Plan B — SS #24

I’m back on YouTube! As a subscriber to my newsletter, I would love your feedback on this new video format I’m trialing. I’m aiming for a much more authentic style.

All right, on to today’s newsletter.

Club, recreational, and even professional players often have one strategy they rely on heavily—Plan A.

For most, this means dominating from the baseline. But what happens when you come across someone better than you from the baseline?

What do you do then? Are you going to just mail in the score? (Borrowing this phrase from Vic Braden.)

You need to think ahead to when your baseline game isn’t enough to beat an opponent and start thinking about developing a deep skill set that will let you adapt and be flexible against a variety of opponents.

We Emulate What We Watch on TV—Lots of Baseline Bashing

We’re creatures of habit, and we mimic what we see on TV. Over the past several years, baseline rallies have dominated professional tennis. Players like Nadal, Sabalenka, Djokovic, Gauff, and Medvedev dictate points with incredible power and consistency from the baseline.

The problem is, at the club or rec level, mimicking this style doesn’t always work. While it might be harder to approach the net at the pro level, it’s absolutely a viable strategy for club-level players. In fact, trying out different approaches, such as attacking the net or forcing your opponent to come in, might give you an edge.

But recreational players often fall into the trap of thinking that baseline play is their only option. They forget that there are other strategies—strategies that can tip the odds in your favor, especially when you face a better baseline player.

In today’s newsletter, I’m going to guide you through the three main ways of beating someone, why you might struggle to try out Plan B, and then work you through ways you can make Plan B an integral part of your repertoire.

3 Ways

Years ago, a coach told me that there are three main ways to beat someone. I’m blanking on who it was exactly, and I just want to clarify that these are not my concepts nor am I taking credit for them. But they are a powerfully succinct way of thinking about strategy.

From the Baseline

This is the most common and utilized method all over the world. You serve, return, and try to outlast, force errors, or, (I hope not), blast winners from and around the baseline. You’re saying, “Hey, I know I can beat you from back here. And I know my game is more solid than yours from back here.”

From the Net

I still fantasize about this bygone era—names like Krajicek, Henman, and Rafter. Players whose only goal was to try and finish each point at the net and not engage in long, baseline slug fests. If you’re playing with this strategy, your aim is to structure your points so that you always finish up at the net.

Bringing them to the Net

Ever notice that some players hate the net with a passion? Drop a ball short, and they'll hit it and scamper back to the baseline. Players like this haven’t spent enough time up at the net in their developmental stages and are therefore uncomfortable with being up there. An observant player will be able to notice an opponent’s lack of skills at the net and exploit them. Go for passing shots? Hell no. Just hit the ball straight at your opponent to see if they can even volley.

Why Players Resist Plan B

Developing a Plan B, such as strengthening your net skills or learning how to lure your opponent to the net, is often easier said than done. But why is that the case?

I think part of it is a fear of change. Most players have spent their entire tennis careers focusing on their Plan A. Switching playing styles feels risky, and uncomfortable, especially when you’re under pressure. Then there is the ego component that I have mentioned in the past as well.

A lack of practice also factors into this; players don’t practice their Plan B as much as their baseline game. So if you spend 90% of your time grinding from the baseline, it’s no wonder why you lack confidence at the net! Without dedicated practice to develop alternative tactics, Plan B can feel like reaching into an empty bag. There’s nothing of substance there.

And finally, it could also be a mental issue or block. As we’ve covered many times before, the brain seems to be wired to stick with what’s familiar, even if it’s not giving you success.

Overcoming all of this can be key to developing a Plan B.

Plan B Requires Preparation

Here’s the thing—Plan B doesn’t just show up in a match.

You’ve got to practice it.

That means putting yourself in different situations during practice.

Spend consistent time working on net approaches, and practice invitation shots and drop shots so that when you’re forced to bring an opponent in, you know what to do.

It’s definitely not enough to say, “I’ll just go to the net if Plan A fails.” If you haven’t practiced it in match-like and challenging settings in practice, you won’t feel confident doing it in a match. Develop your skills through varied practice scenarios, and your Plan B will become as reliable as your Plan A. That’s the plan, anyways.

Practical Ways to Develop Plan B

Start Small

Spend a little time in blocked and more in variable modes of practice to give yourself more confidence with the new skill you want to add to your repertoire. When you’re practicing, dedicate a portion of your time to net approaches, drop shots, and mid-court play. Break out of the “baseline bashing” habit—and maybe even stop watching highlights of baseline bashers! Force yourself to be uncomfortable in practice.

Focus on Match Simulations

Try playing sets or entire matches with practice partners under constraints. So for example, you could play a set where you’re not allowed to stay at the baseline. Or, play with a practice partner where your goal is to finish every point at the net. This means things like being super disciplined with your baseline play; if your goal is to end the point at the net, then why the hell are you making so many unforced errors? Practicing scenarios in match-like conditions builds the confidence needed to execute your Plan B in real matches.

The Art of Flexibility

No, we’re not talking about Novak doing the splits here. We’re talking about mental flexibility—the ability to adapt, change, and shift tactics based on what’s happening in the match. And being flexible can be a great strength when it comes to competition!

Players who can adjust and develop a solid Plan B (and C) head to the match court with a full repertoire. So don’t be afraid to practice different tactics and shift gears mid-match. Embrace the idea that winning sometimes means being uncomfortable and trying something new.

And when you’re ready, have a think about working with me.