Different Body Types (Bottom Heavy)

Bottom heavy players have very big, strong legs and nothing up top to haul around. They find it pretty easy to win matches just by running and getting the ball back. As they gain in levels, they learn (hopefully) how to use their legs in the stroke. This type of player is "IDEAL" in the men's game because most coaches train on bending your legs and extending through the stroke.

Groundstrokes


Unlike a skinny person, a top heavy person has their legs to aid them in their groundies. So they are very adept at hitting with spin. This along with the whip-like flexibility in the arms and torso means heavy jumping serves and heavy jumping groundstrokes. The amount of racket speed they are able to generate is very notable. It speaks volumes on how important the legs are in a stroke.

Serve

If the legs get into the serve, you will get some extra spin. A bottom heavy player would be able to give you this serve and not have it effect his groundstrokes.

Volleys

Volleys can wear out the bottom heavy player. Their wrists and upper body might not be able to deal with repeated volleys if you hit blisteringly hard passing shots. Their legs will carry them to the ball though and they probably will not be off balance by the 8th volley.

Footwork

Forget about it. Footwork comes so naturally to these players, it will seem like they are floating. They also get their balance back very quickly which gives them the power to turn defense into offense.


Playing Against


Since they use their legs for their primary strength. The key is to try and take the legs out to the equation and isolating the top half. Getting them to extend would do this. High balls make them reach up. Wide balls make them reach out. Placement is important...not power. If you engage in the rallies with them, try to mix it up.