It cannot be stressed enough times that with tennis, keep it simple and enjoy playing. That said, winning can be part of that enjoyment, right? Below are some tips that will help you not just hit forehands and backhands, but also think through your matches.
1. Tennis Strategies and Tactics
Let's start with fundamental principles. For a player to be decent, these principles should be entrenched. Start with Hanck's 7 Laws of Tennis - you will instantly be more than a hack if you can master these. Then master the singles strategy. It is in many ways common sense; but a common sense so easily forgotten when taking to the court.
These principles are a must if you are to be a better than average player.
2. Tom Avery's tips
Tom Avery delivers some fundamentals. Keep the ball deep. When in doubt, hit crosscourt. When attacking the net shade toward the down the line pass. These are tips that won't break the casino's bank in themselves, however they do put the odds in your favor.
3. Joe Perez - know thy enemy
"Well, you don't know what tactic you are going to use unless you know how your opponent plays...". Too true. Joe Perez's videos have an emphasis on how to play against different types of players, ranging from the pusher to the hard hitter.
Recognizing that your game will need adjustment depending on who you are playing is key to being a consistently good player.
4. Playing against different types of players
So how do you beat those hacks who just lob the ball back and bring you down to their level? This article may give you a good hint. Like the above, before applying a strategy it is worth knowing what type of game your opponent plays. This article lists four different types of players, one of which, for those interested in archaeology, is the serve and volleyer.
5. Analyze how the pros do it
It turns out that Nadal's wedge is a key tactic, and not just an underwear malfunction. For those looking to play with some advanced strategies, look at how the top pros do it. This video from Tennis Oxygen analyzes the best male players of the last few years - Nadal, Federer and Djokovic. Learn to play like they do.
6. Case study: Federer vs Roddick 2007
It happens too often in the space of a ten minute highlight reel for this to be an accident on Federer's behalf. Hitting the short ball, often sliced and awkwardly to the backhand side, Federer draws the tentative Roddick into the net then passes him with ease. Tactically, Federer exploits the weakness of his opponent. The lesson is, do what works, do it often, don't overthink.
7. Case study: Nadal vs. Federer
Did I just say do what works and do it often? High, topspinning lefty forehand to the one-handed backhand. Again and again and again.
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