One of the most popular tennis players ever was Andre Agassi (Aa guh see). He was a very colorful player and was known as the most fit player of his time. Because he was fit, he based his game on wearing people out. So they called him "The Punisher." So, in honor of him and the millions of people that emulated him, I call this pattern "the punisher"
Roger Federer and Nikolay Davydenko
are very good at punishing with groundstrokes.
are very good at punishing with groundstrokes.
On the beginner level, you just want to go from side to side. Hit a ball to the forehand and then the backhand. Keep track of which side your opponent makes the most mistakes off of.
At intermediate, you want to start to confuse them a little more. If they understand the pattern and are anticipating your strokes, mix in an extra stroke to the weaker side and then go back to the pattern.
At advanced, you just stand closer to the baseline and be more agressive. Hit the balls early after the bounce (on the rise) and give your opponent less time to react. Anything that speeds up the play is good for you.
A few things that make this pattern work.
- Try to be equally as good at your backhand and your forehand. If your opponent hit toward your backhand and you push it back slowly then your advantage is gone.
- Pace is your friend. The faster the speed of the rally, the better this pattern works. If the person slows down the rally by pushing the ball back, take your time and go for placement.
- Boss them around with your forehand. If you are hitting the ball at the middle of the court, go ahead and hit a forehand. Don't try to choose...no time.
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