Strategies for a left hander who is at a lower tennis level

Strategies for a left hander who is at a lower tennis level

by Cindy Meredith
(Atlanta, GA)

I am a left handed player who, during the 4+ years I have been playing, have always received on the deuce side. I am not comfortable at all on the ad side at this point.

I am a C level player who is trying to get better by taking lessons, playing often, using a ball machine, etc.

My question is, should I continue to play in my league matches and practices from the deuce side?

I do not neccessarily hit the ball hard but I usually can get a backhand return cross court and away from the net player, even if I have to lob it. Then my forehand is down the middle.

It works for me but I am having a tough time finding doubles partners who want to play ad. What do you suggest?

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Strategies for a left hander who is at a lower tennis level

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Oct 30, 2007
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left hander in doubles
by: Kathy K

If I were you, I'd get some experience on the ad side. It really limits your options when you play one side only. For example, if you are playing with a partner who misses many service returns, you'd normally want to play the ad side just because more game points are served to that court and you aren't missing many.

There are also matches when you may wish to switch sides with your partner between sets, and you can't try that to save a match if you are married to one side.

The level you're playing at is right in the middle. At lower levels, it's *usually* better to have the left hander on the ad side. At higher levels, it's usually better to have that left-handed forehand down the center (on the deuce side).

So, you're kinda stuck at a point where it's hard to decide. But learning how to play both sides will be very good for your game. You'll see how the court looks from both perspectives.

Here's a tip that might help you make the transisition a little easier: make sure to square all the way around to the server, not just the net. This means that when returning serve in the ad court, your left foot will be a little closer to the net. When returning serve in deuce court, your right foot will be a little closer to the net. Of course you could favor your backhand a bit, instead, especially if it's a one-handed backhand.

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Oct 30, 2007
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Submitted by: Kathy K

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If I were you, I'd get some experience on the ad side. It really limits your options when you play one side only. For example, if you are playing with a partner who misses many service returns, you'd normally want to play the ad side just because more game points are served to that court and you aren't missing many. There are also matches when you may wish to switch sides with your partner between sets, and you can't try that to save a match if you are married to one side. The level you're playing at is right in the middle. At lower levels, it's *usually* better to have the left hander on the ad side. At higher levels, it's usually better to have that left-handed forehand down the center (on the deuce side). So, you're kinda stuck at a point where it's hard to decide. But learning how to play both sides will be very good for your game. You'll see how the court looks from both perspectives. Here's a tip that might help you make the transisition a little easier: make sure to square all the way around to the server, not just the net. This means that when returning serve in the ad court, your left foot will be a little closer to the net. When returning serve in deuce court, your right foot will be a little closer to the net. Of course you could favor your backhand a bit, instead, especially if it's a one-handed backhand.

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Nov 06, 2007
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Thanks Kathy
by: Cindy from Atlanta

I have already tried some of your strategies, including switching sides to save a match. We were playing way "up" so we didn't win the match, but we fought and lost in three sets. I have been practicing more on the ad side and feel better there.
Thanks.

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Strategies for a left hander who is at a lower tennis level

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Strategies for a left hander who is at a lower tennis level