Opponent types and counters

No opponent is like another, but many fall into recurring types. Whoever recognizes these types has a counter ready for each — and doesn't have to start from scratch in every match.

Against the attacker who constantly hits hard and wants to end the point quickly, you take the pace out. High, deep balls drive them back and take away their attacking position; short balls force them forward out of their comfort zone. You deny them the rhythm they're looking for.

Against the defensive player who brings everything back and waits for your mistake, patience helps. You move them across all four corners, draw the rallies out, and wait until fatigue or impatience drives them into an error. Whoever gets impatient here and seeks the risk plays into their hands.

Against the slow or immobile opponent you play wide angles and long distances. You force them to cover a lot of ground and hit into the spaces they can't reach in time.

You are a doctor who first makes the diagnosis and then chooses the right remedy. The same recipe for every opponent works as little as the same medicine for every illness.

The counter begins with the early diagnosis: in the warm-up and the first points you recognize the type — and adjust to it, instead of playing the same against everyone.

Think of three opponents you often play against. Which type does each match — attacker, defensive player, immobile player, or a mixture? Think up a simple counter for each: take the pace out, tire them across four corners, force long distances. Resolve to determine your opponent's type already in the warm-up of your next match and apply your remedy early.