HOW TO BEAT A COUNTER-PUNCHER
AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL, EVERY PLAYER LOOKS GOOD
The top players attack every point aggressively with big full swings on every ball. Their mindset is one of all-out aggression to finish points quickly.
Likewise, their defence is, at times, miraculous. When you attack them, these top players can change into defense and hit incredible winners from impossible positions on the court. During your match, you begin to see this same scenario repeating often. Your attacking game is being ripped apart by your opponent’s incredible defence skills!
YOU COULD BE PLAYING A “COUNTER-PUNCHER” PRETENDING TO BE AN ATTACKING PLAYER!
Sometimes when you review the match later, you realise that your opponent seldom hits winners from offence. You start to realise that the full swings he/she was taking were a type of disguise. While looking and sounding scary, they weren’t your opponent’s primary source of points. Most of their points came from defence, particularly their counter-punching whenever you attacked them!
YOU'VE BEEN PLAYING A COUNTER-PUNCHER BUT DIDN’T REALIZE IT!
I liken this to a fly being caught in a spiderweb. You had continually played into the hands of the counter-puncher each time you attacked them.
Step #1
“Know That You Are Playing A Counter-Puncher”
If you are unaware that your opponent is setting you up for the counter-punch, you will keep playing into the same trap.
Counter-punchers need not be skinny nerds wearing thick horn-rimmed glasses. They can be muscular specimens with huge serves. Don’t be fooled by appearances.
Step #2
“How Do You Attack A Counter-Puncher”?
The short answer is… with caution and intelligently.
Any time you attack an opponent, there is an element of danger. The offence usually involves you going inside the baseline, even as far as the net. With some opponents, you will often win the point this way. The sheer intimidation factor is enough. These opponents will give you many free points when you attack them… but not the counter-puncher!
When you attack the counter-puncher, you are entering their world. You think you are controlling the point, but you’ve actually played yourself into a world of trouble and are in danger of getting tangled in their web.
That’s the warning to be cautious! Now here’s how you attack a counter-puncher intelligently.
Playing offensively against a counter-puncher requires you to juggle 4 critical dimensions successfully, simultaneously and on every point… (yes, it’s mentally exhausting). The 4 dimensions to coordinate against a counter-puncher are:
Speed
You need to get your speeds right. The counter-puncher will prefer you to attack them at a certain speed (fast or slow). Learn the pace they like and give them the opposite speed!
The counter-puncher wants to take the speed of your ball and hurt you with it, but if you don’t give them their preferred speed, you have neutralised one part of their “web.”
Angles
Your use of angles also needs to be done intelligently. Let’s first consider the counter-puncher themselves.
Attacking the counter-puncher wide will show you their preference for passing shots. They will try to pass you either down the line or cross-court; again, they will prefer one of these options over the other.
Once you see their preferred option on the passing shot, you can set up your own trap (web)!
Now let’s consider the angles you will be giving the counter-puncher. As you approach the counter-puncher, you must go wide to the forehand, backhand or through the middle (into their body).
Again. Whether you attack the counter-puncher wide or through the middle will depend on what you are learning about their preferences as the match unfolds. Once you know their preference, give them the opposite.
Height of the contact
The counter-puncher will try to get the ball as low as possible as you come forward. They are trying to make you lift the ball and create a high bounce at their side of the net to help them pass or lob you.
You’ll need to play these low balls they are giving you intelligently. Do not drop-shot these balls. Instead, push these balls deep into a corner or down the middle (remember “Angles”).
Position of your feet for Contact
Be aware of how far you are positioned over the baseline. The closer you are to the net when you contact the ball determines how offensive you are at each point.
Likewise, if you can keep your opponent’s feet as deep in the court as possible while attacking them, the chances of them passing you or hitting a winning lob are reduced.
Counter-punchers are tricky opponents, but it is essential to identify them early in the match (if you haven’t already seen them play). Once you know you’re up against a counter-puncher, your task is as mental and strategic as physical.
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