5 Types of Tennis Players: Which one are you?

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!