How to Trap a Topspin Slugger!
by: Dave Winship @ On The Line

If you find you're being pushed back out of court by a topspin slugger, it's like you're being kept at bay by a deadly snake. You've got two choices. One option is to surprise him by stepping in and seizing him by the throat, i.e. take the ball early (on the rise). This might be a good tactic for a fairly advanced player.

The second option is a possibility for most of us and it involves using a bit of cunning! Set a trap consisting of soft slices and chips and dinks. This will prevent your opponent getting the racket under the ball to produce topspin. You can render him even more harmless by taking the pace off - most aggressive baseliners thrive on pace!

Often in tennis, it's not just a question of coming up with the correct antidote - see if you can avoid the poison in the first place!

Regards.

Dave Winship