Recognizing ways to impose your will on an opponent will allow you to control your own destiny.
Have you ever played someone who always appeared to be in perfect position, while you spent the entire match running from corner to corner, chasing down every shot, huffing and puffing between points? Smart players know that there are many ways to take charge of a point—and that most of them rely on controlling the ball rather than crushing it. Here’s how you do it.
BEGINNER
OBJECTIVE 1: Keep it deep
Keeping the ball deep sounds basic enough, but you’d be surprised by how many players don’t focus on this simple tactic. As you practice and play, try to hit each ball beyond the service line with your ground strokes. Don’t try to hit the ball too close to the lines (this goes for the sidelines as well) and give yourself a significant margin for error over the net.
Remember that you’ll likely win more points due to your opponents’ errors— not your winners—because deep shots are particularly hard to handle at this level.
OBJECTIVE 2: Attack the net on short balls
The key is to look for a short ball and not be afraid to follow it to the net. You’re now rushing your opponent into making a decision on how to pass you. This is a great way to put pressure on your opponents and make them miss passing shots. The other advantage is that you’ll learn to hit solid approach shots and volleys. Make sure you split-step as your opponent makes contact with the ball so that you’re in good position for the volley.
INTERMEDIATE
OBJECTIVE 1: Vary the height and spin of the ball