Tactics against tall and short opponents

What this lesson covers

Playing against tall opponents requires targeting the body with fast balls or hitting soft chiquitas to their feet. These shots force taller players to react within a tighter space where their wingspan is less of an advantage. When lobbing, a fast ball with a lower trajectory often proves more effective than a high lob, as it forces the opponent to play a difficult ball off the back glass. At the back of the court, low volleys with slice compel taller players to maneuver awkwardly, limiting their ability to reach into the corners.

Short opponents possess less reach at the net, making the use of angles and gaps more effective. From the back of the court, the goal shifts to making them cover maximum ground. Using flat, fast volleys that bounce off the glass or soft shots down the middle forces them to move quickly across the court. While lobbing is a standard tactic against shorter players, caution is advised, as they can often strike powerful shots at head height if the lob is too high. These tactical adjustments suit players looking to exploit physical differences in their opponents.