Beyond the Baseline: How the All-Court Game Can Transform Your Tennis
Sun, 29 Dec 2024 00:00

In today’s tennis landscape, where baseline play reigns supreme, a rare species has all but disappeared: the All-Court Player. This breed, once dominant in the golden eras of tennis, thrived equally at the back of the court and at the net. They seamlessly attacked short balls, transitioned forward, and finished points with precision volleys. Today, however, this style is practically extinct—an opportunity missed by so many players of all levels.
Why Did We Abandon the Net?
For decades, the narrative has been clear: tennis is a baseline game. From powerful groundstrokes to unrelenting defensive counter-punching, the modern game has favoured grinding from the back of the court. Younger players have overdosed on baseline drills while neglecting the net altogether, and as a result, volleying has become an underdeveloped—and underused—skill.
The statistics, however, paint a very different picture. At every level, from juniors to professionals, finishing points at the net is significantly more effective than staying glued to the baseline.
Baseline vs. Net: The Data Doesn’t Lie
Take the 2024 US Open, for example. Only 17.6% of men’s points and 12.7% of women’s points ended with a player at the net. That means eight out of ten points were fought from the baseline, with very few players actively choosing to move forward and finish the point. Yet, statistically, approaching the net offers a far better chance of winning:
- Baseline rallies: Win percentages hover around 50%.
- At the net: Win percentages soar to 66% (two out of three points).
In short, going to the net isn’t risky—it’s smart tennis. While most players see the baseline as the ultimate battleground, this blind spot creates an opportunity for those bold enough to move forward.
What We Can Learn from the Pros
At the 2024 US Open, even the world’s best players were hesitant to embrace the net consistently. Yet, those who did—like Frances Tiafoe, Alexander Zverev, and standout performer Karolina Muchova—reaped the rewards. Muchova, finishing 27% of her points at the net, led the field and proved that a balanced, all-court game is still a recipe for success.
How to Build Your All-Court Game
Whether you’re a junior player, a competitive adult, or someone just starting out, mastering the All-Court style will give you a decisive edge. Here’s how you can begin:
- Recognise the Short Ball: Step forward and attack the ball at the top of the bounce.
- Perfect Your Approach Shot: Develop depth, spin, and placement to transition effectively to the net.
- Sharpen Your Volley: Great volleys come from control, balance, and precision—not power.
- Commit to the Net: Trust the statistics and move forward with confidence.
Why Juniors Must Learn This Early
At 10is Academy, we believe that juniors should be developing their All-Court skills as early as possible. By age 14, players should already be confident in their approach shots, net movement, and volleys. Ignoring this part of the game limits growth and leaves opportunities on the table.
The All-Court Advantage Is Yours
Don’t follow the herd. While others dig trenches on the baseline, you can be the player who recognizes the opportunities, steps forward, and finishes points at the net. This style of tennis isn’t old-fashioned; it’s simply underutilized.
The statistics back it. The pros who use it succeed. And the opportunity is waiting for you.