Tennis Thought #2 -Level Differences

Level differences are sometimes hard to determine quickly, and are always a sticky subject with players. Most players overrate their abilities, often focusing on what they "know they can do," which is usually based on what they have done under ideal circumstances. In reality, it's hard to move up a level without the ability to score consistent wins against the range of players who are, by other means of evaluation, "as good as" the player. Players that hit at the same pace and with similar consistency can have very different match results.

Any close match will come down to a few key points. Weaker players often loose these points for a number of reasons. Chance is certainly a factor, as is fatigue. But there are a few reasons which are extremely common which weaker players almost never seem to shake, but don't apply to better players.

The first is the tactical error of playing too carefully or safely. In a match of players who are "at the same level," the match will, at the most basic level, be decided by who hits better shots. When players lower the ceiling of the shots they are trying to hit, the are begging for the other person to lower the ceiling more. If that person does not oblige, the first player loses, unless they are lucky. Of course some players try to hit shots that are well beyond their abilities. the percentages don't favor these players either. I mean here to point out that when playing someone who one can, on the whole, match stroke-for-stroke, backing off on second serves, approach shots, overheads, etc. in order to"keep the ball in play," or "get into the point" is unlikely to be successful over the course of a match. The player who strives to hit better shots is more likely to win than the player who strives to get the other person to choke (to say nothing of the overall development of one's game, basing it on succeeding only when the other player underperforms).

Another major principle of matches between similar players is the following dynamic: If players A and B are evenly matched and A hits an above average shot, B response will typically be weaker (not every time, but usually). Player A must develop the ability to win a high percentage of these points by pressing the advantage until they hit a winner or B makes an error. Of course, A may make a few errors and B may smack the occasional great shot, but overall, A needs to convert. Weak shots take on many forms, but for the 3.5 player, the most common (probably ?) is the mid-court-sliced-floater. This is a shot that 4.0+ players eat up. A slow-paced, mid-court forehand should be converted into a win by everyone who isn't playing against Rafael Nadal. There are just too many good offensive opportunities here to let this shot go to waste. Yet the 3.0-3.5 player often gets eaten up.

This happens, for the most part, because off a lack of ability to control spin. Almost any player can occasionally hit a winner from the T just by smacking the ball flat. But most players, cognizant of the fact that they have advantage, can't unleash their most powerful blast for a winner every time. In fact, if they do try to crush flat, they will often find themselves out of position if the ball gets returned because they will have have barely enough time to recover their balance, nevermind get ready and/or move into prime net position. Additionally, the flat ball is the riskiest of any hitting venture, and therefore the one most affected by doubt and tension. Therefore, the topspin (preferred) or slice is more likely to improve the hitter's position in the point.

Topspin is preferable because the ball will dip into the court, providing the ability to produce sharper angles without a loss of pace. It will also have more of a tendency to "jump past" the opponent as they move laterally and a "looping" topspin will take more time in the air, allowing for better recovery and positioning. Slice also has it's charms, particularly on fast courts, among them the "skipping" feel to the bounce of a low-trajectory drive, the ability to hit the shot more easily on the run towards the net, and the possibility of using the same preparation to hit a sneaky little dropshot. For my money, these advantages are mitigated by the reduced power and, especially, the low net-clearance that the slice drive entails.

So kids, get together, master your topspin, and drill like crazy on mid-court appraoch shots. it's the biggest difference between a 3.5 and the levels above and below.