Winning Strategy for Singles

  • 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.