Singles strategy

Tennis / Popular

Build points, pick patterns and play the percentages.

What coaches agree on

  • Most shots are there to improve your court position or put pressure on your opponent, not to end the point outright; you earn the right to go for the finishing shot by building the point first.
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Common mistakes

  • Going for a low-percentage shot (down the line, close to the lines, or an outright winner) while still out of position or in a neutral rally, instead of the high-percentage shot the situation calls for.
  • Staying back near the baseline, or retreating, after the opponent hits a short ball, instead of moving forward right away to attack it as an approach shot.