Tuesday Tennis Tip: Smaggressive Attacks

TTT #3: Smaggressive Attacks

First off, let me say there are two parts to this article. One for singles and one for doubles. Secondly, let me define my terms. Smaggressive is smart and aggressive combined into one word of rolled up fun, attack means coming forward to the net looking to end points with volleys and overheads.

Let's start with doubles...

Doubles is all about attacking the net and being the aggressive team. In 95% of the matches, the doubles team that is more aggressive wins. Of course, that is assuming that they aren't completely without skill. In doubles, you also have a partner to help cover you when you do attack. So all in all, you take more chances.

The proper time to attack the net in doubles is this: If you hit the ball to the back partner on the other team, then you attack the net.

I know that makes it sort of simple, and there are some instances in which you wouldn't attack then. But as a rule of thumb, if they have one person back, and you hit it to that person, then you should "Attack! Attack!"

Depending on your court position at the time of your approach shot, you may need to split step just inside the T and prepare for the next shot before continuing all the way to the net. But there is no need in doubles to wait for a short ball to approach on. Make sure you hit a good shot, then hustle yourself to the net. Take some chances, have fun, be aggressive. That's doubles. I love it!

Let's talk about singles...

The key to singles is timing. And knowing your own game. Yes, you want to get forward and put pressure on your opponent to hit passing shots. But too many times we think that we need to rush to the net. In singles, you've got no one to cover your back, so the key is the approach shot.

The approach shot is a shot that doesn't really get practiced enough, at least by us. It's a hard shot to practice really, because the most important part of the shot can't be practiced. That important part is the "feel." What I mean by that, again having to define my terms, is that there is a certain target to hit the approach at and there is a certain way to hit the approach. But approach shots need to be excellent in order to attack behind them, and the most important and difficult part is learning to naturally evaluate your approach and make adjustments.

But let's start with where to aim. Backhand corner. Okay, that's not a set rule, but usually you want to take advantage of your opponent's weakest shot. For most high school players, the backhand is their weakest shot. Apart from aiming solely for the backhand, the other rule of thumb is that you want to make your opponent move. Hitting an approach shot on the move is very difficult, especially if you are having to reach. So this means looking for the open court, giving them a low slicing shot that they have to reach down for, dropping a shot short and coming behind that...anything that makes them move and reach.

Once you've accomplished that then you come. But when attacking, you have to have the mindset of being excited about putting the ball away. You can't be defensive and come to the net. So try to relax and have fun and stay on your toes as you come in, anxious to turn your great approach into a winning volley.

Okay, stay smaggressive kids!