Tennis is a sport that requires skill, speed, stamina, and strategy. But did you know that the hand you use to hold your racket can also make a difference? According to some statistics, about 10% of the world’s population is left-handed, but about 20% of the top 100 tennis players are lefties. Why is that? And what are the advantages and disadvantages of being a left-handed or right-handed tennis player? Let’s explore 10 differences between lefties and righties on the court, and how they affect their performance and style.
1. The Serve.
The serve is one of the most important shots in tennis, as it starts every point and gives the server an opportunity to gain an advantage. Left-handed servers have an edge over right-handed servers, especially on the deuce side of the court, where they can hit a slice serve that curves away from the right-handed receiver’s backhand, making it harder to return. Right-handed servers have the same advantage on the ad side of the court, but they face more pressure there, as it is usually the deciding point in a game. Left-handed servers also have more variety in their serve placement, as they can surprise their opponents with flat or topspin serves that go to their forehand or backhand.
2. The Forehand.
The forehand is the most common and powerful shot in tennis, as it allows the player to generate more speed and spin than the backhand. Left-handed players have an advantage over right-handed players when they hit their forehand cross-court, as it goes to their opponent’s backhand, which is usually weaker than their forehand. Right-handed players have the same advantage when they hit their forehand down-the-line, but they risk hitting the ball out or into the net. Left-handed players also have more angles to work with when they hit their forehand, as they can hit inside-out or inside-in shots that can catch their opponent off guard.
3. The Backhand.
The backhand is the less dominant and more difficult shot in tennis, as it requires more coordination and control than the forehand. Right-handed players have an advantage over left-handed players when they hit their backhand cross-court, as it goes to their opponent’s forehand, which is usually stronger than their backhand. Left-handed players have the same advantage when they hit their backhand down-the-line, but they risk hitting the ball out or into the net. Right-handed players also have more stability and consistency when they hit their backhand, as they can use either a one-handed or a two-handed grip, while most left-handed players use a two-handed grip.
4. The Volley.
The volley is a shot that is hit before the ball bounces on the court, usually near the net. It requires quick reflexes and good touch. Left-handed players have an advantage over right-handed players when they volley on the deuce side of the court, as they can hit a backhand volley that goes to their opponent’s backhand, making it harder to pass. Right-handed players have the same advantage on the ad side of the court, but they face more pressure there, as it is usually the deciding point in a game. Left-handed players also have more flexibility and reach when they volley, as they can use either a continental or an eastern grip, while most right-handed players use a continental grip.
5. The Overhead.
The overhead is a shot that is hit above the head, usually in response to a lob. It requires good timing and accuracy. Right-handed players have an advantage over left-handed players when they hit an overhead on the deuce side of the court, as they can hit a forehand overhead that goes to their opponent’s backhand, making it harder to return. Left-handed players have the same advantage on the ad side of the court, but they face more pressure there, as it is usually the deciding point in a game. Right-handed players also have more power and spin when they hit an overhead, as they can use either a continental or an eastern grip, while most left-handed players use a continental grip.
6. The Drop Shot.
The drop shot is a shot that is hit softly and low over the net, making it drop close to the net on the opponent’s side. It requires good touch and deception. Left-handed players have an advantage over right-handed players when they hit a drop shot on the deuce side of the court, as they can hit a slice drop shot that curves away from their opponent’s backhand, making it harder to reach. Right-handed players have the same advantage on the ad side of the court, but they face more pressure there, as it is usually the deciding point in a game. Left-handed players also have more finesse and variety when they hit a drop shot, as they can use either a continental or an eastern grip, while most right-handed players use a continental grip.
7. The Return.
The return is a shot that is hit in response to the serve, and it is one of the most challenging shots in tennis, as it requires good anticipation and reaction. Right-handed players have an advantage over left-handed players when they return on the deuce side of the court, as they can hit a forehand return that goes to their opponent’s backhand, making it harder to serve and volley. Left-handed players have the same advantage on the ad side of the court, but they face more pressure there, as it is usually the deciding point in a game. Right-handed players also have more confidence and aggression when they return, as they can use either a semi-western or a western grip, while most left-handed players use a semi-western grip.
8. The Footwork.
The footwork is the movement and positioning of the feet on the court, and it is one of the most important aspects of tennis, as it affects the balance and timing of every shot. Left-handed players have an advantage over right-handed players when they move on the deuce side of the court, as they can use their dominant foot to push off and pivot, giving them more speed and stability. Right-handed players have the same advantage on the ad side of the court, but they face more pressure there, as it is usually the deciding point in a game. Left-handed players also have more agility and coordination when they move, as they can use either a open or a closed stance, while most right-handed players use a open stance.
9. The Strategy.
The strategy is the plan and tactics that are used to win points and games, and it is one of the most complex and dynamic aspects of tennis, as it depends on many factors, such as the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses, the court surface, the weather conditions, and the score. Left-handed players have an advantage over right-handed players when they strategize on the deuce side of the court, as they can use their serve and forehand to create angles and pressure their opponent’s backhand, forcing them to make errors or hit weak shots. Right-handed players have the same advantage on the ad side of the court, but they face more pressure there, as it is usually the deciding point in a game. Left-handed players also have more creativity and unpredictability when they strategize, as they can use their slice and drop shot to change the pace and direction of the ball, catching their opponent off guard.
10. The Psychology.
The psychology is the mental and emotional state of mind that affects the performance and behavior of every player, and it is one of the most subtle and influential aspects of tennis, as it can make or break a match. Right-handed players have an advantage over left-handed players when they play on any side of the court, as they are more familiar and comfortable with playing against right-handed opponents, who make up about 90% of the tennis population. Left-handed players have a disadvantage on any side of the court, as they are less experienced and confident with playing against left-handed opponents, who make up about 10% of the tennis population. Right-handed players also have more resilience and composure when they play, as they can cope better with stress and pressure.
These are some of the differences between lefties and righties on the court. Of course, these are not absolute or definitive differences, as every player has their own unique style and personality. However, these differences can give us some insight into how lefties and righties approach and play tennis differently.
