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Now that the weather has finally cooled down it's time to start playing some matches. Hitting tennis balls around with friends is enjoyable, but the real fun is going out there and competing (playing sets). The way to win is to set up the points so that your strengths are strengthened and your weakness minimalized.

A way to do this is to tailor your strategy depending on the style of your opponents play. At the club level variety can be as much of a weapon as a big forehand or serve.

Before I talk about game plans for different styles of players there are some basic principles that must be followed in order to play high percentage tennis. A huge risk factor for the recreational player is changing the direction of the ball in a rally (from crosscourt to down the line). Players want to be more disciplined and keep the ball deep (crosscourt, or in the direction from which the ball came) until the ball is hit short. On the short ball (when time to set up) the direction can then be changed.

A bit of geometry comes in to play regarding the benefits of the crosscourt rally. By going crosscourt you have an additional 4.5 feet to work with, and the net is also six inches lower in the middle.

The dictating baseliner (Andre Agassi). This is one of the more popular styles on the pro tour. These guys usually hit the ball so hard with their forehands that they dictate play and have you scrabbling around. Make these guys constantly move. In order to do this you're going to have to take a bit more risk by going up the line to their weaker backhand side. These players are looking to hit monster forehands often exposing the open court.

The consistent baseliner (clay court specialists). These guys do not miss. They want long rallies of 10 or more shots. Before they go for their shots they want rhythm. Don't give it to them. In the first couple of shots, do something offensive like go to the net or serve and volley.

The big server (Andy Roddick, Tayor Dent). You have to take care of your own serve because these guys usually hold easily. It is important to not get down on yourself when they hit aces. When he has a second serve do whatever it takes to get the ball back in play. These guys are usually tall and don't like to get down. Low balls can give them trouble.

The counterpuncher (Michael Chang, Hewitt). These guys are scrappy and usually very competitive. If you aren't playing well these guys will take over. There weakness is their second serve. Attack their serve with big returns. The counterpuncher won't give up so it is important to dictate an aggressive style of play from the beginning.

The clean ballstriker (Marat Safin, Roger Federer, Andre Agassi). Variety is key. Hit the ball at varying pace, spin and height. The ballstriker has a strike zone that they like. Try to keep the ball out of their wheel-house. This player also feeds off rhythm.

The local pusher. This player hits the ball slow, high and steady. This type of player no longer exists on the pro tour, but is still very dangerous at the club level. A good way to play the pusher is to hit it high and deep down the middle.

When the opportunity arises sneak into the net. One needs to be patient. The pusher usually leaves parts of the court wide open. The pusher will panic when pressure is put on him. The response of the pusher is to throw up lots of lobs. Make sure that you practise your overhead.

The aggressive net rusher (Pat Rafter, Tim Henman). On the tour this type of player is a dying breed. Hitting the low and crosscourt forces them to volley from a weaker position (they can't get enough power). If the ball gets below the net on them they'll either try a risky dropshot or pop it up. Move in to make them pay.[[In-content Ad]]

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