In tennis, it’s not just about hitting great shots—it’s about outsmarting your opponent. Yet, many players focus solely on power, forgetting the importance of movement. The real question is: are you truly controlling your opponent’s movement, or are you letting them dictate the rally? At 10is Academy, we believe that mastering how to move your opponent around the court is one of the most under used yet most effective strategies in tennis. Let’s dive into the three key movements: lateral movement (stretch), backward movement (push), and forward movement (pull), and why understanding these can make or break your game.

1. Moving Your Opponent Laterally: The Stretch

Most players think they’ve mastered the art of moving their opponent side to side, but the truth is, few do it well. Moving your opponent laterally is more than just hitting a cross-court shot—it’s about creating space and controlling the point.

How to do it:

• Aim to hit deep cross-court forehands and backhands.
• Use sharp angles to drag your opponent off the court and open up space.
• Surprise them with well-timed drop shots to make them cover even more ground.

Why it works: Stretching your opponent side to side forces them into awkward positions, limiting their power and control. The more you move them laterally, the more likely they are to make mistakes, giving you the opportunity to end the point.

Drill to try: Practice hitting deep cross-court shots with a partner or a ball machine, focusing on consistency and placement to make your opponent stretch for every ball.

2. Moving Your Opponent Backward: The Push

Here’s where many players fail: they don’t push their opponent back enough. Hitting deep isn’t just about keeping the rally going—it’s about forcing your opponent behind the baseline and taking them out of their comfort zone.

How to do it:

• Use heavy topspin shots that land deep in the court.

Why it works: Pushing your opponent back forces them into defensive positions, giving you the upper hand. Players tend to hit weaker, more defensive shots from behind the baseline, which opens up opportunities for you to take control of the rally.

Drill to try: Work on deep rally drills, aiming for 10 consecutive shots that land close to the baseline. Focus on topspin and depth without sacrificing control, making it difficult for your opponent to move forward.

3. Moving Your Opponent Forward: The Pull

Here’s the controversial part: pulling your opponent forward is often overlooked by many players, but it’s a crucial strategy. Many opponents are uncomfortable near the net, and a well-placed drop shot or low slice can pull them into territory they’d rather avoid.

How to do it:

• Use drop shots and slices to bring your opponent to the net.
• Mix in short angles or low slices to catch them off guard.

Why it works: Pulling your opponent forward can disrupt their rhythm, especially if they prefer playing from the baseline. This movement creates opportunities for passing shots or forces errors, giving you control over the point.

Drill to try: Practice drop shot drills with a focus on precision and disguise. Alternate between deep shots and drop shots in your practice sessions to improve your ability to change the pace and rhythm of the rally.

Combining the Movements for Maximum Impact

Many players think it’s enough to master one of these movements—but the real advantage comes when you can seamlessly combine all three. Stretching your opponent laterally, pushing them backward, and pulling them forward keeps them constantly on the move, unable to settle into the point.

Example combination: Start with a deep cross-court shot to stretch your opponent, follow with a deep shot to the opposite side to push them back, and finish with a drop shot to pull them forward. This combination forces your opponent to cover the entire court and increases the likelihood of them making an error.

Final Thoughts: Are You Really in Control?

Tennis is often compared to chess for a reason—it’s a mental game as much as a physical one. Mastering movement isn't just about technique; it's about being smarter and more strategic than your opponent. So, the next time you’re on the court, don’t just focus on your shots. Ask yourself: are you truly moving your opponent, or are they moving you?

By mastering these key movements, you’ll take control of the rally and stay one step ahead in every match.

Ready to elevate your game? See you on the court!