I need some tips on beating this guy?

Question

first of all our high school summer leagues start tomorrow and im going to be playing the difficult counter puncher. This guy can just about punch everything i throw at him my first serve can reach in the 90mph.

My forehand has heavy topspin bouncing around chest area and my two handed backhand i can shoot down the line and just blast it cross court so my backhand is my weapon, also i can do a jumping backhand :).

the counter puncher im playing can run fast, he can even return down the line shots so i guess hes like a monfilis kind of guy. but his first serve is a slice serve its horrible barelly goes in like if we play a set his first serve goes in like %3 of the time. I attack his serve but he still returns my shots. his backhand is terrible i attack that but he still manages to get it over his forehand he can hit fairly good.

any tips on how to beat this counter puncher?

Answer 1

I have the same problem. I have always played with a heavy topspin forehand, I put every ounce of power into it, but most opponents just play it back and wait till i mess up.

My brother is teaching me a flatter topspin.

We are both Junior players.

Answer 2

Counter punchers are a tough breed.  One thing you can do is keep him moving and cut down the time he has to set up for his shots.  Keep your balls deep as possible, and keep him moving side to side.  Do everything you can to make him do a lot of changing direction. When he's deep throw in a drop shot once in a while (especially on his serve).  Don't give him a rhythm or a pattern of shots to work with.   Good Luck!

One other thing.  Pay close attention to what he likes to do and what he doesn't like to do, and give him more of the bad stuff.

Answer 3

try attacking the net more...volley and drop shot

Answer 4

Most counter punchers are most comfortable at the baseline.  Draw him to the net with a drop shot, then pass him down the line.  Counter punchers also do not do well against good net play.  Hit your good serve or topspin forehand to his backhand, then attack the net.  If you are not comfortable at the net, you are just going to have to consistently attack his backhand.  You have to be extra patient with counter punchers, and construct points.  Trying to beat a counter puncher with one shot just isn't going to happen often.  Counter punchers beat you with defense and consistency.  Either end the point early by coming to the net, drawing him to the net, or go for the corners to move him around.