Try to keep serves firm and deep. Vary direction but make sure they’re in bounds.
Serve from near the center line so you can get at most returns more easily.
Try to keep returns deep and to the corners.
Generally stay near the back third of the court.
Try to force opponents to use their backhand, most players are weaker there.
Anytime you can, hit a deep forcing shot into the corners, where your opponent doesn’t have time to set up for their shot. That gives you a chance to come to the non-volley line and hit a passing shot.
Face your opponent. You’re in a better position to return a shot to either side.
Never hit a drop shot when your opponent is deep. Good players will get to it quickly and be in position to hit a passing shot. Vary your shots so opponents can’t anticipate you, occasionally try to make them think you’re doing one thing but do another.
Generally move left or right as your opponent moves but stay closer to the center line.
Use lobs only when necessary and your opponent is at the net or non-volley line.
If your opponent has managed to get to the net and you are still back, then you have 3 choices.
hit a hard passing shot.
hit a dipping shot that hits the ground at your opponents feet.
hit a lob.
The best choice depends upon your skill level with each type of shot. The best players rarely lob because it’s a difficult shot to hit deep enough to keep a good player from putting it away.