Back court tactics: Dominate the game with a solid strategy

The diagonal is one of the first elements to master in a backcourt rally. By hitting into the diagonal, you maximise your chances of keeping the rally long while limiting the angles your opponent can use. This allows you to control the rally better and repel attacks.

Don’t always play in the same place. Alternate between deep and shorter balls, as well as tight angles to move your opponent. Varying lengths forces your opponent to change pace, while tight angles create openings to attack. This variation is essential to prevent your opponent from settling into a comfortable routine.

The topspin, or lift, is a key technique at the back of the court. This shot allows you to hit deep balls while keeping the trajectory high. The topspin offers extra security by reducing unforced errors while keeping the ball in the court. By using topspin, you can put your opponent in difficulty by forcing him to play high, heavy balls.

Footwork is crucial to the success of this tactic. Being well positioned behind each shot allows you to maintain good balance and maximise the quality of your shots. Anticipating trajectories and reacting quickly to your opponent’s shots is the key to avoiding being put under pressure at the back of the court.

Playing from the baseline requires patience and timing. It’s not about forcing the point, but waiting for the right moment to attack. Patience allows you to wait for your opponent to make a mistake or offer you a short ball. A good reading of your opponent’s game and positioning is crucial if you are to take the initiative at the right moment.

If you play mainly from the baseline, that doesn’t mean you should never move forward. As soon as an opportunity presents itself in the form of a shorter ball, don’t hesitate to move forward to take advantage. The most effective baseline players are able to combine patience and aggression by exploiting their opponent’s mistakes.

The bunt can be an excellent weapon in a ground game. After a series of long exchanges, surprising your opponent with a well-placed bunt can break his rhythm and create an opening. This works particularly well against opponents who drop back a lot and play well behind the baseline.

Alternating between fast and slower shots can throw your opponent off balance. This change of rhythm prevents your opponent from settling into a fluid game and forces him to constantly adjust his timing. Using slices to slow down the game or suddenly accelerating with a more powerful shot can break the rhythm and create openings.

Cross court exchanges offer more security and are often used at the back of the court. However, the straight is an aggressive option for finishing the point or radically changing the direction of play. Knowing when to hit diagonally or take risks by going straight is essential to balancing attack and defence.