Monthly Archives: April 2010

If this years Australian Open is any indication things are slowly starting to change. Roger Federer is moving forward and volleying more often, and so is Tsonga, Murray, Roddick, Daveydenko, Nadal and Del Potro.  So, why are these players moving to the net more often?  Because they understand two key factors.  Number one, tactically speaking, court geometry favors the net player.  When you move closer to the net your chances to hit sharper angles increase dramatically.  Therefore, the closer in you are the more you can move your opponent and make him run.  As an example, from the baseline you may be able to angle the ball to the corner enough to move your opponent 5-6 steps.  On the other hand, from a volley position, halfway between the service line and the net, you can move your opponent 12-15 steps.  Number two, when you come to the net you are pressuring your opponent to come up with the goods, by hitting passing shots that are very difficult. Especially in today’s game of baseline bashers, coming to the net can be very effective.  Baseline players are used to playing other baseline players, when they play a net rusher they have to come up with a completely different set of shots.  They can no longer just keep bashing with the mentality just keep it deep, they now have to hit a very precise shot to get the ball by you.  These precise shots become more and more difficult especially in a close match when the pressure is on. Think about this, if it’s difficult for a pro player to pass a net player, how much more difficult is it for a club player? Statistically speaking, if you can volley and hit overheads well, you should win the point 2 out of 3 times, I like those percentages.

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All the best and happy hitting,
Tom

Singles players are starting to come to the net more often, and in doubles when your opponents are on the attack and crowding the net, an Offensive Lob can be the best option.  I remember watching the final of the US Open years ago, McEnroe versus Lendl.  McEnroe of course was forcing the issue and attacking the net at every opportunity.  However, on that day, Ivan Lendl hit Offensive Topspin Lob after Lob and totally thwarted McEnroe’s efforts and won the match.

The Offensive Lob is a shot that takes some practice.  You’ll have to get a feel for how much topspin you’ll need to get the ball up and over your opponent and back down in the court.

The Two Key Points to Remember when practicing the Offensive Lob are:

#1.) Set up like you’re going to drive the ball, you don’t want to give it away.
#2.) You have to be thinking SPIN, because you’ll need more than usual to get the ball up and over your opponent and back in the court.