Why Is It Sometimes More Difficult To Beat A Poor Tennis Player Than A Good One?

If you've ever lost a tennis match to a player you thought was clearly inferior to you, you are not alone. Players who lack power or appear to have poor strokes can be the most frustrating to beat. They win for a variety of reasons, including consistency, conditioning, strategy and because they might not be as weak as you think.

Consistency

Tennis points end in one of three ways: someone hits an unforced error, someone hits a winner, or someone forces an error. Weaker players know their limitations and avoid trying to end points quickly with winners. They use depth and direction to wrong foot you, jam you, or otherwise force you into making an error. They also keep the ball in play until you make an unforced error.

Better Conditioning

A weak ball hitter with better cardio stamina and muscular endurance can drain your strength keeping the ball in play the first set or two, causing you to collapse physically during the final set. Avoid going toe to toe with a player who keeps the ball in play; use angles, slice, drops shots and lobs to move her around the court. Don't chase balls you know will take you out of the court if your opponent will have an easy winner after you make the shot. Conserve your energy for upcoming points.

Lack of Pace

Many recreational players use their opponent's ball speed to send balls back with power. This allows you to hit hard shots without moving your feet more than a step or two. Weaker players force you to move forward for shorter balls, step into them and generate your own racket head speed. If you're not used to doing this, you might find yourself spraying shots out the court or hitting weak balls your opponent can use to pass you.

Inconsistency

Weaker players might not be able to hit deep, powerful shots over and over, allowing you to get into a rhythm. They also mishit the ball, unexpectedly making you play weak, short balls. You will find yourself moving to cover a crosscourt or down-the-line shot a weaker player is trying to hit, only to see him mishit the ball in the opposite direction.

Impatience

Many players who feel superior to their opponents try to end points quickly with winners. If you do not regularly serve aces and hit winners down the line or crosscourt, a match against a weaker player is not the time to change your game.