The Lesson Lounge - Tennis Warrior

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A simple tactic after lobbing

If you lob over your opponent’s head in doubles, you and your partner should immediately move up into net position. Many of you know this, but still do not advance to the net. Why? Because once again you are focused on watching the magnificence of your shot and not on what you should do next! What you should be doing is running up to the net and creating pressure on your opponents.

Players are so mesmerized by their own shots that I could be on the sideline in a drill yelling, “run to the net, run to the net” and they still do not run up! With this quick tip I would like to challenge you to run up to the net the instant your lob bounces behind your opponents and they are running to retrieve it. What an excellent move (that few players apply) to keep pressure on your opponents when they are in a vulnerable position.

Now, notice I said when the ball bounces behind your opponent. Often after players lob they instantly head for the net only to be pulverized by an opponent’s overhead! Make sure the ball bounces behind your opponent or at least is descending to bounce before you begin running forward. You will still have plenty of time to reach the net.

And yes, you can and should use the same tactic in singles. Anytime you have your opponent running down a lob you should quickly advance to the net to capitalize on a golden opportunity. It is a simple tactic that most players do not apply. The bottom line is, “what is your net worth?”

Tom Veneziano