The Tennis Detective: How to Figure Out Your Opponent’s Game Fast

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Scouting in Tennis

Like most players, Manly Badge players excel in social play and perform well against familiar opponents. However, they often struggle when facing an unknown challenger or dealing with match pressure.

One of the biggest keys to competitive tennis is quickly analyzing your opponent—before they analyze you. If you focus too much on protecting your own weaknesses, you may miss valuable opportunities to exploit theirs.

So, how do you assess an unfamiliar player on the other side of the net? Here’s how to become a tennis detective.

1. Identify Their Playing Style

Before the match starts, take a moment to observe them during warm-up. What shots do they favor? How do they move? Here are some key playing styles and how to recognize them:

  • Aggressive Baseliner – Big ground strokes, rarely comes to net, loves dictating with power.
  • Counterpuncher – Quick and patient, retrieves everything, waits for your mistake.
  • All-Court Player – Comfortable everywhere, mixes things up.
  • Serve-and-Volleyer – Rushes the net often, looks for quick points.
  • Pusher/Moonballer – Defensive, consistent, and willing to frustrate you with slow, high balls.

Knowing their general style helps you anticipate patterns in their game.

2. Test Their Weaknesses Early

In the first few games, probe different aspects of their game to see where they struggle.

Here’s how:

  • Hit to Both Sides: Do they have a weaker wing? Most players have a weaker backhand, but some may struggle with high forehands or low slices.
  • Short Balls: Are they comfortable moving forward? Some players hate coming to the net.
  • Heavy Topspin vs. Slice: Do they prefer pace, or does junk bother them?
  • High Ball to Backhand: Many players with extreme grips (like a Western forehand) struggle with high backhands.
  • Low & Short Slice: See if they can handle an off-pace ball that forces them to bend and move up.

If you find something they dislike, exploit it early and often.

3. Watch Their Footwork & Court Positioning

Footwork tells you a lot about a player’s strengths and weaknesses. Look for:

  • Slow first steps – Indicates they may struggle with quick changes of direction.
  • Heavy reliance on crossovers vs. split steps – If they don’t split-step well, you can rush them with deep shots and sudden drops.
  • Baseline vs. Inside the Court – If they hug the baseline, they likely prefer taking balls early. If they drift way behind, they might be defensive and vulnerable to drop shots.

Good footwork allows players to compensate for weaknesses—bad footwork exposes them.

4. Observe Their Serve & Return

  • Where do they serve on big points? If they have a “go-to” spot under pressure, note it for later.
  • Second serve strength: Attack weak second serves early in the match to put pressure on them.
  • Returning style: Are they aggressive or defensive? If they chip/block returns, serve and volley occasionally.

5. Gauge Their Mental Game

Tennis is as much mental as physical. Look for signs of frustration, hesitation, or negative self-talk. Some clues:

  • Anger after mistakes – They may tilt if you frustrate them.
  • Rushing between points – They want to play fast—slow things down to throw them off.
  • Excessive bouncing before serve – Nervous players often over-routine.

If they seem mentally fragile, keep them under pressure by staying consistent and forcing them to hit extra shots.

6. How Do They Play Big Points?

Pay attention to what they do at 30-30, deuce, or break points.

Some players go conservative, others try to blast winners. If they have a pattern, use it against them.

7. Stop Worrying About Your Own Weaknesses

Many players get so wrapped up in hiding their weaknesses that they forget to attack their opponent’s.

Instead of protecting yourself, focus on making them uncomfortable.

  • If you have a weak backhand, don’t just camp on your forehand. Find a way to make your opponent’s weaknesses more relevant than yours.
  • If your serve isn’t great, vary placement. Disrupt their timing rather than trying to overpower them.
  • If they attack your net play, use passing shot traps. Stand a little closer to the baseline to bait them forward and then lob.

Every match is a puzzle. The sooner you solve it, the sooner you can impose your game.

The best players in the world don’t just play their best tennis—they make their opponent play their worst.

That’s your job.