Defend Better Against Net Rushers

Tennis tactics should be logical and simple, and when they're utilized by players, they should be utilized prior to the point starting. You're probably thinking, "how about tactics inside of a point?” In other words, once the point has already started, shouldn't we execute certain tactics?" 

Well, I'm here to tell you that high-level players do not utilize tactics inside of the point consciously. All these things are happening intuitively as a result of muscle memory and repetition.

And when I'm talking about muscle memory, I'm referring to the brain remembering the scenarios that players have been exposed to tens of thousands of times. However, what are you supposed to do when a player decides to rush the net constantly? 

You have no muscle memory or previous scenarios in your head that you can look back to. Hence, in today’s article, we will discuss the best ways to defend better against net rushers.

Happening Too Fast

When you're playing tennis, the game is happening so fast across all levels, even at the recreational level, that there's not enough time to have a conscious thought, and forget about saying a full sentence – the ball just comes back too quickly.

So, in essence, the tennis game, once the point has started, has to be intuitive. Of course, there are going to be many tactics that you can utilize prior to the point starting, but how about tactics inside of the point?

While they are absolutely intuitive and players are not consciously thinking about them because they've been exposed to these scenarios thousands, if not tens of thousands, of times, how about you guys at the recreational level where you haven't been exposed to these scenarios? Well, here you are going to have to learn some tactics that should be utilized inside of the point.

Panic Attacks

I'm going to give you one valuable tip, one tactic that recreational players should utilize, and some technical mistakes that players commit under this scenario.

Let me tell you what that scenario is – something that happens all the time at the rec level – and that is when your opponent or opponents are rushing the net.

The number one tactical mistake that I see at the recreational level is that players will immediately lob their opponent when they see them rush the net. This is a tactical error, and I'm going to tell you why.

See, the lob is a low-percentage shot. You don't perceive it to be a low-percentage shot because you see a wide-open space, especially if you're playing outdoors, and it seems like a good idea. But in fact, it's a terrible idea, whether you're playing doubles or singles.

Double The Trouble

In doubles, the lob is often the most overused shot at the recreational level. Imagine a scenario where one player is stationary at the net, while the other is at the baseline receiving the ball.

If the net player is staying back, the baseline player might immediately attempt a lob. However, this isn't a very effective shot since there's another baseline player on the opposite side who can easily reach the lob.

Now, let's consider the situation where the baseline player on the other side is rushing the net, and there's a net player present. The key to executing a successful lob is to do it when the net rusher is still moving forward, not when they're set with their feet.

This is especially true if the net rusher is positioned between the net and the service line. If the lob is attempted when they're moving forward, it becomes more challenging for them to adjust their positioning and track the ball effectively.

Making Things Harder

At the recreational level, not many players have mastered the topspin lob. Most lobs executed are defensive and tend to be flat. These defensive lobs are easier for opponents to run down, particularly if they're near the net.

So, whether you're playing doubles, keep in mind that when you choose to execute a lob, ensure that your opponent is still in motion, moving forward. 

This way, the quality of the lob becomes less critical, and even a defensive lob can be effective due to the forward momentum of your opponent.

Big Exceptions

When your opponent is in a stationary position, firmly planted on the ground, even if they're positioned a bit further back on the court, executing a high-quality topspin lob becomes necessary to have a chance of winning the point.

However, hitting such a precise lob is a challenging task, making it a low-percentage tactic. Consequently, you need to exercise caution and be highly selective when using lobs, especially when your opponent rushes the net.

While this tactical error can occur in both singles and doubles, it's more commonly observed among recreational players in doubles. However, I do notice it occasionally in singles matches as well.

All In Your Head

This phenomenon can be attributed to a mental perception – the open space above the opponent appears inviting, and it seems logical to try to hit over them. Nevertheless, this perception is misleading. 

Despite the seemingly ample space, hitting an effective lob is challenging, and it's a low-percentage shot that often leads to unfavorable outcomes.

In reality, there are far more effective tactics that you can employ in such situations. While the lob might seem like a tempting option, it's crucial to remember that there are higher-percentage shots and strategies that can yield better results on the tennis court.

Hit The Extra Ball

Here's a highly effective tactic to employ when your opponent rushes the net: make them volley. However, there's an important consideration to keep in mind.

When you opt for this tactic, aim your shots below your opponent's hip. This strategic move is designed to exploit biomechanical limitations that most players face when attempting to defend shots hit at specific body positions. This tactic is particularly potent when targeting what I call the "blind spot."

Used At All Levels

During the Laver Cup, you might have witnessed Francis Tiafoe executing this tactic flawlessly. He capitalized on the biomechanical constraints of net players by aiming for their blind spot.

Now, it's essential to exercise caution when executing this tactic. I strongly advise against hitting shots above the hip level, especially at the recreational level.  

Striking shots above the hip can pose a significant risk to the net player's safety, potentially causing injury by hitting them in sensitive areas like the throat or head.

Instead, direct your shots at the net rusher's feet. By doing so, you force them to volley upwards, greatly reducing their chances of hitting a winning shot. In fact, the likely outcome is that they'll pop the ball up, setting you up for an easier passing shot opportunity on the subsequent shot.

Going All Out

Another common tactical error that transcends all levels occurs when opponents rush the net. Many players, upon facing a net-rushing opponent, make the mistake of aiming for the line with their passing shots.

While it's true that you need to hit the ball close to the line to execute a successful passing shot, aiming too close to the line can lead to a low-percentage play.

A frequent response to this situation is players attempting outright winners by hitting the line. This approach often results in a high number of errors due to the difficulty of hitting such precise shots consistently.

Final Thoughts

A more effective alternative to win points against these players is to opt for a safer play: making your opponent volley. Particularly at the recreational level, this can be a strategically wise choice. By aiming your shot below your opponent's hip, you force them to volley the ball upward.

When they pop up the volley, you'll receive a slower and shorter ball on the next shot, setting you up for a more comfortable and higher-percentage passing shot winner. Make sure to not ruin your opportunity!