DON'T FORGET THE 3RD TARGET

If you're an advanced competitive player, you must constantly seek an advantage, continually improving your game. Just one strategy or technical change can make all the difference to your results. One area to work on is your shot selection, When, why and where to hit the ball. Great shot selection can compensate for a lack of power and help you attack and defend the point better.

Many players focus primarily on two basic targets: hitting the ball wide to the baseline corners during ground-stroke rallies and serving wide or "big" down the "T."

However, a third target often goes unnoticed and can be a game-changer – the "body target."

There are significant benefits when you target the body and adding this dimension to your game can make you a more versatile and unpredictable player,

The Body Target: A Game-Changing Strategy

Hitting the ball wide to your opponent's baseline forehand and backhand corners is a well-established tactic. It forces your opponent to cover more ground and puts them under continual pressure. However, as the match develops, most advanced opponents begin to adapt to this pattern and start to read which corner you are hitting. This means that you are under pressure to "do more" with your ball which can lead to over-hitting or frustration that the winners you were hitting earlier in the match have dried up.

Likewise, serving wide and down the "T" can create easy points early in the match, but once your opponent adapts to your speed and your targets, your early advantage can disappear.

Targeting the body can be really effective when
serving

By targeting the body or through the middle of the court, you bring a whole new dimension to your game that offers several distinct advantages.

1. Reducing Reaction Time

For most opponents, when you target their body (often called "jamming" them), you're making it difficult for them to move their feet and set up for a shot. This effectively reduces their shot quality. Simply hitting the ball to their forehand or backhand baseline corners allows them to prepare early and respond. At a high level giving your opponent the ability to swing freely is a dangerous thing. In contrast, a well-placed shot to their body makes footwork and timing difficult.

2. Creating Uncertainty

Consistently targeting your opponent's forehand and backhand corners can make your game predictable. Your opponent will anticipate where the ball will likely go and adjust accordingly. By mixing in shots to the body, you create uncertainty. Your opponent can't predict where the ball is going, leading to hesitation.

Liken this to a boxer punching someone in the nose two times before swinging with a hook. Your opponent must continue to worry about your "Jab" and leave themselves open to a "hook" at any time.

Your aim is to not allow your opponent to
anticipate the deep corner targets and move early.

3. Creating Short Balls

Hitting the body target can result in your opponent hitting shorter, less powerful replies. When the ball jams into your opponent's body, they may struggle to generate the same amount of pace and control as they would with a wider ball. This can create opportunities for you to step forward and attack the ball early.

4. Forcing Errors

Players prefer returning either wide or tight to the body. No player prefers both. If you encounter an opponent that struggles with balls into their body, keep giving them that ball. The issue for your opponent is almost always based on their poor technique, and fixing the problem within the match is impossible for them. They will continue to make errors on the same ball to the body throughout the match.

You're not there to provide the spectators with an interesting match; you're there to win and leave the court as soon as possible. Stick to what is working.

Body Target During Baseline Exchanges

Now that we've established the benefits of targeting the body let's explore how to implement this strategy during baseline rallies.

1. Change of Direction

One of the most effective ways to target the body during baseline exchanges is by incorporating sudden changes in direction. Start by engaging in cross-court rallies and then, at the right moment, switch your target to your opponent's body by aiming for the middle of the court. This switch disrupts your opponent's rhythm and catches them off guard.

2. Approach Shots

When you hit a well-placed approach shot down the middle of the court, you force your opponent to make a quick decision. They must decide whether to go for a passing shot (you've reduced their angle on the passing shot), a lob or to hit it directly at you. In each case, you have put yourself in a favourable position to potentially win the point.

3. Defensive Strategy

When you're on the defensive, targeting your opponent's body can be game-changing. You'll have to assess your opponent's preference (wide or body), but for most opponents, a ball into their body will disrupt their offensive plans and allow you to regain control of the rally by neutralising the point for you.

The Serve

Targeting the body when serving can be particularly effective. A well-placed serve towards your opponent's body limits their options and makes it difficult to control the Return. Your goal is either to neutralise your opponent's return, particularly helpful on your 2nd serve points, or to set up the wide and "T" serve targets for later by keeping the Returner guessing constantly.

Conclusion

In the world of advanced competitive tennis, small tactical adjustments can profoundly impact your performance. The body target is an adjustment that can give you the upper hand in matches.

To incorporate the body target into your game, you'll need to practice targeting the centre of the court from defence, ensuring you learn to master the speeds and heights you need in actual matches.

Remember that balance is key – while the body target is a valuable addition to your arsenal, it should complement, not replace, your other tactics, such as hitting the ball wide of your opponent. Being versatile and unpredictable on the court is the hallmark of a great tennis player.

So, the next time you step onto the court, don't limit yourself to the traditional forehand and backhand corner targets. Embrace the power of the body target and watch your game reach new heights. It's a subtle yet effective strategy to help you unlock your full tennis potential and become a more formidable competitor.