Tennis Tip: Think Outside the Crosscourt Box
As players, we often default to the familiar—the reliable crosscourt return. It’s what we drill, what we see, and what we expect. But here’s the truth: Sticking to that pattern makes you predictable, and predictability gets punished.
There are two high-opportunity zones most players overlook:
1. The Center of the Court: Hitting deep down the middle neutralizes your opponent’s angles. It often catches them off guard and forces awkward movement, especially if they were expecting another crosscourt ball. Once they drift toward the middle, you’ve just opened up space near the alleys for your next shot.
2. Straight Down the Alley: This is a particularly effective reply in doubles. Most players shy away from it because it’s not the “percentage” shot, but that’s exactly why it works. You’ll often catch net players (“poachers”) leaning the wrong way or assuming the crosscourt is coming. It keeps them honest and off-balance.
We’re all creatures of habit, but if you want to grow your game, you’ve got to challenge those habits. Practice the patterns you don’t normally use. Start trusting the less-traveled routes. Keep your opponent guessing. Don’t let them “read you like a book.”
And remember: Don’t let F.O.N.K. (Fear Of Not Knowing) freeze your creativity on court. Variety isn’t risky—it’s your secret weapon.