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THE 8 OPPOSITES: Developing Match Strategy

By Paul Dale | The 3AM Method

The 8 Opposites: Match Strategy to Outsmart Your Opponent

Every tennis player has preferences. Some like the ball high, others low. Some thrive on fast shots, while others prefer slower rallies. Some feel comfortable with the ball wide, while others struggle when it's played into their body. Finally, some players like being at the net, while others are at their best when rallying from the baseline.

These four opposites—High vs Low, Fast vs Slow, Wide vs Tight, and Up vs. Back—create a framework for analysing an opponent. No player is equally comfortable with both choices in any pair. One will always be better than the other, and that's where strategy comes in. 

The key to winning a match is figuring

out which of these "preferences/opposites" 

bothers your opponent the most and use it to

your advantage

Understanding the 8 Opposites in Detail

1. High vs. Low – Some players excel at hitting high-bouncing shots, while others struggle with them and prefer lower, skidding balls. This can be influenced by grip, playing style, and their early coaching influences

2. Fast vs. Slow: Some players love pace, using their opponent’s power to redirect the ball efficiently. Others prefer a slower tempo, which gives them time to prepare. If a player struggles with pace, hitting fast, heavy shots can break them down. Conversely, slowing the game down can frustrate an aggressive opponent who needs pace to time the ball and play their best.

Tennis has been dominated by pure physicality for years, ignoring the huge potential of Strategy as a means to win matches

1. Wide vs. Tight (Into the Body) – Many players enjoy running wide to hit their groundstrokes, usually because it automatically forces their legs to coordinate with the oncoming ball. However, jamming them by hitting into their body can often uncover poor footwork, forcing awkward, weak replies.

2. Up (at the Net) vs. Back (at the Baseline) – Some players love to move forward and thrive on finishing points at the net. Others feel more comfortable rallying from the baseline. Knowing whether to draw your opponent forward with a drop shot or keep them back at the baseline could be a crucial part of your match strategy.

Each player has a dominant 

preference within these 

opposites. By recognizing 

and exploiting their strength 

and weaknesses, you can 

dictate play and control the match.

Seeing the Opposites in Action

A great example of this theory in action occurred when I was the captain of the Thai tennis team at the 1998 Asian Games. Our top player, Paradorn Srichaphan, faced Korea’s Hyun Taik Lee, who was ranked 34th in the world at the time.

We lost the first set, and the second set wasn’t looking good, either. Paradorn was playing great tennis—attacking and forcing the issue—but every time he attacked wide, Lee would respond with a perfect down-the-line passing shot. No matter how well Paradorn played, Lee had an answer.

Watching from the captain’s chair, I realised we needed a change. If attacking wide wasn’t working, why not try its opposite? Instead of attacking Lee wide, we decided to attack through the middle, playing into his body.

During the next changeover, we discussed the change and decided to try it. my instructions were: Whenever you’re in trouble during the rally or go on the attack, play through the middle.

On the very first point after the changeover, Paradon was under pressure wide on his forehand. As instructed, he targeted the centre of the court. The result was even better than we expected as Lee mishit his shot off the frame and sent it flying into the crowd. 

From that moment, the match completely changed. Lee continued to struggle with balls that came into his body, and Paradorn took control of the match.

Thailand's Paradon Srichaphan was able to adopt a specific match strategy that helped him turn his match around

How to Use This in Your Own Matches

The next time you’re in a match, start watching your opponent closely. What shots do they handle well, and what shots do they struggle with? You don’t need to use all four opposites—one is usually enough to tip the match in your favour. 

You can best spot your opponents' weak "Opposite" during the warm-up or in the early games of a match. Watch closely for signs of their strengths and weaknesses.

Over many matches, you will begin to see that the "Opposites" you spot become familiar. 

It becomes easier to recognise 

the correct "opposite" is required 

for each individual player, 

and the various strategies 

you use for each match 

start to repeat.

Try using the 8 Opposites theory in your next match; you might be surprised at how quickly things start to go your way.

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