit it on the dead run

I don't think you have to get risky and go for drop shots. Just hit a conservative shot DTL and see if he can pass you. if he can, then you have to start taking more risks [hitting it deeper, harder, more TS, etc]. One thing you might try is a slice because it keeps the ball low and some people [many, in fact] don't pass well off of a low ball.

Great reply, as usual.
I will try both slice and topspin DTL.
These will not need much pace, since these guys are so shaded over to the alley.
If they are in the middle, I will attach BH via CC.
But, if they're over, it's time to practice even weakly hitting to DTL side.
These guys will have a running FH to deal with, plus with my positioned directly across at the net.

Let's say I hit it DTL, where would you stand? On the line, parallel to ball?
Or near the middle net cord, waiting for a CC FH return ?

 

[Wise one]

Slicing maybe. I hate when slices sail long. Particularly when the whole court is open.
I will need to practice these and see how my shots are. Slice DTL or topspin DTL.
Either way, I need to not just hit it right back at him while pulled so far left.

If the ball sails long, so what? That's the best of possible 'errors'. Ideally, it should land just inside the baseline.

 

[TimeToPlaySets]

If the ball sails long, so what? That's the best of possible 'errors'. Ideally, it should land just inside the baseline.

Nothing more painful than dominating the rally, getting a short ball, and blasting the closer to lose the point
After dominating and controlling the entire point. Pushers crush souls !!

 

[Wise one]

Nothing more painful than dominating the rally, getting a short ball, and blasting the closer to lose the point
After dominating and controlling the entire point. Pushers crush souls !!

Who said anything about 'blasting'? Practice the slice approach until you can hit it firm and deep, reliably. Even I miss sometimes!

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

Great reply, as usual.
I will try both slice and topspin DTL.
These will not need much pace, since these guys are so shaded over to the alley.
If they are in the middle, I will attach BH via CC.
But, if they're over, it's time to practice even weakly hitting to DTL side.

I've seen you pummel your FH CC with TS; it's not a weak shot. There's no reason you can't do the same thing DTL. Maybe not so low over the net: maybe add some TS and lift the ball more to give you extra clearance.

These guys will have a running FH to deal with, plus with my positioned directly across at the net.

Exactly. Play the percentages. Getting passed does not mean the strategy was wrong; it could just mean they hit a great passer. Now, if they do it 4 times in a row, it's time to re-evaluate.

Let's say I hit it DTL, where would you stand? On the line, parallel to ball?
Or near the middle net cord, waiting for a CC FH return ?

In your diagram, I would move diagonally to the right and end up a few feet to the left of the SL [how close to the net you get depends on your opponent].

Now you are optimally positioned to cover either DTL or CC passer. You might think you are giving up too much CC but watch the video I posted to show why this is not the case unless your opponent has a killer, short angle CC passing shot. Start with the assumption that he does NOT and make him prove you wrong. Many will try and simply make more errors than winners.

Don't assume your opponent is going to hit laser-like accurate bombs DTL or hugely dipping shots CC: you'll probably be able to reach most of their passer attempts and for the ones you can't, you simply acknowledge it was a good shot by your opponent.

Next is to work on your split step so you are ready for the incoming ball and your volleys and OHs. Notice that footwork is the common element in all of these.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

Nothing more painful than dominating the rally, getting a short ball, and blasting the closer to lose the point
After dominating and controlling the entire point. Pushers crush souls !!

Try changing your mindset: instead of viewing that short ball as a putaway opportunity, think of it as a setup shot for the next shot [a volley or OH]. This removes the pressure from having to hit a winner on the approach. Again, it's playing the percentages.

 

[Wise one]

Try changing your mindset: instead of viewing that short ball as a putaway opportunity, think of it as a setup shot for the next shot [a volley or OH]. This removes the pressure from having to hit a winner on the approach. Again, it's playing the percentages.

Precisely!

Remember, it does not matter where the opponent is! Hit the ball straight in front of you and approach straight behind it! (unless the short ball is close to the sideline).

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

@TimeToPlaySets,

Another option is to approach DTM [I wouldn't do it in your diagram example because of how far over to the left I am]: it eliminates the most angle available to your opponent. Now he has to create the angle rather than you giving it to him.

 

[TimeToPlaySets]

Try changing your mindset: instead of viewing that short ball as a putaway opportunity, think of it as a setup shot for the next shot [a volley or OH]. This removes the pressure from having to hit a winner on the approach. Again, it's playing the percentages.

Great point. Exactly same thing my old D1 coach would say. Approach is not the winner ( except when it is, which is often at my level)

 

[TimeToPlaySets]

@TimeToPlaySets,

Another option is to approach DTM [I wouldn't do it in your diagram example because of how far over to the left I am]: it eliminates the most angle available to your opponent. Now he has to create the angle rather than you giving it to him.

Agreed. The main theme here is that I can't just be a one trick pony with my CC FH, no matter how good it is.....I must use the entire court, particularly when he is not!

 

[spaceman_spiff]

It's not that simple. I have a strong approach that attacks the BH. One that I have drilled the hell out of, to boot.
It is too tempting to stick to your weapon vs. trying a less reliable drop shot or DTL shot (Wardlaw violation?)
My next practice, I am going to practice approach shots DTL. It's not as reliable just yet.

Actually, it is that simple. The Wardlaw patterns aren't really about approach shots.

The point of an approach shot is to give your opponent nothing but difficult options while you get into a position to cover most of those options. When your opponent is sitting in the corner and you hit CC right to him, you're giving him really easy options and you're in no position to cover them. That's why you keep failing against these guys.

And again, by the time I've come to reply to this post, you've already recognized the obvious answer to your own questions in the post above. Learn to hit DTL, because not every opponent will be a right-handed player with a mediocre backhand who allows you to get away with hitting CC approach shots.

 

[mad dog1]

I've seen you pummel your FH CC with TS; it's not a weak shot. There's no reason you can't do the same thing DTL. Maybe not so low over the net: maybe add some TS and lift the ball more to give you extra clearance.

You mean hit with LESS topspin. When you add more topspin, the ball will end up in the net on your side of the court.

 

[Limpinhitter]

I have been playing some guys who protect and run around a weak BH.
A huge imbalance between a big FH and a weak BH.
I have never run into this before, as all the 3.5s I used to play with all had a solid BH.
These new guys will almost pull themselves off the court in order to hit their FH.
This creates a tricky situation for my lefty game.

When rallying, let's say I generate a short ball.
I run to the red spot, and hit a CC FH.
I've trained this FH approach shot all summer and can reliably hit it into the yellow corner.
But, the no BH guy is always there, ready to hit his big FH.
Sometimes, they almost are waiting in the doubles alley!

The result is an excellent, near perfectly executed approach,
but has me WAY out of position, with a massive open court.
The guy can easily hit a strong FH for a clean winner (arrow)

I think I need to re-program my approach, and start hitting DTL.
All summer, I trained to attack the BH, but these guys know how to protect and run around it.
I think I need to take advantage of this and stop hitting it right to them, with me way out of position.
I will start drop shotting the approach, or hitting it DTL. (harder than CC)

First, as a general rule, a cross-court approach shot is a tactical error because it leaves you open to be passed on both sides, either down the line or cross court behind you as you scramble to cover the open court.

In this case, you have been presented with an exception to the general rule, an opponent who is presumably unable to hit effective passing shots with one side of his game. It makes sense for you to try to attack that shot. However, if he is protecting that shot that well, you could start by hitting your approach shots deep down the line to keep him honest. From that point, knowing that he has to protect both sides, he won't be able to get the Head Start he needs to run around his backhand in future points.

PS: To finish this thought, when you hit a dtl approach shot, the high percentage play is to hit the ball deep into the corner to force your opponent to try to pass you from behind the baseline, and position yourself at the net so that you can cut off a dtl passing attempt with one step. That will force your opponent to try to pass you cross court (from behind the baseline), giving him a small window to get the ball by you without hitting the ball wide.

 

[Wise one]

First, as a general rule, a cross-court approach shot is a tactical error because it leaves you open to be passed on both sides, either down the line or cross court behind you as you scramble to cover the open court.

In this case, you have been presented with an exception to the general rule, an opponent who is presumably unable to hit effective passing shots with one side of his game. It makes sense for you to try to attack that shot. However, if he is protecting that shot that well, you could start by hitting your approach shots deep down the line to keep him honest. From that point, knowing that he has to protect both sides, he won't be able to get the Head Start he needs to run around his back in our future points.

Largely correct. As a 'rule of thumb', balls landing well past the service line should be hit cross-court, and balls landing short of the service line should be hit straight down the line (not into the corner!) and followed in (except when near the sidelines). This applies even when the ball is hit hard.

Watch this, and see when the players violate this priciple, they generally lose the point:

At around 4:10, McEnroe approaches cross-court, and Nastase passes him easily.

 

[Limpinhitter]

Largely correct. As a 'rule of thumb', balls landing well past the service line should be hit cross-court, and balls landing short of the service line should be hit straight down the line and followed in (except when near the sidelines). This applies even when the ball is hit hard.

Watch this, and see when the players violate this priciple, they generally lose the point:

At around 4:10, McEnroe approaches cross-court, and Nastase passes him easily.

Not exactly. In the modern game, if you are presented with a short sitter, with plenty of net clearance and court surface to aim for, the high percentage play is to go for a winner into the open court. However, if you are presented with a low short ball, the high percentage play is to go for an approach shot dtl as I describe above, or, if your opponent is playing back, a drop shot is a high percentage alternative to a dtl approach shot.

 

[snvplayer]

I have been playing some guys who protect and run around a weak BH.
A huge imbalance between a big FH and a weak BH.
I have never run into this before, as all the 3.5s I used to play with all had a solid BH.
These new guys will almost pull themselves off the court in order to hit their FH.
This creates a tricky situation for my lefty game.

When rallying, let's say I generate a short ball.
I run to the red spot, and hit a CC FH.
I've trained this FH approach shot all summer and can reliably hit it into the yellow corner.
But, the no BH guy is always there, ready to hit his big FH.
Sometimes, they almost are waiting in the doubles alley!

The result is an excellent, near perfectly executed approach,
but has me WAY out of position, with a massive open court.
The guy can easily hit a strong FH for a clean winner (arrow)

I think I need to re-program my approach, and start hitting DTL.
All summer, I trained to attack the BH, but these guys know how to protect and run around it.
I think I need to take advantage of this and stop hitting it right to them, with me way out of position.
I will start drop shotting the approach, or hitting it DTL. (harder than CC)

Minor adjustment you can try is just to go a little bit shorter and sharper - the trajectory of your shot will be more toward the sideline not back fence. This doesn't mean you aim for the line. The small difference in the trajectory requires a big adjustment in your opponent, and won't allow him to run around.

Also, you've got to be able to assess and adapt during the match. It sounds like this happened more than once - did you not attempt to go down the line and see what happens? And, your narrative tells me your opponent perhaps was not on defense as you might have thought.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

Largely correct. As a 'rule of thumb', balls landing well past the service line should be hit cross-court, and balls landing short of the service line should be hit straight down the line (not into the corner!) and followed in (except when near the sidelines). This applies even when the ball is hit hard.

Watch this, and see when the players violate this priciple, they generally lose the point:

At around 4:10, McEnroe approaches cross-court, and Nastase passes him easily.

At the pro level, they often approach using their BH CC [assume both are righties] because they want to avoid the opponent's FH. However, I don't think this should be carried over to the typical rec player because most rec player's FHs are not THAT good [I'd still prefer to hit my approach BH DTL even if it does go to his FH].

 

[Nellie]

I think you could go down the line with a medium pace forehand for an easy winner if the opponent is sitting that far to the side. Even if the opponent gets to that DTL shot, you would be setting up the next shot cross court. Try choking up on the handle for less power and more control.

If the ball is lower, try hitting FH slice down the line without a lot of pace and come forward to crowd the net so your opponent hit a running passing shot around you.

Another shot to try from that position is a sharp cross court angle to get to the bh. This is almost a mini-tennis shot I prepare the racquet head really low and bend my back knee so I swing up almost vertically.

 

[movdqa]

The general rule is to go DTL on short balls unless you can put the ball away on the approach or there is some special situation. You might go with the banana.

 

[TimeToPlaySets]

It sounds like this happened more than once - did you not attempt to go down the line and see what happens? And, your narrative tells me your opponent perhaps was not on defense as you might have thought.

This was something I noticed when doing a practice drill.
I hit about 50 approach shots in the same place, and noticed I was exposed.
Not sure if this happened in a match.

 

[TimeToPlaySets]

Largely correct. As a 'rule of thumb', balls landing well past the service line should be hit cross-court, and balls landing short of the service line should be hit straight down the line (not into the corner!) and followed in (except when near the sidelines). This applies even when the ball is hit hard.

Watch this, and see when the players violate this priciple, they generally lose the point:

At around 4:10, McEnroe approaches cross-court, and Nastase passes him easily.

The DTL shot at 2:56 was perfect.
It was like a 30% swing.
Most 3.5's would hit that one at 100%

 

[TimeToPlaySets]

At around 4:10, McEnroe approaches cross-court, and Nastase passes him easily.

That was a weak approach my Mac.
It seemed flat with little top spin.
My approach shots are much heavier than that shot.

 

[TimeToPlaySets]

I think you could go down the line with a medium pace.

This reinforces the post earlier that the approach is not the winner.
It's more about placement than a kill shot.
I agree that medium pace is all I need (hell, even a bunt) against a guy protecting his BH by standing in the CC doubles alley.

 

[movdqa]

This reinforces the post earlier that the approach is not the winner.
It's more about placement than a kill shot.
I agree that medium pace is all I need (hell, even a bunt) against a guy protecting his BH by standing in the CC doubles alley.

Sometimes it is and sometimes it isn't. And sometimes you play against someone that hits short, high balls that you can put away DTL or CC all day long. But we're not likely to be playing those folks. If you're playing against someone with a Western grip sitting in the backhand corner and have a short ball, and you're using an eastern grip, you may be able to hit a short, inside out, heavily sliced ball to the forehand side - it could be short or it could be deep, and the other player would likely have a hard time playing it. It may be that the other player is bothered by a high, slow, looper to his forehand because he has to run so hard to get to the ball and the additional height makes the reach that much harder because of the pythagorean theorem. But my standard approach to the net is DTL the vast majority of the time - I try to figure out what the other person likes and doesn't like: pace, type of spin, depth.

 

[Topspin Shot]

Not exactly. In the modern game, if you are presented with a short sitter, with plenty of net clearance and court surface to aim for, the high percentage play is to go for a winner into the open court. However, if you are presented with a low short ball, the high percentage play is to go for an approach shot dtl as I describe above, or, if your opponent is playing back, a drop shot is a high percentage alternative to a dtl approach shot.

Yes but the the modern game doesn't exist to "wise" one.

 

[ptuanminh]

Of course you have to mix it up. If you have hit CC approach 10/10 times during the match, it makes perfect sense just to sit there and wait for you to hand the ball over . Unless you can hit short ball with angle close to the line, which is super risky. Also, don't forget to move in to cover the line.

 

[atp2015]

Cd

 

[Limpinhitter]

At the pro level, they often approach using their BH CC [assume both are righties] because they want to avoid the opponent's FH. However, I don't think this should be carried over to the typical rec player because most rec player's FHs are not THAT good [I'd still prefer to hit my approach BH DTL even if it does go to his FH].

A CC approach shot is a tactical error at the pro level even moreso than the rec level.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

A CC approach shot is a tactical error at the pro level even moreso than the rec level.

If your statement was true, it should only very rarely happen. And yet, I see it more often than that and my reasoning is that the approacher is trying to avoid the opponent's FH.

I view it as a tradeoff between better court position with a DTL approach vs a weaker shot for the opponent with a CC approach.

 

[Limpinhitter]

If your statement was true, it should only very rarely happen. And yet, I see it more often than that and my reasoning is that the approacher is trying to avoid the opponent's FH.

I view it as a tradeoff between better court position with a DTL approach vs a weaker shot for the opponent with a CC approach.

See my response to the OP above. Also, as I think you know, very few modern pro players understand the fundamentals of high percentage net play.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

See my response to the OP above. Also, as I think you know, very few modern pro players understand the fundamentals of high percentage net play.

I don't know: I'd have to assume they understand high % net play a lot better than I do.

 

[Limpinhitter]

I don't know: I'd have to assume they understand high % net play a lot better than I do.

I can't speak for you. But, I do know that most pros don't know how to play the net or volley very effectively compared to the pros of the Big Game era. Did you see my posts 21 and 23?

 

[mcs1970]

Players who consistently cheat to one side have a huge advantage over most similarly skilled rec players. That advantage is that they know what works for them, despite giving up an obvious advantage by exposing more of the court. Here's a question. What are your strengths? What style do you like to play? Clearly identify what your strengths are and try to see if you can come up with patterns that allow you to use those strengths time and again during a match. Too many times we fall into the trap of trying to take advantage of our opponent's weaknesses than just playing to our own strengths. Everyone has weaknesses. If you can impose your strength on your opponent you will win, else you will lose. If his strengths are better than yours, don't fret about not exposing his weaknesses. Just accept the loss and walk away. At the rec level, someone who has a plan, even one that gives up an obvious advantage, is already ahead of someone who has no plan and doesn't even know clearly what his strengths are.

 

[BlueB]

Didn't read all of this, but DL is always better approach then CC, for multiple reasons.

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

 

[mcs1970]

BTW, I'm not following your post TTPS. You say that most 3.5s you've played before had solid backhands (insert skepticism emoji here, but whatever). So what is the problem? You are used to not getting much of an advantage by hitting to the backhand if that is true. So what difference does it make that some players run around their backhand and use the FH? If you're used to playing 3.5s with solid backhands you should have a strategy by now for solid shots coming from that wing. What is your strategy for your usual 3.5 opponents with solid backhands? Why isn't it working here? Or is it that you've confused mediocre backhands with solid and are struggling now with solid shots (from the FH side) coming from that wing?

 

[TimeToPlaySets]

In general, the BH is still weaker than the FH, even if the BH is solid.
So, I still defer to hitting it to their BH any time I can.

In my practice lesson this morning, I practiced hitting DTL approach shots, as well.
In my match later today, I will be mindful of not reflexively hitting EVERY approach to BH, and watching if he's cheating too far over.

I need to not just strike the ball, I need to hit it where he's not.
I am now moving past the rote stroke mechanics, and into basic strategy.

 

[mcs1970]

In general, the BH is still weaker than the FH, even if the BH is solid.
So, I still defer to hitting it to their BH any time I can.

I agree with that in general. However, 3.5s with solid bh and even better fh? How are they 3.5s then? I guarantee the reason you are having issues now is that you've not played anyone with good bhs, which is why you seem at a loss now that your strategy of hitting to that side is not producing the usual mistakes/weak shots you see from that side.

I still say figure out your strengths and strategies to identify a style that you want to play against all types of opponents, than tweaking it for every single type of opponent. However, if you want something specific, ask your coach. He will be better equipped to give you much more specific strategies than any of us. It could even be a simple tweak such as lowering the height on your cc shot which is giving the opponent the time to run around the bh.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

I can't speak for you. But, I do know that most pros don't know how to play the net or volley very effectively compared to the pros of the Big Game era. Did you see my posts 21 and 23?

I did read them and I agree: I do not approach CC in general. The only exception would be if my opponent's BH was very weak and I expected to win a high % of the points with an occasional sizzling winner DTL.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

I need to not just strike the ball, I need to hit it where he's not.
I am now moving past the rote stroke mechanics, and into basic strategy.

Hitting into the open court can be good but don't limit yourself. Hitting right at them DTM can also be good: it takes away most of the angle and makes him have to create that angle. Flat ball hitters have more problems with this than heavy TSers. Also, the simplicity of approaching DTM is also a plus: you don't have to worry about hitting it away from him; just hit it relatively deep. Many errors are made by the offensive person due to overhitting the approach. Going DTM tends to reduce those errors because you're not going for a winner.

For really fast opponents, consider hitting behind them as they are sprinting towards the open court.

 

[TimeToPlaySets]

I agree with that in general. However, 3.5s with solid bh and even better fh? How are they 3.5s then? I guarantee the reason you are having issues now is that you've not played anyone with good bhs, which is why you seem at a loss now that your strategy of hitting to that side is not producing the usual mistakes/weak shots you see from that side.

I still say figure out your strengths and strategies to identify a style that you want to play against all types of opponents, than tweaking it for every single type of opponent. However, if you want something specific, ask your coach. He will be better equipped to give you much more specific strategies than any of us. It could even be a simple tweak such as lowering the height on your cc shot which is giving the opponent the time to run around the bh.

I am crushing the guys with no backhand, just to be clear.
However, they do run around the BH sometimes, and I want to crush that, as well.

Why are they 3.5 ? B/c they are maniacs who crush the ball.
Everyone knows pushing wins matches, until you get to 4.0+

 

[iChen]

I am crushing the guys with no backhand, just to be clear.
However, they do run around the BH sometimes, and I want to crush that, as well.

Why are they 3.5 ? B/c they are maniacs who crush the ball.
Everyone knows pushing wins matches, until you get to 4.0+

just 2 months ago you were like pushers suck and they will never improve. what happened?

 

[mcs1970]

I am crushing the guys with no backhand, just to be clear.
However, they do run around the BH sometimes, and I want to crush that, as well.

Why are they 3.5 ? B/c they are maniacs who crush the ball.
Everyone knows pushing wins matches, until you get to 4.0+

You say they are 3.5s because they are maniacs who crush the ball basically implying no consistency. No consistency doesn't equate to 'solid' in anyone's books. So at least that part was cleared up that you've never played any 3.5 with solid bh strokes contrary to what you wrote. You are losing now because your opponents are running around the bh and hitting fh, and for the first time in your life you are seeing halfway decent strokes from that side and you're not used to that.

As I asked, what does your coach say? The videos you put up had your fh cc with a very high net clearance. I'd easily run around that stroke too all day. Did you try modifying it to drop the height a little bit and add a little more pace?