Hey all.
So I've been playing tennis a few years and I want to try and take my competitive game up a notch. I have a few useful shots but I think there's a tactical element missing from my game. Looking at my perceived strengths and weaknesses I wondered if anyone could give me some tips on how I could construct points and play a tactical game that maximises my strengths.
Groundstrokes
I'm quite solid off of both wings and don't miss either shot too often. I'm right-handed, and I can my two-handed backhand with a lot of pace, and this shot is relatively flat. My forehand is more top-spin heavy, but I struggle to generate my own pace on this wing, and will often have difficulty putting short balls away. My two-handed backhand is easily my best groundstroke, however I do also slice well on that wing.
Serve
I don't serve many double faults, but I don't gain a lot from it either. I usually serve around 85-90mph using spin and placement wherever possible. Occasionally I flatten it out and can serve up to around 105-110mph, but I only do this once every 5 or 6 points.
Serve Return
One of my bigger strengths - I can return serves with a lot of pace on both wings and regularly hit winners on second serve returns - however it can be inconsistent if I'm not timing my shots well on a given day.
Volley
My net play is quite solid in doubles, but in singles it tends to be quite scrappy. I can put balls away, but I have a lot of work to do before my technique is stable enough to be totally solid at the net.
Defensive Game
My biggest strength is that I'm fast. I can scramble for balls very well, and I hit passing shots and slices better than most shots in my game.
Attacking Game
I like to be aggressive when I get the chance, however I often find that I tend to rush my shots, and as I struggle to generate pace with my forehand, I tend to find it difficult to make the defence to attack transition.
So I guess a kind of summary:
Strengths - Fairly solid groundstrokes, big backhand, return of serve, good movement and defensive game, consistent serve.
Weaknesses - Turning defence into attack, finishing points off, generating pace on my forehand, and winning points from my serve.