In tennis, we’re often taught to play it safe—avoid your opponent’s strengths and exploit their weaknesses. But what if that conventional wisdom is holding you back? What if the key to winning lies in doing the exact opposite—attacking the very thing that makes your opponent dangerous?
The Unconventional Tactic: Targeting the Strength
Imagine stepping onto the court and instead of steering clear of your opponent’s best shot, you aim straight for it. Most players would consider this a reckless move, but here’s the truth: When executed correctly, attacking your opponent’s strength can be a game-changer.
Why? Because every strength, no matter how intimidating, has its limits. By consistently targeting your opponent’s best shot, you force them into uncomfortable situations, revealing cracks in their armor. They may initially handle the pressure well, but over time, even the strongest shot can break down under relentless targeting.
This isn’t about playing with fire; it’s about controlling the flames. When you attack a strength, you’re betting on the fact that your opponent can’t sustain perfection under pressure. You’re turning their greatest asset into a potential liability.
The Art of Absorbing the Punches
When you decide to attack your opponent’s strength, you’re committing to a strategy that might not yield immediate rewards. You’re playing the long game, absorbing the punches while chipping away at their confidence. It’s about moving your opponent around the court, forcing them to hit their best shot over and over until it starts to falter.
This approach requires patience and mental toughness. You need to trust that by sticking to your plan, you’ll eventually start to see the errors creep in. It’s a high-risk, high-reward strategy, but when it pays off, it can turn the match in your favor.
Evolving Your All-Court Game
Attacking the strength isn’t just about hitting the same shot repeatedly. It’s about using your entire arsenal to keep your opponent guessing. Mix up your shots—use depth, spin, power, and placement to create a complex puzzle for your opponent to solve.
Maybe you draw them into the net with a drop shot, only to pass them on the next point. Or perhaps you vary your serve locations to prevent them from finding a rhythm. The key is to make them uncomfortable, to push them out of their comfort zone by challenging what they think is their greatest asset.
Winning the Mental Game
This strategy isn’t just about physical execution—it’s about winning the mental battle. When you attack your opponent’s strength, you’re sending a clear message: “I’m not afraid of your best shot.” This can be incredibly unsettling for your opponent, causing them to second-guess their own abilities.
Instead of trying to dominate the match with your favorite patterns, focus on dismantling your opponent’s. By doing so, you’re not just playing better tennis—you’re playing smarter tennis. You’re controlling the narrative of the match, dictating where the battle takes place.
The Takeaway: Stop Playing It Safe
If you’re always avoiding your opponent’s strengths, you’re missing out on opportunities to truly dominate. Playing it safe might keep you in the match, but it won’t give you the edge you need to win decisively. Instead, challenge yourself to go after what seems like the biggest threat.
At 10is Academy, we believe that sometimes the boldest strategies are the most effective. If you want to elevate your game, it’s time to rethink your approach. Don’t just play to avoid losing—play to win, even if it means confronting your opponent’s greatest strength head-on.
Are you ready to break free from conventional thinking and start playing smarter? Keep following our blog for more insights and tactics that will help you outthink, outmaneuver, and outplay your opponents. Because in tennis, as in life, the boldest strategies often lead to the biggest victories.