| Winning Ugly the book by Brad Gilbert (ex coach of | | | | There are many different styles of players out there |
| Andre Agassi and ex top 10 player) is an absolute | | | | as you may have noticed, and some names for these |
| mecca of winning strategy tips to help any player at | | | | types are: Serve Volleyer, Weak server, Fast Runner, |
| any level to win more tennis matches by watching | | | | Backhand Attacker, Big Server, Left hander etc. |
| your opponent closely and being prepared. The book is | | | | To win more matches you need to identify your |
| called Winning Ugly because those around the | | | | opponent's game style and label them. |
| professional scene at the time Brad Gilbert was at the | | | | How To Label Players Into Categories |
| top called his style ugly - he used to win matches he | | | | Take some time at home, now if you can, to write a |
| shouldn't have won, and his secret is - if you can read | | | | brief game plan for each 'Type' so you are prepared |
| your opponent and identify their game style you can | | | | strategically for each of these styles of players. |
| label them and have a game plan prepared so you are | | | | For example, say you yourself are a Big server and |
| strategically ready for each style of player you come | | | | your next match is against a Retriever, your game |
| up against. | | | | plan should be something like this: prepare to not rely |
| An example... have you ever come across a player | | | | on aces because Retrievers feed off pace and get a |
| that just seems to get everything back. Brad Gilbert | | | | lot back in to play. Your plan would be to take the |
| calls this style of player a 'Retriever'. Retrievers rarely | | | | pace off your serves and shots, going more for |
| take risks or go for big winners, they just love to stay | | | | placement then power. Also bring them to net often |
| at the base line and hit and hit and hit. They just keep | | | | because typically for a retriever the net is an |
| going and going and often wear you down and they | | | | uncomfortable place to be. |
| often win by either wearing you out, or patiently waiting | | | | Good luck, and get to work on your, all be it simple, pre |
| until you make a mistake in a point. When you read | | | | match player plans, I assure you you'll have an edge |
| your opponent and label them this way you are likely | | | | on court. |
| to win more matches because you are prepared | | | | |