How to Employ Tactics in Singles Tennis

Tactics for singles tennis can be much more varied than for doubles. Most of your strategy depends on your opponent's strengths and weaknesses.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Tennis Shirts
• Tennis Shoes
• Tennis Shorts
• Tennis Socks
• Tennis Bag
• Tennis Balls
• Tennis Racquets

1. Hit the ball down the center if your opponent is inconsistent. This is a safe shot that relies on your opponent's unforced errors.
2. Hit the crosscourt shot. This has the highest percentage of success, for both forehand and backhand.
3. Serve and volley intermittently to see how your opponent reacts. If he is not passing you with a shot when you're at the net, continue with this tactic, especially as the game goes on.
4. Pass down the line when your opponent is approaching the net.
5. Approach the net by hitting deep down your opponent's line. The second choice is to hit deep down the center.
6. Vary your serve to feel out your opponent's service return strengths and weaknesses, and then play to the weaknesses when serving.
7. Mix up your serves. For example, hit flat on the first serve, slice on the second serve sometimes, and reverse at others.
8. Develop a tempo of play that you are comfortable with. You can do this, for example, by taking your time to serve or receive serve.
9. Control your breathing. Be careful not to pant through the mouth.

Tips & Warnings

• Be positive with your posturing on the court instead of assuming a hangdog look. This will avoid giving your opponent psych points.
• Work on fitness. You will be better able to use your skills if you are fit enough to last through the game.
• Tennis is a physically demanding sport that could result in serious injury. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.