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OPPONENT PROFILING
Top competitors are continually seeking an advantage. One of the best strategic (mental) and calming (emotional) advantages comes from scouting an upcoming opponent. Casually observing is one thing, but profiling the opponent is a skill set. Each playing style has an inherent group of strengths and weaknesses. Opponent awareness is an important part of match day preparation. Player profiling involves looking past strokes.
NOTE: Whenever possible, as I coach players from the 12’s to the ATP/WTA pros, I apply the below profiling topics.
Opponent Profiling Scouting:
- Primary style of play.
- Preferred serve patterns (especially on mega points).
- Preferred return of serve position and shot selection on both first and second serve returns.
- Favorite go-to rally pattern.
- Dominant short-ball option.
- Preferred net rushing pattern.
- Stroke strengths and weaknesses (Advanced players should also consider the strengths and limitations of strike zones.)
- Movement, agility and stamina efficiencies and deficiencies.
- Frustration tolerance, focus, and emotional stability.
Opponent profiling should continue from the pre-match phase, all the way through the actual match and into the post-match. Intelligent athletes even jot down notes regarding the opponent’s game on their post-match match logs. This is used as a reminder for the next time the two meet.
Looking Past Strokes:
During the warm-up, the uneducated player/parents/coaches often think Player A has the match in the bag. But what they do not realize is that Player B often wins because of their ability to identify and execute a game plan exposing their opponent’s weakness. Player A may have great looking fundamental strokes but “hidden” flawed mental and/or emotional components. Player B may have average looking strokes, but an incredible proficiency in their mental game. Hence, giving player B the edge due to his ability to isolate weaknesses or exert emotional intelligence at crunch time.
