Michael Maidens Pat Rafter Peter Tramacchi Tennis Assist
We asked Pat Rafter, how can shorter players beat taller and stronger players?
Pat’s response:
“You have to be a great athlete when you’re short – it’s one of those things. You have to have qualities the big guys don’t have, and that’s mobility. And you’ve got to work extra hard on your fitness work…Be someone who does not miss, and have that tenacity never to give in. I think those are qualities that shorter people seem to have over taller people.”
Pat also shared with us the importance of learning how to be smarter than the opponent:
“There are ways. You’ve just got learn the craft of the game and hopefully have some good coaching.”
Most players in juniors win by overpowering the other player. The stronger usually dominate over the shorter or younger players.
So, what does this mean if you are a late developer? As a shorter player for most of his career, Pat says he was forced to learn THE GAME, including using his head and working out how to break the opponent down. It also forced him to trust that his game (serve and volley) will eventually pay off; Not necessarily in this match or tournament, but in the longer term and throughout his career.
When you DO grow in size, you have both weapons: the craft of the game AND power.
Remember, your reason for winning in juniors WILL NOT be the reason you win in opens. The difference in age is not a huge advantage. Experience is. Tactics, strategies and game plans are what win matches.
What importance do you put on your game and how do you beat stronger players? We know a few tactics, but let’s hear some ideas. Let’s think about some REALLY tall pros at the moment, and how are they beaten. What game style do they rely on, as opposed to the shorter players?
Michael
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s so obvious that taller pros like John Isner or Ivo karlovic are relying on their serve much more than any other type of shots, so they’re taking advantage of their physical form. And that’s exactly what a shorter player have to do, to take advantage of his body. A shorter player means a lighter player , so he has to improve his mobility and turns the taller player against himself which means to execute more dropshots in more difficult spots in the court and more frequently. Because it’s more difficult for the taller player to reach dropshots. Also avoid executing many lobs and maybe passing shots. Putting more slices into the game also makes it more challenging.
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Reading the book now with my son who plays in the 12 and unders. Already seeing results just from the part about being in the moment and playing each point at a time. also he is already seeing results from being more patient and putting the pressure on the opponent to be frustrated and make a mistake. Great site.
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