Second Post Overheads

The Point

Down a (quick) set in the women's finals at Longmeadow, Gebbia and Delmonico lock in on their overheads to the deuce side.

Analysis

At this point in the match, Gebbia and Delmonico have to bear down and grind. They lost the first set quickly, 6-0, but are up a break in the second. Seemingly to avoid Zubori's offense, they lock in on hitting soft overheads to Hanisch's second post on the deuce side. This overhead is generally defensive, in the sense that usually a right-handed deuce player won't crush drives from their left hip.

As with any shot, if you force it in bad situations, the opponent will hurt you. So, Gebbia and Delmonico mix in a few shots to Zubori in the Ad court to keep her honest.

A few shots into the point, Gebbia locks in on the post:

Hanisch hits a phenomenal lob that actually takes Gebbia practically out of the video shot, and yet Gebbia still manages to put the ball within a few feet of the baseline and finds the wire:

After three more overheads to her second post, Hanisch seems wise to the plan and slides to her left to set up her forehand drive for the next overhead:

But Delmonico is ready for the drive (perhaps sensing they're poking the bear with their disciplined shots) and paints the baseline with her volley.

A few shots later and Zubori finally sees a ball she can attack, but she yanks it long.

This point demonstrates a few things:

- Deciding on a plan and sticking to it;

- Adapting to your opponent's strategy in order to still bring offense;

- Patience and waiting for the right ball to attack.