Tactics · Against a striker
How do you beat a baseline striker?
To beat a baseline striker, stop them hitting in rhythm and from their favourite spot: play deep, vary height and pace, and make them hit on the run and on their weaker side. Come to the net when they are pushed back, and stay patient: they are the one who has to take the risks.
Key takeaways
- Their strength: steady rhythm, heavy shots and the ability to take control from the baseline.
- Your number-one weapon is depth: a short ball hands them the attack; a deep ball keeps them far from the court.
- Break the rhythm: high topspin, low slice, slow balls then acceleration; they dislike balls with no pace.
- Make them move: a striker hitting on the run is far less accurate.
- Patience: limit your unforced errors and wait for the short ball to attack in turn.
How does a baseline striker play?
To beat a baseline striker, you first need to understand their game. This player stays close to the baseline, hits hard and heavy, and looks to take control as soon as your ball lands short. They build the rally methodically, move you with depth and angles, then accelerate to finish.
- A high, steady rhythm: they love medium-paced balls at hip height.
- A big shot, often the forehand, which they try to hit as often as possible.
- Varied trajectories to stop you finding your own rhythm.
- Good fitness, allowing them to repeat heavy shots over long rallies.
Do not confuse them with the defender (the “pusher”), who returns everything without trying to attack: the plan against them is different, see how to beat a pusher.
How do you break a striker’s rhythm?
A baseline striker needs rhythm. Your first goal is to take it away by never giving them the same ball twice.
- Change the height: topspin balls bouncing at shoulder height force them to hit high or step back; low slices make them play from below net height.
- Change the pace: play one or two slower balls, then suddenly accelerate. A player who feeds on your pace struggles to create their own.
- Use the angles: move them sideways so they hit on the run, which sharply reduces their accuracy.
- Target their weaker side, often the backhand, to stop them running around it to hit forehands.
Why is depth your best weapon?
A ball landing near the service line is exactly what a striker is waiting for: they step in, hit from inside the court and take control of the point. A deep ball, bouncing in the last third of the court, keeps them at a distance and limits the angles they can open.
Aim for an area one to two metres inside the baseline, with margin over the net. Once that depth is established, an occasional short cross-court ball makes them come forward and then back, which disrupts their footwork. The principles are covered in our guide to baseline tactics.
| Your ball | What it does to the striker |
|---|---|
| Short, mid-court | They step in and attack: avoid this |
| Deep topspin | They move back or hit above the shoulder |
| Low slice | They have to lift the ball, less power |
| Short cross-court, after deep balls | They run forward and wide |
Should you come to the net against a baseline striker?
Yes, when the moment is right. Many baseline strikers are less comfortable against an opponent at the net, especially when the approach is well prepared. The rule: come in behind a ball that troubles them, never behind a short ball down the middle.
- After a deep ball that has pushed them back.
- After a ball that drags them wide, on the angle or to the backhand.
- After a low approach slice, which forces them to hit up.
Once at the net, play deep, decisive volleys: a soft volley gives them the initiative back. The basics of the stroke are in our article on volley technique, and for touch, the drop shot is a good way to bring them forward.
Ages 9–172 weeksCoached tournamentsTournament Camp JuniorTwo weeks of training and tournaments, with a coach by your side during matches.DISCOVER How do you stay patient against a big hitter?
The classic mistake against a striker is trying to match their power. You end up playing their game and piling up unforced errors. Stick to your plan: consistency, depth, variety, and attack only on the short ball.
- Limit your unforced errors: a striker misses when taking risks; let them take them.
- Accept their winners: they will hit some. What matters is the balance between their winners and their errors.
- Stay focused on your plan, even after losing two or three points in a row.
- Stay strong physically: the longer the rally, the lower their success rate.
For mental tools (routines, breathing, handling frustration), see our guide to the mental game in tennis, and for an overview of game plans, our pillar guide to tennis tactics.
Against a big hitter, the game plan also depends on your own weapons: the Mouratoglou Method always starts from the player’s profile before building tactics. The same clear-headed principles help you beat a lower-ranked opponent and sharpen your return of serve. We train them in match situations on our tennis camps on the French Riviera (Biot, near Nice).
Frequently asked questions
How do you unsettle a baseline striker?
Take away their rhythm: vary height and pace (high topspin, low slice, slow balls then acceleration), play deep and make them hit on the run. Come to the net behind a ball that puts them in trouble.
Should I take risks against this style of play?
As few as possible while the rally is neutral: they are the one who must take risks. Pick your moments, such as a short ball or an opponent pulled wide, to attack in turn.
What is the best tactic against a big hitter?
Depth and variety. Deep balls keep them away from the court, balls without pace force them to create their own power, and angles make them hit on the run. Add well-prepared approaches to the net.
Should I play to their forehand or their backhand?
Usually to their weaker side, often the backhand, to keep them from hitting their big shot. An occasional switch to the forehand stops them shifting too far across to run around the backhand.
How do I practise specifically against an aggressive baseliner?
Ask a partner to hit hard and flat while you work on depth, high balls and changes of pace. Count the rallies you win beyond five shots: that is where big hitters start to doubt. On the Tournament Camp Junior, this kind of scenario is repeated in themed match play with a coach watching.
