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"Crosscourts and Down the Lines"
Strategy in tennis can become very complex the better your game is, however even at the highest levels we see simple tactics being followed like mantras, till the end. Some are willing to die with the same plan, others will decide to go to plan "B", whatever that may be. Your strategy is determined by the amount of weapons you possess, that's why you must develop your strategy around your strengths and weaknesses. And by this I mean not just your strokes, but your size, your personality, your fitness level and whether your lefty or righty. However, when thinking strategy, the most important thing is the one that doesn't change: the court is always the same.
After thousands of lessons over 25 years, I find myself teaching the same basics to everyone, from beginners to pros in terms of "shot selection". First of all, the one thing that determines a players level is not how big is his first serve or forehand is, but by how consistent he/she really is. So, how consistent are you? How many balls can you keep in at a medium/slow pace ?, 10 ?, 20?, 50 ? or 100+.
This is the most important drill I found that everyone must do, even for the so called "big hitters". Have you noticed Rafa and Roger playing in Wimbledon on grass (slower than ever) having several 20+ ball rallies. It's amazing, but it shows how the game is founded on groundstrokes first. So, if you want to improve your game you better be clear about the basics of consistency.
- The "only" two ways we can hit a ball are simply crosscourt or down the line. Yes, I know there is also inside out, but this is crosscourt too, right? The dimensions of the court crosscourt are 3 ½ ft. longer than down the line and the net is also an inch or so lower at the center.
- Height of the ball: in order to be consistent we must first clear net and if possible, keep our balls past the service line. Simple, but players (unless they are 12 and under) usually play way too low! No, you don't have to have an incredible topspin like Rafa to get enough height to play deep, but it helps if you want to do it with some heavy pace. What you need to remember is to aim 2, 3 or even 4 feet over the net on most of your shots.
- So, with only 2 possible choices you must program yourself to respond without thinking at the last second where to go. Watch the best players, they look like robots sometimes, to the point of looking boring, they play the same shots over and over. But that's how you have to play to avoid making an enormous amount of unforced errors and end up beating yourself.
- Here comes "the 2 rules" that I learned to followed in order to keep it simple.
To be be more consistent:
- rally crosscourt, attack or pressure down the line
- return straight down the center
(yes, I know your are going back to your opponent, but you have room to spare on the sides, you can hit it hard, without any doubts, and will always make it)
These are general rules, which you can sometimes get away from depending on each match, but don't beat yourself, give your opponent a chance to miss. Keep your strategy simple, then it comes down to execution, which is another issue. At least you know you are not playing stupid tennis. It's a lot of fun to watch your opponent make lots of unforced errors...
Next week: The Inside Out Forehand
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