Technique against Seemiller-grip player

Andrew Pape Asked 12 years ago

Hi Alois,

A Seemiller-grip rival plays topspin/side-spin shots (window-wiper shots), so they always break to my right, which is to my f/hand. I play too many backhands and made mistakes. He is always in position because of the extra time from the ball breaking and my hesitation before weakly returning it. If he hit in a straight line, I'd have no trouble. Normally I'd be blocking and angling the ball.

If I play a slow topspin, he's still ready. I don't know if his top/side ball is high enough to be smashed . If I try a block, I get murdered the net shot. I'm losing about 90% of these rallies by playing soft shots, so maybe I should force the pace with a flat-hit? Or fast loop? I haven't got much to lose. What to do?

Cheers,

Andrew.

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Andrew,

I haven't had a lot of experience against a player with the Seemiller grip.  Some things to consider are playing wider to their forehand where it is harder to come across the ball.  I think it would be easier for them to play across the ball in the middle.

Also the backhand side with that grip is more limited because of the lack of use of the wrist.  They will find it more difficult to lift backspin on the backhand side because of this.

There are a few tips.  Others may have more for you.