How
to Search, Uncover, and Exploit Weaknesses
Sometimes your best isn't as good as his best. You give it all you've got, and it doesn't make a difference. What to do ...
Many competitive players like to match strength against strength on the court. Like two bomb-throwing boxers standing toe-to-toe in the ring, tennis players will often match their best shots until it's all over. Others, however, aren't interested in their opponent's best -- they much prefer to see their worst.
These cagey people like to search, uncover and expose the parts of your game of which you are least proud, the areas which produce great frustration and embarrassment, those tender spots that often go unnoticed - your weaknesses.
These intellectual athletes would rather not get involved in the typical confrontations of tennis: the "my big serve against your big serve;" or the "forehand vs. forehand" matchup; or the "volley against passing-shot" battle. Instead, they spend their energies figuring out to minimize your talents by exploiting your shortcomings.
Everyone has something to hide. Your responsibility is to find out what it is.
Some players fall to pieces after they've consecutively hit three balls in the court. If you stay back and keep the ball in play awhile they'll demonstrate their impatience. Others can't handle off-speed shots; they're one-speed players. An occasional soft ball might be their undoing.
No player is delighted to see high-bouncing ball approach their backhand. They don't know if they're suppose to hit it down or up, slice it or block it, smash it or lob it. Until they make up their mind, hit 'em some more.
Many players at all levels are shy possessors of timid overheads. Lobs make them cringe. To see these people shake hit soft underspin short balls, bring them in, and toss up a lob. Other players, however, have trouble handling wide forehands - they don't understand the footwork involved. Send a couple balls wide and watch what happens. To take advantage of an opponent's weakness, the player must have excellent ball control - for without it, all the imagination, insight and mischievous will be for naught. Learn to hit where you want it - to a weakness. Play tennis with not only your body but also with your head.