| Perfecting your strokes is a never ending process | | | | toward the court and not "open" your body (chest |
| which is critical for your tennis game. However, | | | | toward the court) too quickly. This is easier to |
| understanding and implementing different strategies is | | | | accomplish when hitting cross-court, since relative to |
| not any less important, and in many cases is the | | | | the ball's trajectory your shoulder is turned more and |
| determining factor in prevailing over your opponent. | | | | easier to maintain at that position. Also, less accuracy |
| There is no one "cookie-cutter" strategy that works | | | | is required for a cross-court shot than down the line. |
| for all players. Obviously, different players have their | | | | You can hit your shot at a wide range of angles and |
| own style of playing, and would like to adjust their | | | | depths along the opposite sideline-- a short shot with a |
| game to benefit the most of their best shots. This | | | | sharp angle will send your ball far beyond the sideline |
| could mean running around the backhand for a player | | | | after bouncing, while a deeper shot with a wide angle |
| with a great forehand, serve and volley for a big | | | | will be directed more toward the center of the court. |
| server, or approaching the net at any opportunity for a | | | | Hitting down the line allows only a narrow range of |
| great net player. | | | | angles which is harder to accomplish. |
| Players also adjust their strategy to gain an edge over | | | | Approach down the line |
| their opponent. For example, when playing against an | | | | Approaching the net on a short ball is a great way to |
| inconsistent player, you just might want to keep the ball | | | | stay aggressive and win points. Typically you would |
| in play and not "go for it" too often, letting your | | | | like attack balls that bounce before the service line, |
| opponent make the mistake. Playing to your | | | | therefore allowing you an easy shot while moving |
| opponent's weakest shot is another example. | | | | forward. After hitting your approach shot, your |
| Nonetheless, there are general "rules" that can be used | | | | momentum will allow you to get to the net quickly and |
| as the frame on which to build your strategy. | | | | cover the net. |
| Hit cross-court from the baseline | | | | Approaching the net down the line has the advantage |
| During a baseline rally, hitting the ball cross-court is | | | | of keeping most of the court covered, forcing your |
| typically advantageous to hitting down the line. The | | | | opponent to make a very difficult passing shot. If you |
| main reason concerns your position on the court, as | | | | approach cross-court, you have a greater distance to |
| well as your opponent's position. Hitting cross-court | | | | run to the center of the net (in between the T-point |
| creates an angle that can force your opponent to hit | | | | and the net). You might not have enough time to |
| his/her next shot from beyond the sideline. Not only will | | | | position yourself before your opponent hits his/her |
| he/she need to run faster in order to reach that ball, | | | | passing shot. Your opponent will also have more |
| but he will also leave the other side of the court open, | | | | angles to choose from for his/her passing shot, |
| allowing you to hit a winner to that side of the court on | | | | whether it is down the line or cross-court. When |
| your next shot. | | | | approaching down the line and positioning yourself a |
| Hitting the ball down the line is often used as an | | | | foot or two off center to the side from which you |
| aggressive shot aimed at tipping an even rally to your | | | | approached, in between the service line and the net, |
| advantage when the opportunity arises. If you choose | | | | you leave your opponent very little open court to pass |
| to hit the ball down the line during a rally with a weak | | | | you. |
| shot, you are risking getting punished by your opponent | | | | Of course, these are just general concepts that you |
| hitting cross-court, this time forcing you beyond the | | | | might want to utilize for the most part in your game, |
| sideline at the other side of the court, if you could even | | | | but not always. You also want to mix and match |
| make it in time. | | | | different shots and place them differently, keeping your |
| Finally, hitting cross-court is an easier and a safer shot | | | | opponent guessing all the time. However, building your |
| than down the line for many people. Some of it has to | | | | points around this basic strategy is a sure way to |
| do with your body's position when hitting the ball. | | | | improve your game. |
| Typically, you'd like to keep your shoulder turned | | | | |