Singles Tactical Principles
The difference between advanced players and the rest is not only the ability to hit the ball better but more importantly their understanding of the different situations they encounter in a match. Advanced players immediately recognize if they are in an offensive, a building or a defensive position and have the ability to automatically choose the appropriate response.
In this section you will find clear examples of common situations and advice on how best to handle them. This information provides you with a valuable tactical summary of the game of singles - something your players will greatly appreciate.
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Hit a High Defensive Lob if the Opponent Forces you with His/Her Approach Shot
Passing TacticBy loading the video, you agree to Vimeo’s privacy policy.Learn more Load video Always unblock Vimeo When stretched and out of balance, the odds of hitting an effective passing shot are slim. In these situations a nice high defensive l...
Focus on Staying Relaxed and Watching the Ball at Contact to Hit Better Passing Shots
Passing TacticBy loading the video, you agree to Vimeo’s privacy policy.Learn more Load video Always unblock Vimeo When the opponent attacks the net it is very easy to feel pressured and react accordingly. Tensing up and lifting the head too early t...
When the Opponent attacks the Net and you are out of Balance Consider a Soft Shot to the Opponent’s Feet
Passing TacticBy loading the video, you agree to Vimeo’s privacy policy.Learn more Load video Always unblock Vimeo It is very easy to miss the passing shot when the opponent forces you with his/her approach shot. In those cases a high defensive lob ...
Use Crosscourt Passing Shots on Key Points
Passing TacticBy loading the video, you agree to Vimeo’s privacy policy.Learn more Load video Always unblock Vimeo It will always be much harder to defend against a firm crosscourt volley than against a down the line volley. Therefore,on key points ...
Make the Opponent Play When Defending Against an Overhead
Passing TacticBy loading the video, you agree to Vimeo’s privacy policy.Learn more Load video Always unblock Vimeo Whenever you are able to push the opponent back with a good lob, make sure you keep the ball in play after the opponent hits the overh...
Return a Drop Shot Down the Line Unless you can Attack it
Rallying TacticWhen running down a drop shot, hit the ball back deep down the line unless you can hit a forcing shot crosscourt
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How to Cover the Net Better
Net Game TacticBy loading the video, you agree to Vimeo’s privacy policy.Learn more Load video Always unblock Vimeo The middle of the court is not always the best place to stand to cover the passing shot. In general the best rule is to follow your sh...
Return to the Middle or Crosscourt if the Serve Pulls you Wide
Return TacticBy loading the video, you agree to Vimeo’s privacy policy.Learn more Load video Always unblock Vimeo When a serve pulls you off the court and you return down the line, you are very vulnerable to a forcing crosscourt shot from the oppon...
Vary the Speed Height and Spin to Force the Opponent to Hit Short
Rallying TacticBy loading the video, you agree to Vimeo’s privacy policy.Learn more Load video Always unblock Vimeo One of the main strategies in tennis is to work the point to force the opponent to hit a short ball that you can attack. One way of ac...
Sometimes a Short, Low Approach Shot can be used as a Great Change up
Approach Shot TacticNormally, when you approach the net, you will try to hit the ball deep and low. However, sometime you can surprise your opponent by hitting the ball short and low and come in.
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The Best Way to Hit a Passing Shot is not to Hit One
Passing TacticBy loading the video, you agree to Vimeo’s privacy policy.Learn more Load video Always unblock Vimeo Trying to pass the opponent at the net is not easy. It requires speed and precision. Most of the points won against a player that atta...
Catch the Ball Early To Hit a Better Passing Shot
Passing TacticBy loading the video, you agree to Vimeo’s privacy policy.Learn more Load video Always unblock Vimeo To hit an effective passing shot, you need to take time away from the opponent by hitting the ball close to where it bounces. Waiting ...
Hit the Passing Shot and move Diagonally into the Court
Passing TacticBy loading the video, you agree to Vimeo’s privacy policy.Learn more Load video Always unblock Vimeo Catching he ball early to hit a passing shot will take way time from the opponent. Make sure that you move into the court after you hi...
When it comes to Passing Shots, Keeping the Ball Low is more Important than Hitting Hard
Passing TacticKeeping the ball low on a passing shot assures that the opponent will not be able to hurt you even if he can reach the ball.
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Do not Let the Opponent Get too Close to the Net – Use the Lob
Passing TacticBy loading the video, you agree to Vimeo’s privacy policy.Learn more Load video Always unblock Vimeo If you allow the opponent to play close to the net it will be very hard to pass/him or her. Getting close to the net is a very effecti...
Use the Down the Line Shot Mostly When you are Inside of the Court and in Control of the Point
Rallying TacticHitting a down the line shot makes it harder to recover to the ideal spot after the shot. Therefore, use the down the line shot when you can hurt the opponent.
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Pick the Right Time to Hit Angles
Rallying TacticThe ideal time to hit angles is when you have a short wide ball. That is you are inside the court and close to the sideline.
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Use Height to Gain Time
Rallying TacticWhen in trouble and off the court, make sure you hit the ball high and crosscourt. That will give you the best chance to stay in the point.
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Take Time from the Opponent by Catching the Ball Early
Rallying TacticLetting the ball get to you instead of moving forward to hit it gives the opponent more time to recover between shots.
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Start the Attack with an Inside-out Forehand when you Run Around your Backhand
Rallying TacticWhen running around your backhand it is very important that you wait for the right time to hit inside in.
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To Hit an Effective Drop shot you Need to be in Control of the Point and Use Disguise
Rallying TacticA drop shot will only be effective when you are able to surprise the opponent. Ideally you have to use it in situations when the opponent is expecting an aggressive shot.
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An Effective Approach Shot is Deep and Low
Approach Shot TacticThe most important elements of an effective approach shot are depth and height. If you are able to keep the ball deep, you will have more time to react to the passing shot since the ball will have to travel farther. This post ...
Hit the Approach Shot Down the Line to Cover the Net Better
Approach Shot TacticWhen approaching the net it is very important to be in the right position before the opponent hits the passing shot. Approaching down the line will make it easier for you to reach the ideal position at the net. This post is on...
Use the Crosscourt Approach only if you can Hurt the Opponent
Approach Shot TacticAn opponent who is out of balance and uncomfortable will not be able to take advantage of you being out of position.
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If an Opponent has a Very Weak Shot, Hit the Ball There When Approaching the Net
Approach Shot TacticIn general, approaching down the line will leave you in the best position to cover the opponent’s passing shot. However, if the opponent has a very weak side, take advantage of it and attack it relentlessly. This post is onl...
Approaching the Net to the Middle of the Court can be a Very Good Strategy
Approach Shot TacticUsually a player will approach the net down the line to gain good positioning, to the opponent’s weakness to apply pressure or crosscourt to force the opponent. However, sometime an approach shot straight to the middle of the court is ...
Follow your Shot to End up in the Best Position to Cover the Passing Shot
Approach Shot TacticA great way to cover the net better is to follow your shot. Regardless of what shot: serve, return, approach or volley, moving in the direction of your shot will always get you to the right position at the net. This post is on...
Follow your Volley and Recover Quickly to Cover the Net Better
Net Game TacticA common mistake at the net is to hit the ball and remain stationary. At the net you do not have much time, so you need to hit and recover immediately.
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Use the Sneak Approach to take Advantage of an Opponent’s Weak Shot
Approach Shot TacticShort balls are obvious opportunities to attack the net. However, there are other opportunities that are more subtle.
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Hit the Deep Overheads Through the Baseline and Angle the Short Overheads
Net Game TacticA smart way to play the overheads is to hit the deep overheads through the baseline and the short overheads through the sidelines.
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Cover the Down the Line Passing Shot if you Attack the Net with an Inside out Forehand
Net Game TacticWhen you attack the net with an inside out forehand passing shot you will most likely force the opponent.
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Hit High Volleys Crosscourt and Low Volleys Down the Line
Net Game TacticWhen at the net, hit high volleys crosscourt and low volleys down the line to increase your chances of covering the passing shots.
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Stay Calm when you Suddenly Find Yourself in a Defensive Position at the Net
Net Game TacticWhen attacking the net we are normally in an offensive mentality. We move in to finish the point. However, sometime the opponent is able to hit a low shot and put you in a defensive position. This post is only available to mem...
When Stretched at the Net Hit the Volley Down the Line
Net Game TacticWhen stretched, a weak crosscourt volley will leave you out of position and will present an easy passing shot opportunity to your opponent.
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Serve and Volley to The “T” on Key Points
Serve TacticWhen serving and volleying the best strategy is to serve mostly to your opponent’s weakness.
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On Second Serves vary your Position when Returning to take Advantage of your Strengths
Return TacticA second serve gives you a little more time to move and adjust. Therefore, it may allow you to run around and return with your best shot.
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Step in to Catch the Kick Serve Early
Return TacticA kick serve will bounce high, and once the ball gets over your shoulders it is very hard to control.
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Do not Miss the Chance to Attack a Weak Second Serve
Return TacticA key tactical concept in tennis is to work the point until you get an easy shot to attack. Sometimes the opponent’s second serve is the first weak shot of the point.
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Return on a Second Serve: If you Run Around the Backhand on the Ad Court, Start the Point Inside Out
Return TacticIf you run around, start the point inside out unless you are trying to hit a winner or as a variation.
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Start Moving Forward Early if you are Returning and Attacking the Net
Return TacticIf you are planning to move in, start moving forwards early, do not wait until you hit your return.
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Use your Outside Shot to Return if you are Charging the Net After the Return
Return TacticWhen returning and coming in, pick the outside shot to hit the return whenever you have a chance.
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Find the Right Speed for your Second Serve
Serve TacticHow hard should you hit your second serve? Trying to serve too hard will lead to double faults but serving too softly will leave you vulnerable.
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Mix in Some Serving and Volleying against and Opponent that Chips the Return
Serve TacticA good strategy against an opponent that always plays a safe chip return is to serve and volley.
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Serve and Volley Against an Opponent that Stands far Behind the Baseline to Return
Serve TacticAn opponent that returns from far behind the baseline gives you more time to get closer to the net after the serve allowing you to catch the first volley at a higher point.
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Return Down the Line or to the Middle when Returning and Attacking the Net
Return TacticBy loading the video, you agree to Vimeo’s privacy policy.Learn more Load video Always unblock Vimeo If you want to hit the return and attack to the net, hit to the opponent’s weak side if he/she has a very weak shot. If his/her fore...
The Difference Between Returning on Hard-court or on Clay-court
Return TacticBy loading the video, you agree to Vimeo’s privacy policy.Learn more Load video Always unblock Vimeo On hard-courts players will take advantage of the speed of the opponent’s serve, stand close to the baseline and block the return. O...
The Most Important Goal of the Returner is to Make the Opponent Play
Return TacticBy loading the video, you agree to Vimeo’s privacy policy.Learn more Load video Always unblock Vimeo The number one goal of the returner should be to make the opponent play. Everything else is secondary. Unless you are getting enough r...
Adjust your Return Position to Take advantage of the Circumstances
Return TacticBy loading the video, you agree to Vimeo’s privacy policy.Learn more Load video Always unblock Vimeo Make sure that you vary your return position to take advantage of the circumstances. Stand in a spot that favors your strengths or cov...
Vary your Return Position on Key Points
Return TacticBy loading the video, you agree to Vimeo’s privacy policy.Learn more Load video Always unblock Vimeo On keys points, a small adjustment in your return position can give you the needed advantage to win those important points. It may be ...
Do not Let the Opponent Surprise you with their Best Serve on Key Points
Return TacticBy loading the video, you agree to Vimeo’s privacy policy.Learn more Load video Always unblock Vimeo As you play a match you should study the opponent. Find out his/her favorite patterns and shots. Then use this information wisely. For...
Pick Smart Return Targets on Key Points
Return TacticBy loading the video, you agree to Vimeo’s privacy policy.Learn more Load video Always unblock Vimeo On key points, return consistently by picking smart targets. Hit towards the middle or crosscourt to give yourself more margin for err...
Returning Against a Serve and Volleyer
Return TacticBy loading the video, you agree to Vimeo’s privacy policy.Learn more Load video Always unblock Vimeo Aim to the middle of the court and low to return a first serve when the opponent is serving and volleying. On second serves, try to st...
Remind Yourself to Watch the Ball and to Remain Relaxed when Returning on Key Points
Return TacticBy loading the video, you agree to Vimeo’s privacy policy.Learn more Load video Always unblock Vimeo The most common sources of mistakes on key points are tension and lack of focus on the ball. Reminding yourself to watch the ball all ...
Adjust your swing to the Incoming Ball
Rallying TacticBy loading the video, you agree to Vimeo’s privacy policy.Learn more Load video Always unblock Vimeo Tennis is a game of adjustments. The opponent’s balls are always different and your job is to adjust your swing to be able to hit th...
Hit the Ball crosscourt any Time you are in a Neutral or Defensive Position
Rallying TacticBy hitting the ball crosscourt, you do not have to move as much to recover after the shot. So, anytine you are in a neutral or defensive position the crosscourt shot will give you the best chance of staying in the point. This ...
The Right Mentality on the First Serve
Serve TacticYou have two serves in tennis so you have to make sure you take advantage of this. When you hit a first serve you have to approach the line with an aggressive mentality. You want to use the first serve to put the opponent on the defensiv...
Look for a Short Return after a First Serve
Serve TacticA first serve is meant to get the opponent in trouble – to gain control of the point, so make sure that after hitting you are not surprised by a short return. Be looking for a short return, move immediately forward and continue your a...
Make at Least 50% of your First Serves
Serve TacticA first serve needs to be aggressive and fast but will not be very effective if it is not going in. To be really effective you need to make at least 50% of your first serves. Be aware of this and adjust accordingly while you play during ...
Use Variety to Improve your First Serve
Serve TacticHaving a hard first serve will give you an advantage but varying the first serve will give you an even greater advantage. Even a slight variation every 3 or 4 serves will be effective. Use different targets and spins to keep the oppone...
Use the Slice Serve as a Weapon
Serve TacticIn order to hit the first serve hard, you need to learn to hit it flat. However, for some targets a slice serve will be more appropriate.
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The Goal of the Second Serve
Serve TacticThe goal of the second serve should be to start the point and prevent the opponent from taking control of the point. If the opponent can attack all your second serves, you will most likely lose the match. Starting the point at least ne...
Serve Mainly to the Opponent’s Weakness on Second Serves
Serve TacticIt is always easier for an opponent to attack a second serve with their favorite shot. Therefore, make sure you force the opponent to return with their weaker side any chance you have.
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Serve into the Body against Returners that Like to Return and Come in
Serve TacticIn order to be effective a player that likes to return and charge the net has to start moving forward early and take the return close to the service line.
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Serve Mostly to the Opponent’s Weakness with a Slight Variation to Keep them Guessing
Serve TacticYou will always have a better chance of winning a match when you force the opponent to hit with his/her weaker side as much as possible.
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Focus on the Contact Point when Serving
Serve TacticIn tennis you are always trying to coordinate the body to make sure the racquet head arrives at contact at the right time.
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Do not Vary the Serve on Key Points – Make the Opponent use his/her Weak Side
Serve TacticVarying the serve will help you keep the opponent guessing and will keep the opponent from grooving his/her return.
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Learn to Hit the Serve to different Targets and with Different Spins off the Same Toss
Serve TacticIf you vary your toss depending on the target, your opponent will usually be able to move early and return better.
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Follow your Ball to the Net when Serving and Volleying
Serve TacticThe middle of the court is not always the best place to stand to cover the net. Standing slightly towards the side where the ball will come from is better.
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Try to Get the Returner off Balance with your Serve
Serve TacticEvery one returns better when comfortable. A good goal to have when serving is to stretch the opponent, to get him/her off balance.
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Make the First Serve after a Double Fault
Serve TacticDouble faults kill you in tennis. Besides loosing the point, it is easy to lose confidence, so after a double fault, hit a slower first serve that you will most likely make.
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Do not Forget the Body-serve
Serve TacticNormally trying to stretch the opponent when serving is very effective. However, sometimes the best option is to hit the serve right at the returner, preventing him/her to take a good swing at the ball. This post is only avail...
Depth is the Key on a First Serve Return
Return TacticThe goal oft he first serve return is to keep the opponent from attacking you and the easiest way to attack is by hitting a short return.
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Pick Smart Targets when Returning a First Serve
Return TacticA first serve comes fast, and it is not always easy for the returner to make contact at the ideal contact point.
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Use Slice When Blocking a First Serve Return
Return TacticWhen blocking a return, hitting with slice will be safer because the ball will stay low, making it harder fort he opponent to hit the ball hard.
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Use the Down the Line Return Only When you can Attack
Return TacticA weak down the line return will leave you vulnerable to an aggressive crosscourt shot from the opponent.
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