How to play on a windy day
If you have ever played in windy weather you definitely know how challenging this is - erratic ball bounces challenge everyone regardless of their skill level.Â
The secret is to learn to use the wind in your favor and not fight it. It is about which player can deal with the conditions better.Â
The way you approach the situation mentally can make the difference between winning or losing the match. You must adjust your playing style depending on the direction of the wind.
When the wind is blowing against you:
- prepare early and shorten your back-swing; the ball comes faster into your racquet.Â
- your shots will tend to land short in your opponent's court; hit harder and more flat over the net.
- use the drop shot; it can take your opponent by surprise.
- the passing shots (if your opponent attacks) are very difficult against the wind; avoid getting yourself into this situation.Â
When the wind is coming from behind you:
- play aggressive:Â your opponent's shots are landing short in your court - attack them.Â
- use more spin to make sure the ball lands in, avoid "pushing" the ball - go for it with more spin.
- moving up to the net is a very good idea - your volleys are going to be more penetrating and your opponent's shots are coming slower.
- serve flat and hard on the first attempt - the wind will add extra speed to it.Â
- use extra top spin on second serves to bring the ball down, aiming shorter into the service box.
When the wind is blowing from the sides:
- aim your shots more over the middle of the net.
- depending on which side the wind blows from, be careful with going down the line and high over the net - being in the air longer, the ball can be moved wide.
- the type of spin on the ball doesn't make too much difference as long as you hit towards the middle of the court.
- serve towards the middle of the service box.
Playing in a swirling wind:
- it is very important that you move well. This is the most difficult of all the windy situations; stay low and be ready to react to the sudden changes in direction of the ball.
- aim more towards the middle of the court.
- avoid hitting too high over the net; the longer the ball stays in the air the greater the chance it could be carried over the lines.
General mental check list:
- stay calm; wait for the ball and carefully watch the direction it takes after the bounce.
- pay attention to changes in the wind's direction.
- give your shots a margin for error; aim more inside the lines.
- remember that the player who makes the fewest errors will win the match not the one who hits the most winners.
- keep a positive mental attitude; don't get frustrated, be patient and use the wind to your advantage by following the before-mentioned tips.
by Cosmin Miholca
Certified Tennis Professional
The secret is to learn to use the wind in your favor and not fight it. It is about which player can deal with the conditions better.Â
The way you approach the situation mentally can make the difference between winning or losing the match. You must adjust your playing style depending on the direction of the wind.
When the wind is blowing against you:
- prepare early and shorten your back-swing; the ball comes faster into your racquet.Â
- your shots will tend to land short in your opponent's court; hit harder and more flat over the net.
- use the drop shot; it can take your opponent by surprise.
- the passing shots (if your opponent attacks) are very difficult against the wind; avoid getting yourself into this situation.Â
When the wind is coming from behind you:
- play aggressive:Â your opponent's shots are landing short in your court - attack them.Â
- use more spin to make sure the ball lands in, avoid "pushing" the ball - go for it with more spin.
- moving up to the net is a very good idea - your volleys are going to be more penetrating and your opponent's shots are coming slower.
- serve flat and hard on the first attempt - the wind will add extra speed to it.Â
- use extra top spin on second serves to bring the ball down, aiming shorter into the service box.
When the wind is blowing from the sides:
- aim your shots more over the middle of the net.
- depending on which side the wind blows from, be careful with going down the line and high over the net - being in the air longer, the ball can be moved wide.
- the type of spin on the ball doesn't make too much difference as long as you hit towards the middle of the court.
- serve towards the middle of the service box.
Playing in a swirling wind:
- it is very important that you move well. This is the most difficult of all the windy situations; stay low and be ready to react to the sudden changes in direction of the ball.
- aim more towards the middle of the court.
- avoid hitting too high over the net; the longer the ball stays in the air the greater the chance it could be carried over the lines.
General mental check list:
- stay calm; wait for the ball and carefully watch the direction it takes after the bounce.
- pay attention to changes in the wind's direction.
- give your shots a margin for error; aim more inside the lines.
- remember that the player who makes the fewest errors will win the match not the one who hits the most winners.
- keep a positive mental attitude; don't get frustrated, be patient and use the wind to your advantage by following the before-mentioned tips.
by Cosmin Miholca
Certified Tennis Professional
