Is playing close to the net in Tennis a popular strategy?

Question

When I play Tennis, I normally play very close to the net. While this means I have to react much faster to the ball than my opponent, it also means I can hit the ball quicker, which in turn forces my opponent to react faster too. Does anyone else adopt this strategy, and if so, does it work for them? Do any professional players use this type of play?

Answer 1

Normally it's called "net play." It just means you attack net a lot. It's a great strategy for trying to end the point quickly.

Answer 2

you are risking get lob over your head that will force you to run back to the baseline.  success net play strategy varies between different levels of play. you may enjoy some success if you are playing at the lower levels, but when you get to NTRP 3.0 and above, you will face a lot of lobs and passing shot.

Answer 3

Playing close to the net is not so popular today as it was maybe 10 or so years ago. Many players today play back on the baseline. Personally I think its a great strategy, but many professionals are scared to go up to net . I really don't know why.

Answer 4

Yea to play close to the net is a dream for every player. But in modern tennis it is not so easy to do that effectively. You can play such kind of tennis what your opponent allow and you must be better. To play close to the net is not a panacea.

Answer 5

no stay back until ur time comes to go to the net and then smash it as hard as u can

Answer 6

i think u mean agressive play like federer?

Answer 7

Playing "very close" to the net is extremely situational. The strongest area to stand is at either 1/3 or 1/2 the distance to the service line. The reasoning is geometry.

If you are standing right at the net you have a larger distance to travel to catch passing shots, you have less time to react, and less power due to lateral motion. Of course also you are much more susceptible to an easy offensive lob.

When you are farther from the net you gain more reaction time but more importantly you travel a shorter distance for passing shots. By moving IN to the court you cut off the angle of the passing shot and gain power by moving your weight through the ball and into the court.

For any somewhat skilled player it's very easy to dispatch a net player who stands too close.