Tip by Scott Melville

Many of the clinics we teach at the ATP deal with attacking our opponents. An attack always commences with a forcing shot, and often ends with covering a lob and hitting an overhead. When a drill is geared toward working on hitting overheads, it is common to duplicate an on-court situation that would precipitate hitting a defensive lob. Often during a drill, one player will correctly comment that they would never hit a defensive lob as a response to a weak shot. The reason they would never hit a defensive lob, is that the opponent has not hit a quality shot that puts them on the defensive, limiting their options or ability to respond. The player's attitude is that they would normally drive a groundstroke winner or hit an offensive lob winner.

Last week Tom Salmon made a very insightful comment during one clinic. In my opinion, he correctly identified the oversight made by most tennis players. Tom noted that many tennis players are able to judge the quality of their opponent's shots, and thereby determine a somewhat appropriate response. Furthermore, very few realize the importance or have the ability to judge the quality of their own shot, and thereby anticipate their opponent's probable response. It boils down to anticipation.

How can a recreational player work on anticipation?
The answer is to follow the three steps outlined below:


1. Assess the quality of your shot. Does your shot make your opponent move outside the singles or doubles alley? Does your shot force your opponent to hit while on the run? Does your shot force your opponent to hit off his back foot? If the answer to any of these questions is "yes", then you have limited your opponent's ability to respond.

2. Eliminate options. Since you have limited your opponent's ability to respond, the question to answer now is, "What can my opponent not do?" Will he be hard pressed to drive a groundstroke or hit a penetrating passing shot? Is he unlikely to successfully hit crosscourt while reaching? Is he unlikely to hit a deep ball with power? If the answer to any of these questions is "yes", then you are halfway home. Do not cover the unlikely responses!!!

3. Predict probable outcomes. Since you have determined what your opponent cannot do, the final question is "What can my opponent do?" Can he only hit a weak, floating ball when attempting to drive a groundstroke? Can he only play down the line or through the middle when running wide? Can he only lob if they try to play deep? Will he likely slice or lob when hitting off his back foot? If the answer to any of these questions is "yes", then you can predict or anticipate probable outcomes. Only cover the likely responses!!!