A Clever Tactical Pattern

As you improve your tennis game, the tactics that you use in your matches will probably change.

I write a lot about patterns in my book INSIDER TENNIS STRATEGIES but here is a general observation from playing club players up to national level players and ex-Davis Cup players.

I would say that the basis of 3.5 -4.5 club tennis is attacking your opponent's backhand. I think it is relatively rare that a player at this level has a better backhand than forehand. So, often the play is to serve to the backhand, approach to the backhand even if it's a crosscourt approach, etc.

But, my observation has been that at the higher levels, the backhands of many players are more consistent than the forehands. Many top players in the over 45 categories play with a one-handed backhand. Although they probably won't return with a topspin backhand, they often have a very compact slice return which is very reliable.

On the other hand, most players return with a full swing on the forehand. This requires more time and timing, often leading to more errors.

The other thing to notice is that most top players position themselves to hit inside-out forehands. They stand towards the backhand corner, enabling themselves to run around many backhands to hit forehands.

They leave the forehand corner exposed because most players can't hit down-the-line backhands well.

As a result many top players have poor footwork going to their forehand corner. Believe it or not, I even think Federer has a problem with his balance going to the forehand corner. Remember, if you can get your opponent of balance, you may not beat him or her with the first shot, but may win the point with the next shot.

So, work on your crosscourt forehand and your down-the-line backhand and don't be afraid to use them if you run into a player with a good backhand who is beating you.

Until next time,

Glenn Sheiner M.D. - author of Insider Tennis Strategies Top Tennis Tactics AND Coaching Lessons guaranteed to make you a smarter tennis player and take your tennis to the next level. Also, check out the world's top tennis humor screensaver
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