If your players can hit side to side and up and back, they have the ability to exploit their opponents by hitting to their weaknesses. This could be as simple as identifying that the backhand is weaker than the forehand and directing most shots to the weaker backhand side. It may be a little more complex such as identifying a weakness in one of the opponent’s shots. For example, if the opponent has a weak overhead smash, your player could hit a short ball to draw the opponent to the net and then hit a lob so the opponent is forced to either hit an overhead or retreat to the backcourt to play the shot after the ball lands.
Hitting to the opponent’s weakness is a tactic that can be used effectively by the aggressive baseline player, the all-court player, or the attacking player. These players play to the weakness to force a weak return from the opponent and set up an easy shot. The aggressive baseline player will try to the point from a weak return with a strong ground stroke. The all-court player can hit an approach shot, a sharp-angle ground stroke, or drop shot. The player will hit an approach shot and get to the net to win the point with a volley or overhead.
Playing to One’s Strengths
Your players should take opportunity to play For example, if one of your players a strengths. win points with powerful forehand ground stroke, he should try to play shots that will force the opponent to weak shots so he can run to and set up for a point-ending forehand ground stroke. Keep in mind, however, that your players’ strengths are not limited to just their strengths can also be their styles of play, as previously. As a coach, you should help your players determine their strengths an develop them based on their individual styles play. Every style of play is effective if executed well.
