Defense
Defense in tennis: getting out of trouble
Good defense is not just getting the ball back: it is buying time to recover and turning the point neutral again.
Principles
- 1
A high, deep ball buys time
When you are pulled wide, a high, deep crosscourt ball gives you time to get back to the center.
- 2
A low slice bothers
A deep slice stays low, especially on grass, and forces your opponent to hit up.
- 3
Down the middle, no angles
Against someone attacking from inside the court, a deep ball down the middle takes away their angles.
- 4
Against the net rusher, lob or feet
If they are tight to the net, a high lob goes over them. If they are farther back, a low ball at their feet forces a hard volley.
- 5
Do not gamble when stretched
Running winners from outside the court have little margin. Save the counterattack for when you are balanced.
Example situations
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Defense · Beginner
High, deep ball to your backhand
Your opponent sends a heavy topspin ball, high and deep, to your backhand. You have to step well behind the baseline.
| Score | Games | Points |
|---|---|---|
| You | 2 | 15 |
| Opponent | 3 | 15 |
- Surface:
- Clay
- Opponent style:
- Consistent baseliner
Defense · Intermediate
Fast ball at your body
The aggressive opponent sends a deep, fast ball straight at your body. You do not have time to run around it calmly.
| Score | Games | Points |
|---|---|---|
| You | 1 | 0 |
| Opponent | 3 | 15 |
- Surface:
- Hard court
- Opponent style:
- Aggressive