Rhythm & Flow Tennis

3^rd in a series on countering styles

Big forehand baseliners like to dictate rather than react. They are always looking for a short ball to attack. They do this by running around the backhand to hit big forehands. They usually have good serves, and some have good backhands, but they prefer to win points with their forehands from deeper in the court. Here are six things you can do to counter this kind of player.

1. Don’t hit to the same corner repeatedly – The key against this style is to use the whole court. If you hit to the same corner repeatedly, he will get into a groove. Hit side to side or short and long.
2. Hit your backhand down the line – If you trade backhands cross court, sooner or later he is going to run around a shorter ball and hit a big forehand. Use the backhand down the line to make him hit a running forehand to open the backhand corner for the next shot.
3. Get to the net – You want to get to the net against these players, even serving and volleying some.
4. Get the first serve in – You need a high percentage first serves against this style. They will attack the second serve with the forehand and put your service game under pressure. Your first serve is often the key shot against aggressive baseliners.
5. Bring them in with short angled slice – Their volleys are usually suspect. They will only move in if they are certain of success. The short angled slice is the way to bring them in.
6. Consciously avoid the temptation to go for too much – Most of them are fast. Fast players get to everything, so they make you overplay a lot because you feel you have to go for more. Constantly tell yourself: “If he’s going to get to it, he’s going to get to it, just make the shot”. Avoid the temptation to go for too much.