Playing in the Wind

Tennis Tip from 1983 Newsletter – still relevant today!

Wind is a problem throughout the world. A good tennis player must learn to cope with winds, as they are a constant threat to your normal rhythm, causing errors and less satisfying rallies. When you have a match and it turns out to be an extremely windy day, do not cancel your tennis, but use this as an educational experience.

Become aware of wind direction

As you walk on the court, determine which way the wind is blowing, whether it is steady or a swirling or fluctuating type of wind. 

3 specific suggestions to improve your play in any kind of wind:

• Take shorter groundstrokes

• Lower your toss on your serve

• Watch the ball for sudden changes in the speed or direction the ball may take due to the wind

Hints for playing WITH the wind

The following recommendations can help to maximize your advantage when playing with the wind at your back.

1. When playing in a strong tailwind, develop the attitude that you must win every game - when receiving as well as serving.

2. Swing more slowly and keep groundstrokes and volleys low so they do not go beyond the opponent’s baseline. Be careful when attempting deep shots, since errors are easily produced with the wind at your back. Topsin can be very effective.

3. Aim for a higher percentage of first serves, but with added topspin.

4. Lobbing with the wind is risky, and sometimes futile, since the lob either tends to go long or affords the net man an overhead. Hit very few offensive lobs with the wind.

5. Allow your opponent’s high lobs to bounce, since you will be swinging at a slower ball from a relatively shallow position in the court.

6. Do not hit drop shots since your opponent will be able to return them without difficulty.

7. If your opponent, hitting against the wind, is coming to the net and winning a high percentage of shots, try to take the net away from them by advancing to the forecourt behind any reasonable approach shot.

8. If your opponent is against the wind and is rarely coming to the net, wait for the first available approach shot and take the net yourself.

Hints for playing AGAINST the wind

1. Since hitting against the wind is very tiring (harder swinging and quicker movements are required), avoid backcourt rallies unless the point is crucial or you are nearing the end of a match. To avoid extreme baseline rallies, take more chances, either by hitting harder or by advancing to the net.

2. Do not allow the opponent’s high lobs to bounce, since your smash will have to travel too great a distance to reach its target. In addition, the lob might bounce over the fence, not allowing you any play on the ball.

3. The drop shot can be used effectively when playing against the wind.

4. Hit your groundstrokes higher and harder against the wind. Powerful players often prefer hitting into the wind.

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