Scouting an Opponent / Match Notes?

Question

I would like to know the level of detail some of you have when scouting an opponent. When you watched your future opponent play, what specifically did you take notes on. Or, If you are a coach, what would you tell your player on how to beat this opponent your watching...what would you tell them to prepare for their match. If you have a NTRP rating, please include that in your answer, so I can correlate your answer with your level of play. Example-- 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, Open Class-- I appreciate all of your answers.

Answer 1

well, first of all I would try to categorise their play into one of 4 types; the hacker, the blaster, the counter puncher, net rusher.

hacker: loves to run everything down, will use any means to keep the ball in play, not pretty to watch.
strategy:
1) be patient, keep high margin for error.
2) attack conservatively on short balls to get to the net. when at net, be prepared for many volleys and lobs. work opponent around the court w. volley and move in to hit the winning volley/ force error. they will find it hard to pass u.
3) hit a shorter ball and force them to come to the net. then pass them, or make them hit first volley, and then pass them.
4) attack their 2nd serve
5) don't be a sucker for hitting winners, missing them, getting frustrated...

blaster: loves to hit hard all the time, lots of power
strategy:
1)make them play more balls, the more they play, the greater chance they'll miss.
2) maintain good depth. it is hard to hit winners off deep shots.
3)expect ur opponent to hit winners, don't be angry when they do
4) chase everything down, at least try to touch the ball. if you just tip it, they may go for more next time and make error.

counter puncher : likes to rally all day, hits similar paced shots continuously, rarely vebtures to the net.
strategy:
1)vary pace of your shot, disrupting their rhythm, hopefully drawing errors.
2) vary trajectory, amount and type of spin and depth.

net rusher: dominates the net. will serve-volley, chip-charge, anyway to get to the net.
1)make them play 1st volley, make it as hard as possible for them, hit it at their feet or make them stretch.
2) watch their postioning at net. if they are too close lob them, too far back, hit it at their feet.
3) take their strength away. increase percentage on your 1st serve ans attack the net yourself.
4) put pressure on their 1st serve by attacking their 2nd.

Answer 2

I'm not very good, but beyond the basic fundamentals you can watch for their pacing. How do they respond when you speed up the pace or slow it down? Some players will just crumble if you make those few extra bounces on your serve or occasionally hit the ball over the fence.

Answer 3

I don't have a rating myself but I play with people who are in the 4.5-5.5 range. I sometimes play with an instructor but I'm not sure what their ratings are. But I love to "scout" the game of my future opponent. I don't really take notes but I do make mental notes on what the person doesn't do or doesn't do a lot of during his game....gives me an idea on his comfort level on that area. I also make a note on his strength...I love to attack it during the early games of the match and really break it down. That arm is bound to get tired eventually. I love playing taller guys too...the tall the better. I love giving them really flat, low bouncing balls to work those knees of theirs...always works.

Answer 4

watch how they serve and what area they like to serve in and watch there movements in back,,,