The Opportunity Attack

Sure, I learned to volley, but why? For 33 years I tried to win points almost exclusively from the baseline. Ironically, I now realize one of my biggest problems was that I won quite a few matches this way-- including the world men’s 35 championships. I was consistent, moved well, and developed a forehand that could inflict a good amount of damage. So, why would I ever consider doing anything different—like attacking the net? Well, let’s just say my thinking has changed. In this article I will explain how and why—and at the same time outline a program that you can use just as I did to learn the opportunity attack at whatever your level. A lot of coaches, of course, advise using more net play. But here is a slightly different approach, an approach proven in national competition. I have no doubt that, whatever your level, it can have the same value for your game as well. My Story I grew up on green clay in Connecticut. Then as a teenager, I pounded a million groundstrokes at the Bollettierri Academy. I proved that I could win points at the net and I know you can too. In all those...