When your opponent is off balance, finish!

If you have moved your opponent to hit a shot that pulls him/her out of court..........finish the point. That means hit an approach shot and get to the net!

I see many players just hit another rally ball and start back to neutral. There is nothing gained by setting up an opponent, only to "just rally back into the point."

Times to rush the net:

If you ever see your opponent turning their tails and running backwards to the baseline, immediately charge the net.
1) after a short low ball and he/she has retreated to the baseline or
2)if you've lobbed over their head and they couldn't reach for a smash....so they pull back quickly and let it bounce.
3)If you have hit behind your opponent well and they are wrong footed.
4)If you have hit a deep shot that your opponent has not allowed enough space in the court to strike............creating a weak ball opportunity.
5) If you have hit a serve that your opponent will not be able to leverage based upon your location or other factors such as hitting a clay court line or angle placement, etc..............these are times to come in and finish!
6) If you hit a great drop shot and your opponent is out of position, come to the net and finish the point. Be ready for a smash or reflex volley.
7) If you have hit a big topspin deep ball to the backhand and your opponent is not paying attention. Sneak in quickly for a surprise finish.
8) If your opponent hits a weak second serve......especially really weak..........get to the net and finish!
9) When you need a point to finish or to attack...........perhaps you are ad out or ad in and you surprise your opponent with a serve and volley.............even though this is not your usual style of play.............This requires a confident serve and positive footwork to the net......This can stop the bleeding right there and then or perhaps get you back to deuce............again, your opponent doesn't expect it!
10) Whoops......"my string broke"...............run to the net right now! You have a jet with no engine...................land safely at the net!

Hey, all this stuff takes ball and opponent awareness.............Brad Gilbert is about the only guy you ever hear talking about this stuff; but, this was all from me.


Kevin Pease
your coach in the trenches!