Hey Guys just wandering if some one could help me forumulate a decent game plan ahead of next week.

I have made the 2nd round of my clubs annual tournament, but In the 2nd round I will face the number 3 seed and last years semi finalist, ive practised with him before but never played him in a match.

His game is bascially he has a massive serve, big forehand, can either hit it flat or with lots of topspin, his backhand is the weaker wing but its still fariy consistent, he isnt that happy at the net although he will put regulation volleys away! he is right handed.

Im Left handed, I also have a big serve maybe not quite as big as his but I hit just as many aces and am pretty accurate, I have a big flat forehand my two handed backhand is solid and can either be a weakness or a weapon but its not as good as my forehand, Im happy at the net but I cant help but feel the way I volley I should be spending time at the net.

A few people have told me even though hes is the number 3 seed I shouldnt be daunted because I have some fire power right there, that may be true but you need a game plan and thats something I ve struggled with in the past so I would be grateful for any help!!

I've only been playing regularly for a couple of months but I've always been told if you're playing someone with a big serve to stand a little further back and try and block the ball back. If someone hits a fast serve you're not going to have time to get a full swing at the ball.

Also if you say youre more comfortable at net than him, early on bring him in a couple of times with drop shots and go to the net yourself and see what happens. Obviously don't drop shot too much or it'll get predictable (a la Murray!).

I'm sure the more experienced players will correct me as I'm probably wrong on this. :D

Not much wrong with Yorkshire's idea, except the dropshot would have to be very very good to follow in yourself (otherwise the opponent will most likely put the ball back behind you as you approach).
Knowing your opponent's weaknesses is very handy. A couple of things to try would be to hit a low, short slice to the backhand side, which will mean that (if he is double-handed) he will have to get down very low to it to hit an effective shot, or will slice it back and give you a chance to pass him. Also, if you get short balls to attack, go hard at his backhand and follow it in. If it is a weakness, take his time away as well and you are likely to get a few easy volleys. Either that or your opponent will be forced to go for winners off his weaker side. Either way, it's good for you.
If you can hit kick serves, take him out on his backhand side and don't be scared to serve volley a few times. You might get some easy volleys but will also upset his rhythm and make him wonder where you are on the court, hopefully making him tight and getting him to take his eye off the ball.
Don't make the mistake of ONLY going after the backhand, because you might play him into form on that side. Mix it up by throwing in the odd big serve to the forehand and by approaching down the line to his forehand when it is the percentage shot.
If his serve is big, blocking it back deep may be the best you can do, but attack weak second serves so that he feels the pressure of making first serves and may take a bit of pace off them for you.
Let us know how you get on :ok:

Another tactic I heard which is good for playing someone you don't know much about. During the warmup, hit some shots right down the middle and see which side your opponent switches to. That will tell you which wing he or she is most comfortable with.

This is something I disagree with.I have been playing for quite a long time and play both provincially and zonally for my club.If your are confident in your return then stand with 2 feet on the baseline.Its never great to have a full swing at a serve thats coming in hard and fast.Rather take a half back swing.This will be your shot but a resembled version of your full stroke.Not only will it block it back it will also allow you to get the return deep or allow you to place the return easier.

I also suggest that you try and open the court by going to his strength and then hitting into his weakness.Dont over play his weakness because during matches the play becomes too obvious and it actually then turns into a strength and then you are screwed.Also sneak into the net off deep approaches to his forearm.The dropshot is also a good bet in getting him out of his comfort zone and breaking rythem,but dont over use it and execute it well!

Thats the best I can offer.Speak to Sam he is a coach and could also help!

Thanx for your advise guys I will let you know how the match goes, one other thing i meant to add was while my first serve is fairly big and can do some dmage, by 2nd serve is more a safe option My opponent is known to be a very good returner of serve, so given this should I take som risks on my 2nd serve or maybe try and go 3/4 pace?

I think its also a sfaer bet to mix your speeds of your serve then since he does return well as you pointed out.If you keep going for the pace of both 1st and 2nd its gonn abe a bit predictable.I personally have an easier time returning a serve with pace than a slower serve.So rather you mix your speeds that take risks with the hard ball on both!

;) :ok:

How's it go Ark? Is no news good news?

Its tommorow night will let you know here how it goes!

Thanks for your advise I played the match last night was a grea match.

First set went with serve and I found myself coming to the net alot and attacking his backhand and was geting a lot of hight volleys which were easy for me to put away, so at 4-5 down i served to stay in the first set and was 15-40 and down two set points some how I held and took it to a breaker! I was able to win the first set tiebreak!

2nd set I got a break and went 4-1 up only for him to pull it back to 4-4 I pulled the set off 7-5 though! so ive beaten the number 3 seed 7-6 7-5 and am into the quater finals! I definately now think maybe I have a chance to go all the way if I can keep that level up but im just going to enjoy each match at a time

Thanx again guys

Legend! :ok:

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