We’ve just added tournaments and match play dates to our fall and winter schedule—be sure to check the updated calendar below. Plus, this week’s featured article, “Mastering Different Ball Speeds: A Guide for Junior Players,” offers practical tips to help players adjust and compete with confidence.

October 5th

Junior Verified Matchplay Westchester (3 matches in 3 hours)

October 11th

U10 Green Ball @ Pelham Bay Park NYC (Monday Deadline)

UTR 1.0 - 6.0 @ Pelham Bay Park

October 12

L7 U12 U14 U16 U18 @ Pelham Bay Park (Monday Deadline)

October 17

Juniors Verified UTR Matchplay (1.0 - 8.0) @ Oak Lane (CT)

November 14 -16

L6 BG 12s, 14s, 18s @ Oak Lane (Woodbridge, CT)

November 28 - 30

L6 USTA Tournament @ Chelsea Piers Stamford

November 30th

Adult 18+ Singles Verified UTR @ Chelsea Piers Stamford

December 12-14

L6 USTA Tournament @ Oak Lane (Woodbridge, CT)

December 26-28

L7 USTA Tournament @ Chelsea Piers (One Day Round Robin)

September 21 - October 25

Youth Team Tennis and UTR/WTN Match Play

Mastering Different Ball Speeds: A Guide for Competitive Players

One of the most challenging aspects of competitive tennis is adapting to different ball speeds. Whether facing a moonballer who sends every shot into orbit or a hard-hitting opponent who crushes the ball, success depends on the ability to adjust quickly. Here are essential insights and techniques to help players master this crucial skill.

Understanding Ball Speed Variations

Every opponent hits at different speeds. Some players hit heavy topspin with moderate pace, others slice everything low and slow, and some flat-out blast the ball. The sooner these patterns are identified, the faster appropriate adjustments can be made. In the first few games, focus should be on reading the opponent's patterns rather than worrying about winning every point.

The Foundation: Split Step and Early Preparation

Regardless of ball speed, the split step remains non-negotiable. Against faster hitters, splitting earlier and getting the racquet back immediately is essential. With slower balls, there's more time available, but late preparation still leads to rushed shots and errors. Consistent early preparation prevents getting jammed against pace or finding oneself off-balance against slower balls.

Adjusting Court Position

Court positioning should vary based on the opponent's ball speed. Against hard hitters, standing further behind the baseline provides extra reaction time and allows the use of their pace as an advantage. When facing slower balls, moving inside the baseline and taking the ball on the rise prevents opponents from dictating play. A common mistake among players is maintaining the same position regardless of who they're playing—adaptability is key.

Timing and Swing Adjustments

This is where many players struggle. Against pace, shortening the backswing and focusing on blocking or redirecting the ball with control works best. A massive swing isn't needed when the ball is already arriving fast. Against slower balls, generating personal pace through a fuller swing and more acceleration through the ball becomes necessary. The real challenge lies in switching between these techniques, sometimes even within the same rally.

Practicing with intentional speed variations helps develop this skill. Start with consistent speeds during drills, then introduce random variations. This trains the brain to adjust on the fly.

Learning From Mistakes

Every error provides valuable feedback. After missing against a hard hitter, consider: Was the positioning too close to the baseline? Was there an attempt to do too much with the ball? Was the grip too loose? Against slower balls: Is play becoming too passive? Did the ball drop too low? Is there rushing between shots?

Keeping a mental or written journal after matches helps identify patterns. Note the specific types of balls that caused trouble and which adjustments worked. Patterns will emerge. Perhaps high-bouncing topspin to the backhand or low slices to the forehand prove challenging. Once these weaknesses are identified, they can be addressed through specific drilling.

Mistakes shouldn't be devastating—they're essential for growth. Losses due to slow adaptation provide valuable lessons that lead to improvement. The key is extracting the lesson and applying it to future matches.

Overcoming Mental Objections

The mind often resists change. When a ball comes slower than expected, there's a tendency to think it's too easy and adjustment isn't necessary. When it comes faster, panic can set in with thoughts of being unable to handle the pace. Both reactions hurt performance.

The reality is that both extremes can be handled with proper preparation and training. When feeling overwhelmed by pace, staying calm, simplifying shots, and playing percentage tennis leads to success. Professional players face opponents who hit harder than them all the time and succeed through these principles.

Against slower balls, the main objection is often impatience. The urge to crush every shot must be resisted. Building the point, moving the opponent, and waiting for the right ball to attack demonstrates strategic patience, not passivity.

The Path to Adaptability

Adaptability separates good players from great ones. The biggest wins often come against opponents who hit differently from practice partners. The toughest losses frequently occur against players who present speeds and spins that weren't mentally prepared for.

Embracing variety in training accelerates development. Seeking out opponents with different styles makes a player more complete. The more comfortable one becomes with discomfort, the more versatile the game becomes. Every ball speed represents an opportunity to showcase a different skill set.

Developing adaptability requires dedication, humility, and consistent work. The tennis player who can handle any pace is the one who controls their own destiny on the court.


Critical Thinking Question: If you're playing an opponent who constantly changes pace within rallies—hitting some balls hard and some balls soft—which is more important: trying to anticipate their next shot's speed or developing a consistent response system that works regardless of pace? Explain your reasoning and how you would implement your chosen strategy.

Congrats to our Winners this Week

Follow Us On