We often forget the importance that defense plays in a tennis match. In just about every sport, there is a defensive, as well as an offensive, game plan or strategy. Some tennis players forget this concept. They try to make offensive shots when they are really in a defensive position. When you are positioned behind the baseline, you are not in an offensive position. Your job is to keep the ball as deep as possible in your opponent’s side of the court. When your opponent hits a return that allows you to move into the court, then you should start thinking of hitting an offensive shot by creating an angle or driving the ball into the opponent’s weaker side. Use topspin for control. Situations that require defensive action are (1) when you are at the net and your opponent is able to successfully lob over your head. Lob to get yourself back into the point, (2) when your opponent drop shots you and you are running full speed to the net. Try to ease the ball over the net rather than pushing it into your opponent’s hands so that he can drive it by you, (3) when an opponent is running you corner to corner, think lob again. It will give you a chance to get your wind and get you back into the point. Think of your game the same way as players do in other sports. Most athletic contests are fought with a combination of offensive and defensive plays.

George Haley