How to beat a baseline striker: The ultimate strategy

Before devising a strategy, it’s crucial to understand how a baseline player works. This style relies on long rallies, using depth and angles to force you into errors, while maintaining a constant tempo. Players adept at this approach rely on their consistency and physical endurance to force you to make mistakes.
Key characteristics:

• Consistency: They hit safe shots and limit unforced errors.
• Solid defence : Thanks to their effective court coverage, they return most balls.
• Trajectory variation: They regularly change the direction and height of their shots to prevent you from finding a rhythm.
   

The key to beating a striker who plays from the back of the court is to disrupt his consistency by varying your shots. A player who plays mainly at the back likes to maintain a steady pace and naturally falls into a pattern of prolonged exchanges. You can break this dynamic by varying your shots.

Against a player playing far behind the baseline, it’s vital to keep your balls deep. If your shots lack length, you risk giving him opportunities to attack and take control of the point. By hitting long balls, you force him to stay at a distance, which limits his ability to take the initiative.

• Aim for the baseline: Balls close to the baseline prevent your opponent from being aggressive and force him to play defensively.
• Mix long and short shots: By alternating deep and shorter balls, you force your opponent to constantly adjust his footwork, putting him in a more uncomfortable situation.

Cleverly coming up to the net is another way of destabilising an attacker who remains at the back of the court. Players at the back of the court are not always comfortable with frequent rises to the net, especially if they are well prepared.

• Go up after a deep ball: A long, well-placed shot is an excellent opportunity to advance towards the net. The baseline player will be forced to hit into a difficult situation, reducing his chances of passing or lobbing.
• Be aggressive on volleys: Once you’re at the net, play fast, deep volleys to keep the pressure on. If you give your opponent too much space, he could regain the advantage in the rally.

Even the best players at the back have weaknesses. It’s essential to identify these weaknesses as early as possible in the match so that you can adjust your strategy accordingly. Whether it’s a weaker backhand, difficulty handling high balls or hesitant rises to the net, these elements need to be exploited.

Target the backhand: If you notice that his backhand is less reliable than his forehand, keep attacking him from that side to cause errors.

Vary heights and angles: Encourage your opponent to move constantly and hit from uncomfortable positions.

To beat a baseline attacker, you need to be patient. This style of play requires long exchanges, and it’s important not to rush your shots or try to finish the point too early. Wait for the right opportunities before going on the offensive.

Limit unforced errors: Don’t try to hit winning shots too early. Concentrate on consistency, building your points and waiting for the right moment to attack.

Stay focused: It’s easy to get frustrated with a player who systematically returns every ball. Keep your concentration and your strategy in mind throughout the match.