This type of tennis personality relies on power to win points through clean winners and force his opponent into making errors. 

He is not only aggressive but fairly consistent with his powerful groundstrokes. He usually has a strong weapon (e.g. forehand) that he dictates points with. 

Some of the OBPs possess both sides, forehand, and backhand, at a level that is not only consistent but powerful too. 

The OBPs mostly have only one game plan: consistent and aggressive attack. If they have a good day, they present big trouble for the opponents. But when they are a little off, the errors can ruin their chances. Even when on the defensive, these players prefer to go for risky, low-percentage shots. 

This type of play requires a lot of energy and a high tolerance for making errors. Players adopting a very aggressive style must acknowledge that they might be missing a lot of shots in their attempt to hit clean winners. 

Mentally, the offensive baseline players possess courage, decisiveness, impatience, and a deep acceptance of the possibility of making more errors compared to other players.  

Tactics to beat the Offensive Baseline Player (OBP)

– When serving against the OBP, be prepared for your second serve to be attacked right away. Hit the ball low with an aggressive slice to prevent him from taking advantage of it. 

Also, the aggressive, low topspin second serves can be efficient if placed to his weak side or into the body. He’ll look for opportunities to run around his weak wing (e.g. backhand) and attack the ball with his weapon (e.g. forehand). 

– When returning against him, find ways to make him move to the ball: short and angled returns or slice deep to keep the balls low. When hitting balls on the run, his balance affects his body and ball control preventing him from being such a big threat. 

– During the rally phase, keep the balls deep and at a medium pace – the OBP loves the pace; so give him more slice shots that he has to get low for, hit up and deal with a lower speed of the ball. Mix the power and depth to keep them guessing. 

– Aggressive players like rhythm, they prefer the ball at a certain height and pace. So varying your shots’ depth, height and spin can work great against them. 

– Exploit their weakness.
Since the aggressive baseline players hide/protect their weak wing very well, it is hard to attack that side. Sometimes you will have to hit a couple of shots to their strong side to open up the court on the weak side. For example: hit a couple of balls to their forehand, then attack the backhand right away. 

– Bring them up to the net.
You can do that either on the return of serve or during the rally using slice drop shots. 
The OBP is not very comfortable playing up at the net so once you bring him there, don’t try to pass him by overhitting – just give him low, medium-pace shots at his feet preferably cross-court so that you have a better chance to attack right after.

– Mentally, go into a match against the OBP prepared to defend a lot. You will constantly be challenged physically (quickness, reaction, ball control). Therefore try not to match his power by hitting harder or at least that hard. After all, the OBP likes pace – so avoid matching him at this game. Instead, try to outsmart him: stay with what you do best. 

Keep staying positive even when things don’t go your way. They are not going to keep the pace at a high intensity all the time because of the risky nature of their style. Stay calm and wait for your opportunity. The opportunity can be either your opponent losing some of his intensity, or mental composure, or whenever you can take advantage of his weak side (net game, backhand, or whatever you can detect as weakness in his game).