How to Beat the

THE STEADY BASELINER This player is common at all levels. They win by keeping the ball in play and luring their opponents into over-hitting shots and forcing them to become impatient. They have the most success with players that have weak finishing skills in their games. They would prefer the match be played at the baseline where they are the most comfortable.

Seven Tactics to Try: 1) Be patient and work the point. Make 5 shots before you try to hit any winners. 2) Look for chances to come into the net and finish the point. These players don’t “give” you much so you must be prepared to go “take it”. 3) Use a drop shot to get them off the baseline. That is where they love to be. 4) Serve and Volley more than usual. This will keep you from getting lured into a marathon baseline match. 5) Step up and attack all second serves. 6) Mix up the pace of your groundstrokes from the baseline. These players can easily get grooved if the pace is always the same. 7) Work this player up and back, not side to side. They are accustomed to moving side to side, and do it well.

Three things to avoid: 1) Don’t become impatient and over-hit. This is what they are banking on and how they win most of their matches. 2) Don’t get lured into a baseline battle. As soon as it is apparent that they can beat you from the baseline, you must try an alternate strategy. 3) Don’t get lured into using a game plan you do not own. Many people get frustrated and serve & volley against these players, even though they do it poorly.