Winning matches part 2 - Fionn Donnelly

Changing the Plan

Changing the course of a match is important whenever we are down and struggling. Working out how to do that as a simple process is the key to being able to implement change without guesswork. To be able to do this you need to be able to objectively look at the points being played and see where you win and lose points, and also where your opponent wins and loses points. There is a difference between you winning and your opponent losing a point for the purpose of this. For example when you hit a winner it may be through no fault of your opponent (you winning the point) and when they miss a simple volley it may not be because you did anything great (them losing the point).

Once you are able to do this your next mission is to have a +/- tally of different situations in your head. Are they missing lots of backhands? Do they win lots of points at the net? Is my forehand down the line winning cheap points? Who wins the long rallies? Can they run for dropshots? (Similarly they may have a safe backhand that never misses and a forehand that is either in the back fence or a winner, know when to play to both sides).

It is important to be able to separate what feels good from the outcome. You can smash a great forehand but if they return it faster that might not be the right tactic. It might feel awful to run around and make them take the flashy big shots towards the corners but if they keep missing, that could be the way forward!! Most points in all levels of tennis are errors not winners so we should recognize that, knowing that you can earn mistakes from your opponent.

Beating Different styles

There are many ways to beat lots of players but I'll give you a few of the most effective methods for a couple of styles that you can put into practice immediately.

Lobbers/Pluggers

Lobbers are generally defensive retrievers that give you little pace in return. Usually they're most comfortable on the baseline.

1. Stay patient. ​Their game depends on you making mistakes. Go for shots you're capable of and don't force yourself to go too big, by limiting errors you force them to take more risks.

2. Angles. ​Open up the court by hitting shorter angles side to side, test their fitness and see how well they move under pressure, remember that opening an angle means that they will have a greater angle back so make sure you can cover it.

3. Approach the net.​ If they don't like going for power or high risk shots, coming to the net will force them to do that. If you choose the right ball to approach with, then their lobs will be weaker, leaving you with some putaway overheads.

4. Drop shots!​ These players often stand far back to soak up power, leaving them open to short balls. There's a good chance they don't like to volley. Move them forward with dropshots and if they get there, test their volleys.

Hackers/Slicers

Slicers use slice on both sides and often have unconventional techniques. They can make you uncomfortable often if you're not used to it which makes them tough to beat. Even though it sometimes isn't pretty, doesn't mean it isn't effective. Give these players credit if they're good at what they do or else you'll beat yourself.

1. Strike zone.​ The easiest height to connect with the ball when hitting a slice is lower than your shoulder. Get the ball out of this zone by hitting higher or with more topspin so that your opponent hits less effective slice balls.

2. Get to the net.​ Slice floats over the net which makes it easier to intercept for volleys than a dipping topspin ball. Get in quick and take the ball on while it's high.

3. Be cautious of short balls.​ Slice does not bounce as high or deep as a topspin or flat ball, make sure you're using good footwork and prepared to move forward to balls that bounce closer to the service line.

4. Don't overhit.​ Just because a ball is short does not make it easy, often these balls are lower than we'd like. Get in position early and know you don't have to hit winners, stay in the point until you get something you're sure of.

2 Up

Two up is a doubles formation where both players move to the net at the same time. Most often will be used by players who play lots of doubles. This builds pressure early and shortens points.

1. Don't panic.​ Your job doesn't change to start with, relax and just find the court. You don't need to go for anything crazy just because they stand somewhere you're not used to.

2. Attack the approaching player.​ The approaching player starts farther back in the court and will be easier to attack. Aim towards their feet before they get too close to the net. Once they are established it becomes a little tougher.

3. Down the middle solves the riddle.​ If you don't know where to go, go straight down the middle, this takes away angles from your opponent and forces them to communicate. On top of this it's a safer shot with more margin for error and lower net height.

4. Passing shots and lobs.​ Alternate between both to be effective, by hitting lobs you force them to move backwards, and passing shots force them to move forwards. You can attack with either until they become less effective when you need to switch it up.

5. Lobs over the backhand side. ​Aim to their backhand when hitting lobs to give them tougher smashes.

6. Uncomfortable at baseline.​ These players are often less effective at the baseline, keep them there with deep topspin shots and see how they deal with multiple groundstrokes.

7. Get to the net before them.​ If you can get in before them it takes away time and forces them to have better reactions.

8. Pick spots on the court. ​The court does not move, the players do. Aim for a place on the court instead of gaps, this way if they move around it wont bother you. You are more effective when you commit 100% to one shot rather than changing your mind at the last second.

These tactics can be very effective once you feel comfortable using them so once you're ready to get out there and practice them, add them to your toolbox.