Tennis, widely ranked the 4th most popular sport in the world, requires a variety of physical and mental abilities, as well as a wide range of techniques and playing styles. Tennis players have different strengths, weaknesses, and preferences, which result in diverse approaches to the game.
In this write up, LagateRaho.com explores the different tennis playing styles and techniques used by players around the world:
- Serve and Volley Style
The serve and volley style is a classic tennis technique that involves serving the ball and then rushing to the net to finish the point with a volley. This style is often used by players who have a strong serve and excellent skills at the net, as it allows them to seize control of the point and finish it quickly. Some of the most prolific and successful serve and volley players include Pete Sampras, Stefan Edberg, and Martina Navratilova.
- Baseline Style
The baseline style is another popular technique used by many tennis players. This style involves players hitting most shots from the back of the court, near the baseline, and relying on consistency and power to wear down their opponents. Baseline players typically have strong groundstrokes and hit the ball with great pace and spin. Some of the best baseline players in tennis history include Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Chris Evert.
- All-Court Style
All-court players are the most versatile of the lot. The all-court style is an approach to tennis that involves a mix of serve and volley, baseline, and net play. Players using this approach need to be comfortable in all areas of the court and adapt their game to the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. Typically, all-court players are very athletic and have a wide range of shots and game play strategies. Some of the most successful all-court players include the greats like Roger Federer, Boris Becker, and Steffi Graf.
- Counter Puncher Style
Counter punchers are more defensive players who defend aggressively and wait for an opportunity to attack their opponent. Counter punchers are known to be great on their feet, possess good speed and anticipation, as well as have the ability to turn defense into offense quickly. This style of play is often used by players who don’t have the most powerful shots but are very consistent and smart on court. Some of the best counter punchers in tennis history include Bjorn Borg, Andre Agassi, and Simona Halep.
- Power Hitter Style
Power hitters are aggressive players who hit the ball with maximum power and pace, often from the baseline. Power hitters are reliant on their strength and explosive shots to dominate the opponent and finish points quickly. This style is often used by players with a great serve, a powerful forehand or backhand, and the ability to hit winners from anywhere on the court. Some of the most successful power hitters in tennis tennis history include Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, and Goran Ivanisevic.
- Serve Dominant Style
Players whose main weapon is the serve use this style. Serve dominant players typically have a big, accurate serve and have the ability to hit aces or unreturnable serves consistently. This style is regularly combined with a powerful baseline game or net play, depending on the individual player’s preference. A few of the best serve dominant players in history include John Isner, Ivo Karlovic, and Venus Williams.
- Net Player Style
The net player style is used by players who are extremely comfortable at the net and rely on volleys, half-volleys, and smashes to win points. Net players are often very athletic and have excellent reflexes and touch. This style is often combined with a strong serve or a solid baseline game, depending on the player’s strengths. Some of the best net players include Mardy Fish and Leander Paes.
Which style do you like playing or watching the most?