Tennis Strategies For The Unconventional Player
Are you looking to stand out from the crowd on the tennis court? Unconventional strategies can be an effective way to gain an edge over your opponents. Here are some innovative tennis tactics to bring a new dimension to your game:
Be Unpredictable
Staying unpredictable is key for the unorthodox tennis player. The more difficult it is for your opponent to anticipate your next shot, the higher chances you have to gain control of the point. To be unpredictable you should try to return balls differently even though your opponent might hit the ball towards you with the same spin or placement.
Mix Up Your Serves
Mixing up your serves is a great way to stay unpredictable and disrupt the rhythm of your opponent’s game. Try adding spin or varying the angle of your serve, rather than just opting for straight power shots. This can help you keep your opponent guessing and give you more control over the point.
Make Use Of Lob Shots
Lobs can be a great weapon in any match, but they’re particularly useful for unconventional players who want to maximize their chances of surprise and disruption. Practice lobbing when in awkward positions, such as facing a hard-hitting opponent who likes to come right at you with power shots. Lob shots can force them into defensive play, allowing you to reset the point and take control of it again.
Exploit Pace Variation
Today’s modern baseline style focus heavily on speed and power, which is why shifting gears during points can throw off any type of player and make them vulnerable against unorthodox tactics like hitting slower-paced balls that go high and deep into the opponent’s court. Variety is key to keeping your opponents guessing.
Take Risks
Taking risks is another great strategy for the nonconformist player. This means taking chances that may not always work out in your favour but can turn into exciting points if they do pay off. Try experimenting with different shot placements or playing some unexpected drop shots every now and then to keep your opponent guessing.
Experiment With Different Rackets And Tension
Different racket sizes and tensions offer different advantages, so experiment with what works best for you. Larger and heavier rackets generally provide more power and stability, but you will need more time and preparation to set up your shots. Lower tension on a racket’s strings can provide more power, but may result in some loss of control.
Improve Your Mental Game
As an unconventional tennis player, it’s important not to just rely on physical skills but also understand the mental aspects of the game. This includes learning how to deal with distractions, being able to think quickly under pressure, staying focused during long rallies, and being able to read your opponent's body language.
Finally, remember that everyone plays differently – just because someone else has achieved success using certain methods doesn't mean they are right for you! It's totally valid (and recommended) to experiment with different techniques until you find something that works best for you as an individual player – no two people play exactly alike after all. So don't get discouraged if some tactics don't work out; continue trying new things until they do!
"The Philosophical Tennis Player: Thinking Your Way To Winning" offers a unique perspective on the sport of tennis. This book provides guidance inspired by philosophy to help you rethink the game and reach your peak performance. The author breathes life into abstract philosophical concepts, transforming them into tangible strategies everyone can use to become a successful player. Readers will gain insight into the psychological aspects of tennis and recognise the timeless values that extend beyond the confines of the court.
About The Author
Darren Teo is the founder of Play! Tennis, the most Google reviewed tennis academy in Singapore. His passion for making tennis accessible to everyone regardless of their age, experience and ability continues to drive his work at the school. He is a thought leader in LinkedIn with 14,000 followers.