How to Defend Against a Net Rusher | Tennis Tactics Inside of the Point

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In today’s tennis tactics lesson, I explain how to defend against a net rusher.
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[@IntuitiveTennis]

I Want You to Raise Your Tennis Level This Year. Subscribe so You Don’t Miss Any New Videos! 💯

[@germanslice]

I use my reverse forehand to make volleying life for the net guy more difficult. As the reverse finish allows me to put more tighter dipping spin on the ball and so I use that to dip the ball down into the net guy's feet or if I have to do a backhand slice I make sure I add dipping spin also onto it to make the slice skip or hop quickly over the net which is the reason why I flip the racquet over to make the ball hop over the net and dip down and stay low in the court which allows me to drive the slice with pace just like with the normal regular groundstrokes. But if I am being blocked off by the net guy and have to slice the ball back, then I will dip the ball over the net instead of skimming it back. . Same thing for my forehand slice, I make sure when i hit the forehand slice that its going down on an flat angle dipping down into the court. I don't want to hit the ball too flat and level with the net or that becomes more easier to volley. I also found it not always so wise when pulled out wide by a short low angled ball to the backhand to hit a big flat level backhand directly back at the net guy with power, as some of them can still volley back that fast flat power ball and take the pace all off the ball like hitting it into a sponge and turn it into a unreturnable dropper.. So this is why I'm more concerned about making sure that all my drives are dipping more down into the court than just hitting the ball all level and flat with power. .

[@richardchen5180]

Interesting - from my experience at the 3.5 rec level, lobs work well since most players aren't good enough to put away smashes without making unforced errors. Also it helps to think about lobbing higher not deeper since most rec players are too scared to smash a ball coming down at high speed and will just let it bounce and play out the point.

[@tennisteuton]

The one type of player that may have the best experience in hitting lobs is the notorious "pusher", because these people always tend to play higher balls. But here, the problem is that players move to the net without putting enough pressure on the opponent. I personally am not lobbed as much as I am becoming more selective with when I move to the net.

[@whatsfordinner1695]

It's not just because you see it's a big wide open area. It's also because smash is probably one of the worst shots for a recreational player. They just don't do enough of it. So, a lob to their backhand side often has great results and you don't need to aim for an inch above the net.

[@sravandanda2302]

Yes, especially when we hit a slice lob with some side spin

[@whatsfordinner1695]

@@sravandanda2302 seems easier to do than aiming for their feet am I right?

[@sravandanda2302]

Yes, it does seem easier. I mix this shot up with aiming at their feet so that they keep guessing. However, I keep the percentage of lob attempts more to boost my chances.

[@pianoguy33]

Just started playing tennis and have been watching your videos for about a month. Just want to say thank you!

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Great to hear!

[@jamesj590]

This is so timely for me, I'm playing regularly an amazing net player lately and he's got my measure. I've found myself just unable to pass him on either wing and as we play on grass his volleys are extremely effective. So then I've started trying to rush the net first, but doing so out of pressure not behind quality approaches. I'll try to implement some of these tips 👍

[@letsnotgohome1314]

Thanks for pointing out that it's not intuitive yet for beginners due to playing less points. I'm a beginner and playing with people who have been playing their whole lives. I was starting to wonder why i feel so slow when at the net (especially since im younger than most!) but truth is its the first time ive experienced these shots. Im sure now i start getting a few back from at the net, it will become more intuitive instead of me feeling like im standing still and watching it all happen in slow motion then wondering why i didnt hit the ball back. Hopefully mt brain has logged all the info for next time ;)

[@IamnotJohnFord]

You also have to play the person in front of you. I often play someone that is much taller, younger, has soft hands, has good groundstrokes, and loves to serve and volley. Getting around him as he comes in is next to impossible for someone with my skill against is skill. even hitting at his feet doesn't work well. I have to go over him or right at him. So, a good topspin lob is a shot I use and have decent consistently with. Other players I just go around because they don't have his physical gifts or his developed skills. So, I agree with the tactics mentioned here because they work for most. but, don't be afraid to adapt.

[@bentsoii]

Great video. Very practical for recreational players

[@ACHERJACKAL]

I am following your inventive sessions and u r a mastermind. In this one, I enjoyed your relaxed feeling of explanation..

[@andrewpatterson9833]

Very much agreed! I have a friend of mine who I play a lot (and have one of our match replays on my channel "Andrew vs JT") who's a net rusher but comes in without really deserving the net on a good approach shot. Keep it low, get the popup, put it away has been my strategy for it. Great practice since he's like 6'3" so extremely hard to lob haha. I also suck at lobs to force me to follow your advice lol

[@Kenzie_Hill]

slowing pace has often won me a point, especially after I hit more often w/ power... 3.5 opponent isn't use to it. Love this video, you packed in a ton of great information! ❤🎾

[@IntuitiveTennis]

💯

[@teacherjoedeveto]

Most of the people I play at the 3.0 and 3.5 level have more control (MUCH more control) over their lobs than their groundstrokes. They can hit lobs consistently withing a few feet of the baseline, but a down the line passing shot rarely works. And, unlike in this video, the net player usually hits an easy winner instead of tapping the ball directly to his or her opponent.

[@Javi_C]

Much appreciated!

[@Joseph-co7uh]

I think an underspin lob can also be quite effective if executed well. I use it regularly on the backhand side because I struggle to pull off a high quality passing shot with my one handed backhand and the results are generally positive.

[@chjcptt]

I think the problem with underspin lob is the ball is staying inside the court after the bounce. (the topspin lob makes the ball bounce outside the count) When your opponent moves quick enough, the underspin ball will be easier to get to.

[@Joseph-co7uh]

You are right, but at the recreational level not many players are quick enough to get to the underspin lob and hit a quality shot.

[@hansolsson3409]

Great video Nick! 😀

[@IntuitiveTennis]

🙏🙏

[@DavidNelsonATX]

If someone rushes the net my assumption is that they can defend themselves. My strategy differs a bit: Drive the ball as hard as possible aiming between the solar plexus and belly button, and see how they respond. If they aren't intimidated next is heavy topspin at their feet. Then pass. Then lob (and drop). Granted this isn't how you play with your mom or dad; but, definitely your brother! 🤣🤣🤣

[@aktolman]

Spot on, I will often take pace off the ball and put it at their feet, what you showed @11:13 I do all the time.

[@rds4629]

I hope you can do the reverse if you have a student who likes to s&V and coach them or correct they way they manage the points

[@xg3069]

I think overhead is the most difficult shot in tennis and maybe intuitively beginners know that and go for lobs. Beginners / intermediate players also see that even with a bad lob most of time they’ll get an unforced error back or point is reset so they go for more lobs.

[@jorgetirado3201]

Also, I agree hitting low is ideal, but on the defensive it's fairly low percentage. In singles, hitting it hard, even if it's high, can force the vollyer to make an error or to block back an easier shot to handle. Just food for thought.

[@JaFz77]

Hi, which racket do you use now? You loved babolat, why did you switch?

[@dgib1694]

Blue sox; very smart

[@mopbrothers]

My opponent would have volleyed the ball away for a winner at 7:12. He’s that good at volleying. He seems unstoppable at the net. He also has a VERY hard serve. What can I do?

[@lamprosgiannopoulos3521]

Coach make a video telling us your opinion and comments about the Del Ray Pecotic inspiring fairy tale story!

[@666kingdrummer]

As a Net Rusher myself, I can tell you firsthand that Lobs aren't that effective. I love rushing the net because in the heat of the moment opponents usually panic, their first instinct is to go over me, but that doesn't work because I already know its coming. Plus, the Double-Whammy for me is that i'm on the taller side, so I have no problem jumping to intercept that ball or going for an easy overhead winner, and when that happens people usually panic even more. Even after the point, their confidence usually takes a hit.

[@stevenjm12]

In the scenarios when you say "do lob," the opponent is to the other side of the center line. Wouldnt it be better to hit a down-the-line passing shot in the scenarios in the video?

[@al1976-v7m]

Hewitt demonstrated this perfectly against Sampras in the 2001 US Open Final

[@tubingit10]

Thanks I will aim for the crotch as u said to do in this video!

[@cam1210]

The flying thing at 10:22 confused me...made me check whether it was a really small fly on my screen or a larger flying thing on the video.

[@VicDamoneJr82]

this was good not sure how you aim at the hip

[@haljam8828]

In a tournament isn't it good to aim above the hip and hit them. Might make them more cautious about coming to the net

[@jorgetirado3201]

Hitting at someone, especially in doubles, is a good tactic and it is not dangerous. I played D1 college tennis and I did it all the time in doubles - it's smart when the opportunity is right and the worst that will happen is the other player will be embarassed.

[@wesleyjazz87]

Need him to play the guys at essential tennis

[@EdgewoodTennis]

Anyone else feel pressure when the opponent is at the net? Half of my lobs and passing shots go out because I'm so focused on hitting away from my opponent's reach.

[@gregoryphillips3969]

With lobs it totally depends on how good the opponent's overhead is. If the opponent's overhead is not good it's like money in the bank.

[@michaels.2331]

Spend the first set trying to hit the guy as much as possible.

[@djp3525]

I rarely lob. But I feel I get burned by it a lot lol

[@evanoscargilbert2592]

5:11 gets to the point.

[@missagatbr]

Nope, this is not a great idea. If you force a net rusher to volley they will volley and you’ll lose the point 😂

[@z48723888]

right. Hit at my feet? I can either rush closer to the net so won't let the ball below my heap, or I can return a ball at my feet height to a very big angle(check Roger Federer, he got lots of points when his opponents hit at his feet). so lob is the only way to make me retreat.

[@huntsail3727]

Did not llike this one for the first time. I was looking for what was in the description at 4 minutes into the video still no mention of "how to defend against a net rusher'. So I moved on. Hope the next video gets to the point quicker.

[@scissorsharp9032]

Next lesson, topspin lob? 😂

[@Mavert83]

Big serve and net rushers, lots of work to do. Hit the gym, you are about to find out how fit you are 😂