What style to play
Which style is best for you? This depends on your personality. Are you aggressive or passive by nature? Do you have a high level of energy (type A) or are you relaxed? What’s your competitive nature? By this, I don’t mean do you like to win or lose? But, are you happy to play well, even is you lose?
The answers to these questions provide the basis for whether you’re better served by a conservative (defensive) or offensive approach. I use the word conservative to contrast this with playing defensive shots. What I’m referring to here is your strategy.
High energy, aggressive players are going to take more risks and play a lower percentage selection of shots. This lends to the go for broke hit the ball through the opponent strategy. The more passive, relaxed player will use a high percentage play approach keeping the ball in play longer and looking for the opponent to make mistakes.
Now, here is where the crossover takes place. Neither style is wrong. It fits your personality. What each has in common is that they both look for opportunities to go on the offensive and finish a point. Once again, passive doesn’t mean defensive.
The aggressive player has less to think about in their approach. It involves moving forward at every opportunity (and sometimes at all costs). Here we have the server and volley, chip and charge, hard hitting approach shot player. If this is you, don’t get caught up in an all or nothing game. You still need to hit good shots and set up the point for a winner.
The passive player is the tactician, moving the opponent around the court, keeping them deep and looking for the opening to go for an approach shot or put away. They may pull the opponent in, only to use the lob. This is the variety player; spins and placements to open the court.
Remember, each style can win. The key is to tie your game to your personality. An aggressive player will feel handcuffed and get frustrated just keeping the ball in play. Sometimes this is necessary, but they need to keep looking to pressure the opponent by pushing them. The passive player needs to stay calm and use depth, angles, and spin to their advantage.