What to do when playing against tough opponents
In this sport, contrary to popular belief, tactics and strategy are fundamental; they make the difference in a game when the levels between opponents are very similar or when facing tough rivals.
When the players' level is higher or they are simply very difficult, it is best not to lose your temper and try to play your best game, not taking too many risks and forcing the opponent to score the point against you. It is said that in the losing pair, the percentage of errors is greater than the points scored by their opponents.
Generally, most players have a weaker backhand than forehand, so it's a good idea to focus play on this shot, looking for the side walls and/or slow cut shots to double walls.
The best option is to play very smartly and with a much more strategic game, trying to make opponents move, so they lose their ideal defensive position and open gaps. It is also ideal to stay at the net for as long as possible, as this is the first step to later winning the point or at least being in the attacking zone and having a greater chance of making a winning shot.
What to do when playing against tough rivals
In these circumstances, you need to approach the match taking into account factors such as: offensive shots, defensive shots, positioning, speed, playing low, playing high, changes of pace. All this following a fundamental line: the first thing is to know which shots do the most damage to the opponent and what your best shots are. Many times we know our opponents, so we start the game with a pre-planned strategy, because we know how they play, where they are comfortable on the court and where they cannot develop their best shots. When we don't know the opponent, we have to observe their strengths and weaknesses during the match.
When the players' level is higher or they are simply very difficult, it is best not to lose your temper and try to play your best game, not taking too many risks and forcing the opponent to score the point against you. It is said that in the losing pair, the percentage of errors is greater than the points scored by their opponents.
Generally, most players have a weaker backhand than forehand, so it's a good idea to focus play on this shot, looking for the side walls and/or slow cut shots to double walls.
The best option is to play very smartly and with a much more strategic game, trying to make opponents move, so they lose their ideal defensive position and open gaps. It is also ideal to stay at the net for as long as possible, as this is the first step to later winning the point or at least being in the attacking zone and having a greater chance of making a winning shot.
