What’s up, Team!?
This week we are taking a look at a couple points that show some alternative patters, some mix ups, some shot combinations that you wouldn’t play all the time, but when you mix them in occasionally they can be tough for your opponent to handle.
First, we take a look at how Sinner used the lob to flip the switch from defense to offense in another point against Alcaraz in the finals. Instead of going for the strong pass here, Sinner plays over him with yet another very well placed lob.
Next, we will see Roger Federer mix things up with a forehand drop shot. While he did have a monster forehand, and hitting it aggressively was one of his favorite plays, he was also known to mix things up a bit to keep his opponents guessing. This video breaks down that variety and what effect it had on his opponents.
These tactical videos are a great way to see the things I teach in my book put into action and I am very happy to be getting more of them published. Like I said when this all started, I’m going to change the way the world sees tennis, and being able to help people see the different zones of the court and the shot combinations players use is a big part what I am trying to do! But even more helpful than seeing it once, is seeing it repetitively in a variety of different situations and from a variety of players. Seeing these top guys play like this is sure to inspire high percentage decisions on your own court!
New Content Releases!
As always, if you enjoy the match analysis go ahead and like the video and subscribe to the channel if you haven’t already! On our way to 7,000 subscribers!
Tactic of The Week
Shot Sequence
Ball 1: Serving on the ad side, go out wide
Ball 2: Return deep line
Ball 3: Server’s first ball deep cross
Ball 4: Returner’s first ball deep middle on the ad side
Analysis: This is one of the openings we see in the Federer video. Maybe the server lands a well hit serve and the returner makes contact a little late or maybe they go line on purpose, either way - once the returner goes line off of this return, its a green light for the server to drive their forehand deep cross court. This spreads the court with the serve and the +1 and is a very strong way to start a point. Learning to run this opening with confidence, power, and margin as a server will come in clutch in a lot of matches.
Now as a returner, hitting backhand return up the line can be difficult to do on purpose. Taking some time to practice this intentionally will be a huge weapon if you can start to control it. This will force the server to move to cover the open court very soon after the serve and that movement can often disrupt their chances of making their first ball. So in this situation, you are making them move one the first ball, then focusing on your recovery in order to protect your vulnerable areas of the court. Then if they successfully complete the spread, then you try to move the rally back into the middle of the court.
This opening provides a position that will challenge both players to improve their movement here.
The Book on Tennis Strategy
The Book on Tennis Strategy is Amazon’s #1 new release in the tennis category and has ranked as high as #3 on the best seller charts! If you haven’t picked up a copy yet, and if you like what I do here at Tennis Tactics, you’re going to love it!
And if you have already grabbed your copy - please leave me a review on Amazon! I could really use some positive reviews online so other people who discover the book know they are getting a quality product!
As always, if you are looking for more information on tennis strategy or tennis development plans, check out my website tennistactics.com!