5 Types of Tennis Players: Which one are you?
- Jan_RacketCulture
- Jan 21
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 22
You've probably asked yourself what playing styles there are in tennis and wondered which one you consider yourself to be. Below we have categorised 5 types of players in tennis and provided them with current or former examples from the ATP Tour. Please note that not every player can be clearly assigned to a category and that you can also fall between the categories.
1. Aggressive Baseliner
The aggressive baseliner is able to play at a high pace and has a strong forehand and/or backhand. He feels comfortable at the baseline and hits a few winners from there. In doing so, he occasionally accepts unforced errors. The aggressive baseliner usually dominates his rallies and controls the game. On weaker days, his opponent benefits from unnecessary mistakes.
Strenghts
Fast ground strokes
Well-placed ground strokes
Many winners
Weaknesses
Unforced Errors
Net Game
Situations of high pressure
2. Counterpuncher
The counterpuncher also feels comfortable on the baseline. In contrast to the aggressive baseline player, he rarely creates his own rhythm of play. Instead, he either plays long topspin balls in measured doses or uses the opponent's pace of play to return fast balls himself. The counterpuncher plays a high ratio and often plays cross-court instead of letting the opponent run. This leads to few unforced errors. However, a good counterpuncher is able to increase the pace at crucial moments or, for example, play a targeted passing ball. In addition, counterpunchers are often very fast and move well along the baseline to win many balls.
Difficulties against: All-rounders
Examples: Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Gael Monfils
Strenghts
High ratio
Game intelligence
Footwork
Schwächen
Often too passive
Net Game
3. Allrounder
The allrounder feels comfortable in many game situations without showing any noticeable weaknesses. He can adapt his game flexibly to different opponents and match situations and is not very predictable. They feel comfortable both on the baseline and at the net. Good all-rounders have a wide range of strokes at their disposal and use them creatively to win rallies.
Difficulties against: not clear
Example: Roger Federer
Stärken
Flexible
Unpredictable
Creative
Schwächen
Often no outstanding strenghts
4. Serve & Volley Player
The Serve & Volley player is particularly comfortable in short rallies, which he wins quickly. As the name suggests, he has a good serve and a good net game. When he serves, he usually heads straight for the net to finish the point with a volley.
Difficulties against: Aggressive baseliner, Counterpuncher.
Example: Mischa Zverev, Boris Becker
Stärken
Serve
Net Game
Dominance
Schwächen
Predictable
Unforced Errors
Ground Strokes
5. Mondballer
The moonballer is mainly found at the lower amateur level. He is limited in his technical abilities and therefore cannot generate his own pace of play or hit winners. He therefore tries to keep the pace of play low with high and slow balls and wait for his opponent to make mistakes. The moonballer himself rarely makes unforced errors.
Stärken
Less unforced errors
Footwork
Coping situations of high pressure
Schwächen
No chance against good opponents
Limited abilities
No own points
Wich player type are you? Comment down below!
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