There are ideal tactical responses to every situation that you will encounter on the tennis court. The right responses will increase your odds of winning the point.
Understanding and practicing your best options for all the different situations that you will encounter during a tennis match will greatly improve your chances of success. In this section, we will review the most important tactical concepts for singles play.
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Tactical principles for the passing shot
Even with a long and well-placed attack ball from the opponent, the player in the defensive position has a good chance of winning the point with a good passing ball. In the passing ball situation, after assessing the situation, he must d...
Anticipate the volley
One volley in the wrong place and it can be over in a promising attacking situation. That's the danger against defensive artists like Andy Murray. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here ...
How to play wear down an opponent like Rafael Nadal
To "play off" your opponent simply means to move him and wear him down. So, first of all, not to look for the quick point, but to involve the opponent in long rallies and to lengthen his runs. To get access to the videos and p...
Covering the Court after a Crosscourt Shot
In order to cover the court effectively, the player need to understand where to move after each shot. The following diagram explains how to best cover the court after a crosscourt shot. To get access to the videos and premi...
Take Time from the Opponent by Catching the Ball Early
Letting the ball get to you instead of moving forward to hit it gives the opponent more time to recover between shots. The sooner you are able to hit the ball back the less time the opponent will have to get in position. Work hard on cat...
Return to the Middle or Crosscourt if the Serve Pulls you Wide
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 opponent. Returning crosscourt or to the middle will leave you in a much better position to cover the court...
How to Cover the Net Better
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 shot to get into the best position to cover the net. Let’s take a look. To get access to t...
Return a Drop Shot Down the Line Unless you can Attack it
When running down a drop shot, hit the ball back deep down the line unless you can hit a forcing shot crosscourt To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or become a memb...
Make the Opponent Play When Defending Against an Overhead
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 overhead. Do not be tempted to go for a big shot off the opponent’s weak overhead. To get acce...
When the Opponent attacks the Net and you are out of Balance Consider a Soft Shot to the Opponent’s Feet
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 will keep you in the point. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here,...
Focus on Staying Relaxed and Watching the Ball at Contact to Hit Better Passing Shots
When the opponent attacks the net it is very easy to feel pressured and react accordingly. Tensing up and lifting the head too early to see where you hit the ball are the two most common sources of mistakes when hitting a passing shot. ...
Hit a High Defensive Lob if the Opponent Forces with His/Her Approach Shot
When stretched and out of balance, the odds of hitting an effective passing shot are slim. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or become a member of „Tennis2Brain...
Do not Let the Opponent Get too Close to the Net – Use the Lob
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 effective way to cut angles, but it does leave you vulnerable to the lob. To get access to the vide...
When it comes to Passing Shots, Keeping the Ball Low is more Important than Hitting Hard
Keeping 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. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or b...
Hit the Passing Shot and move Diagonally into the Court
Catching the ball early to hit a passing shot will take way time from the opponent. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or become a member of „Tennis2Brain“, th...
Catch the Ball Early To Hit a Better Passing Shot
To hit an effective passing shot, you need to take time away from the opponent by hitting the ball close to where it bounces. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or...
The Best Way to Hit a Passing Shot is not to Hit One
Trying to pass the opponent at the net is not easy. It requires speed and precision. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or become a member of „Tennis2Brain“, t...
Sometimes a Short, Low Approach Shot can be used as a Great Change up
Normally, 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. To get access to the videos and premium media, jus...
Serve and Volley to The “T” on Key Points
When serving and volleying the best strategy is to serve mostly to your opponent’s weakness. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or become a member of „Tennis2Br...
When Stretched at the Net Hit the Volley Down the Line
When stretched, a weak crosscourt volley will leave you out of position and will present an easy passing shot opportunity to your opponent. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a f...
Stay Calm when you Suddenly Find Yourself in a Defensive Position at the Net
When 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. To get access to the videos and pr...
Hit High Volleys Crosscourt and Low Volleys Down the Line
When at the net, hit high volleys crosscourt and low volleys down the line to increase your chances of covering the passing shots. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial...
Cover the Down the Line Passing Shot if you Attack the Net with an Inside out Forehand
When you attack the net with an inside out forehand passing shot you will most likely force the opponent. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or become a member of â...
Hit the Deep Overheads Through the Baseline and Angle the Short Overheads
A smart way to play the overheads is to hit the deep overheads through the baseline and the short overheads through the sidelines. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial...
Use the Sneak Approach to take Advantage of an Opponent’s Weak Shot
Short balls are obvious opportunities to attack the net. However, there are other opportunities that are more subtle. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or become a...
Follow your Volley and Recover Quickly to Cover the Net Better
A 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. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register ...
Follow your Shot to End up in the Best Position to Cover the Passing Shot
A 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. To get access t...
Approaching the Net to the Middle of the Court can be a Very Good Strategy
Usually 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 ...
If an Opponent has a Very Weak Shot, Hit the Ball There When Approaching the Net
In 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. To get access to...
Use the Crosscourt Approach only if you can Hurt the Opponent
An opponent who is out of balance and uncomfortable will not be able to take advantage of you being out of position. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or become a ...
Hit the Approach Shot Down the Line to Cover the Net Better
When 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. To get access t...
An Effective Approach Shot is Deep and Low
The 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. To get acc...
To Hit an Effective Drop shot you Need to be in Control of the Point and Use Disguise
A 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. To get access to the videos and premium media, just log...
Start the Attack with an Inside-out Forehand when you Run Around your Backhand
When running around your backhand it is very important that you wait for the right time to hit inside in. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or become a member of â...
Vary the Speed, Height and Spin to Force the Opponent to Hit a Short Ball
Letting the ball get to you instead of moving forward to hit it gives the opponent more time to recover between shots. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or become ...
Use Height to Gain Time
When 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. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a f...
Pick the Right Time to Hit Angles
The 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. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or b...
Use the Down the Line Shot Mostly When you are Inside of the Court and in Control of the Point
Hitting 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. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, r...
Hit the Ball crosscourt any Time you are in a Neutral or Defensive Position
By 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. To ge...
Adjust your swing to the Incoming Ball
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 the desired shot. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register h...
Remind Yourself to Watch the Ball and to Remain Relaxed when Returning on Key Points
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 the way from the bounce to the Racquet and to remain relaxed before key points will usually lead to mu...
Returning Against a Serve and Volleyer
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 stretch him/her. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register h...
Pick Smart Return Targets on Key Points
On key points, return consistently by picking smart targets. Hit towards the middle or crosscourt to give yourself more margin for error. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a f...
Do not Let the Opponent Surprise you with their Best Serve on Key Points
As you play a match you should study the opponent. Find out his/her favorite patterns and shots. Then use this information wisely. For example, on key points make sure to cover your opponent’s favorite serve. Play the odds. Make your ...
Vary your Return Position on Key Points
On keys points, a small adjustment in your return position can give you the needed advantage to win those important points. It may be enough to pressure the opponent into hitting a bad serve or it may give you the necessary head start t...
Adjust your Return Position to Take advantage of the Circumstances
Make sure that you vary your return position to take advantage of the circumstances. Stand in a spot that favors your strengths or cover your weaknesses, but also adjust to be able to cover the opponent’s best serve. To ge...
The Most Important Goal of the Returner is to Make the Opponent Play
The number one goal of the returner should be to make the opponent play. Everything else is secondary. Unless you are getting enough returns in the court, you will never get the opponent in trouble and will have a hard time breaking serv...
The Difference Between Returning on Hard-court or on Clay-court
On hard-courts players will take advantage of the speed of the opponent’s serve, stand close to the baseline and block the return. On clay-courts, a blocked return will not be as effective because it will usually be too slow. Therefor...
Return Down the Line or to the Middle when Returning and Attacking the Net
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 forehand and backhand are about the same, hit down the line or to the middle. Hit cross court only once in...
Serve and Volley Against an Opponent that Stands far Behind the Baseline to Return
An 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. To get access to the videos and premium media, just l...
Mix in Some Serving and Volleying against and Opponent that Chips the Return
A good strategy against an opponent that always plays a safe chip return is to serve and volley. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or become a member of „Tennis2...
Use your Outside Shot to Return if you are Charging the Net After the Return
When returning and coming in, pick the outside shot to hit the return whenever you have a chance. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or become a member of „Tennis...
Start Moving Forward Early if you are Returning and Attacking the Net
If you are planning to move in, start moving forwards early, do not wait until you hit your return. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or become a member of „Tenn...
Return on a Second Serve: If you Run Around the Backhand on the Ad Court, Start the Point Inside Out
If you run around, start the point inside out unless you are trying to hit a winner or as a variation. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or become a member of „T...
Do not Miss the Chance to Attack a Weak Second Serve
A 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. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login...
Step in to Catch the Kick Serve Early
A kick serve will bounce high, and once the ball gets over your shoulders it is very hard to control. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or become a member of „Te...
On Second Serves vary your Position when Returning to take Advantage of your Strengths
A 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. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a fre...
Use the Down the Line Return Only When you can Attack
A weak down the line return will leave you vulnerable to an aggressive crosscourt shot from the opponent. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or become a member of â...
Use Slice When Blocking a First Serve Return
When 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. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here fo...
Pick Smart Targets when Returning a First Serve
A first serve comes fast, and it is not always easy for the returner to make contact at the ideal contact point. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or become a memb...
Depth is the Key on a First Serve Return
The 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. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a fre...
Do not Forget the Body-serve
Normally 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. To get access to the vi...
Make the First Serve after a Double Fault
Double 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. To get access to the videos and premium media, just ...
Try to Get the Returner off Balance with your Serve
Every one returns better when comfortable. A good goal to have when serving is to stretch the opponent, to get him/her off balance. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free tria...
Follow your Ball to the Net when Serving and Volleying
The 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. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, regis...
Learn to Hit the Serve to different Targets and with Different Spins off the Same Toss
If you vary your toss depending on the target, your opponent will usually be able to move early and return better. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or become a me...
Do not Vary the Serve on Key Points – Make the Opponent use his/her Weak Side
Varying the serve will help you keep the opponent guessing and will keep the opponent from grooving his/her return. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or become a m...
Focus on the Contact Point when Serving
In tennis you are always trying to coordinate the body to make sure the racquet head arrives at contact at the right time. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free trial, or bec...
Serve Mostly to the Opponent’s Weakness with a Slight Variation to Keep them Guessing
You 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. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a free...
Serve into the Body against Returners that Like to Return and Come in
In 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. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, regis...
Serve Mainly to the Opponent’s Weakness on Second Serves
It 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. To get access to the videos and premium m...
The Goal of the Second Serve
The 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...
Use the Slice Serve as a Weapon
In 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. To get access to the videos and premium media, just login here, register here for a fre...
Use Variety to Improve your First Serve
Having 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...
Make at Least 50% of your First Serves
A 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 ...
Look for a Short Return after a First Serve
A 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...
The Right Mentality on the First Serve
You 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...