There are four styles of play:

1. Serve and Volley
2. Base Line Player
3. Full Court Player
4. Counter Attacker

Most players will tend to exhibit only one of these four styles. Few players can exhibit two of these styles during a match. In order to do this well, you have to master the style. I prefer to teach my students how to play all four styles of play. This way they can keep their opponents off guard by switching in and out of these styles. Once you master these four styles then you can develop strategies to play against someone playing these styles against you.

Learning to recognize which style your opponent is playing and to change your style when losing is often an often overlooked skill. I hear many of my students say "I cannot play well against Bob or Susie." What they are telling me is that they do not know how to play against Bob's or Susie's game style. Quit taking your tennis so personal. Learn to adapt your style to play against their style. Players tend to practice against game styles they like. However, your ability to play under competitive situations will be guided by your ability to adapt your style to adjust to your opponents' style.

Good luck on the court!