Evolution of Tennis Tactics Over Time
Tennis has come a long way since its conception in the late 19th century. As the sport has evolved, tactics and strategies of the players have also changed drastically. In particular, the serve and volley style of play that was once dominant in tennis has all but disappeared in the current era.
What is Serve and Volley?
Serve and volley is a style of playing tennis in which the player serves the ball and, as soon as the ball is hit, charges the net to take control of the point. The serve and volley player is typically aggressive and looks to end the point quickly with their volley. The serve and volley player will often “poach”, which is when they take over their partner’s position at the net in order to get an easy put-away.
Why Serve and Volley is Less Common Today
Tennis rackets have changed significantly since the introduction of the serve and volley style. The modern-day rackets are much more powerful, due to the increased string tension and larger heads. This has made it much easier for players to hit powerful groundstrokes, which has allowed them to stay back and hit from the baseline. As a result, many players have opted for a more defensive style of play, and serve and volley has become less popular.
Advantages of Serve and Volley
Despite its decline in popularity, serve and volley has some distinct advantages that can still be beneficial in certain circumstances.
- It is a way to put pressure on the opponent and end the point quickly
- It is difficult for opponents to hit passing shots against a serve and volley player
- It allows players to control the net and take charge of the point
Disadvantages of Serve and Volley
At the same time, there are also some drawbacks to the serve and volley style of play.
- It requires good movement and reflexes
- It is difficult to hit a weak shot at the net
- It is difficult to hit a winner from the net
- It is difficult to sustain for long periods of time
Modern-Day Serve and Volleyers
Although serve and volley is not as popular as it once was, there are still some players who have adopted this style. Roger Federer is arguably the best example of a modern-day serve and volleyer. He is able to mix up his game and use the serve and volley when needed. Other players such as Grigor Dimitrov and Nick Kyrgios have also been known to use the serve and volley on occasion.
The Future of Serve and Volley
It is difficult to predict the future of serve and volley in the sport of tennis. As technology continues to evolve, it may become easier for players to hit powerful groundstrokes and stay back. On the other hand, the serve and volley could become more popular as players look for different ways to win points.
Conclusion
The serve and volley style of play has been a part of tennis for many years and was once the dominant style of play. However, due to the evolution of rackets and the defensive style of play that is more popular today, serve and volley is no longer as common as it once was. There are still some players who have adopted the serve and volley style, and it is possible that this style could become more popular in the future.