One of the best ways to beat opponents is to take them out of their comfort zone. They may be hitting one very consistent shot or have a particular weapon. People play best when their strokes flow and they don’t have to consciously think too much about the shot they are hitting. You need to give them something different coming from your side of the court that makes them think a little more. How you ask? By mixing up your shots.
For example…if your opponents are constantly lobbing you to pull you off the net, use the drop shot. It’s very difficult to lob a ball that you are running forward to get.
Another example…your opponent is pouching frequently and cutting off your return, hit the return down the line, right at them, or lob them.
If you don’t feel comfortable hitting a big variety of shots, you can still mix it up. Vary the height of your shots, alter your spin, come to net, take a high ball out of the air, or change the pace.
Mix it up and do something out of the ordinary and you’ll surprise your opponent, break their mental rhythm, and keep them off balance.
