Game PreparationHere are some simple clues about the opponent that can help individualise the game plan.
About the
opponent |
Game Strategy |
| Plays left handed |
Serve from the left hand service box.
Drive to the right-hand corner of the court. |
| Overweight |
Keep the opponent on the move.
Keep the rallies going especially at the beginning of the match.. |
| Cannot volley |
Hit high lob serves, especially to their backhand. |
| Has a wide swing |
Hit the ball to the corners. |
| Gets frustrated |
Keep getting all their good shots back into play; no errors. |
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The Basic Game
- Return the service on the full.
- Get to the T at all cost.
- Volley.
- Tight length.
- No errors – aim higher – open racket - swing fluently.
- Racket in the “ready” position early. Get into a rhythm before going for your shots.
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Tactics of a Typical Match1st game
- Think about the basic game, ie Return the service on the full.
- Get to the T at all costs.
- Volley.
- Tight length.
- No errors - aim higher - swing fluently.
- Racket in the "ready" position early.
- Once the basics are in place try out a few variations.
- Make a mental note of any specific trends during the game.
- Having thought about the basic game, but still things are tough, try out various ideas, eg twist and turn the opponent.
- Play hard and fast length, long and short, vary the pace.
2nd game
- Go on with a plan, depending how your opponent handled the first game.
- You must have a plan or positive strategy to assist concentration.
3rd game
- You could start to alter the pattern of tactics.
- Instead of down the backhand wall generally, may be a few cross court and using the forehand wall or drop, etc.
- If your game becomes too repetitive your opponent will start to read your play.
4th game
- If your opponent is down, he will try harder so put your shoulder to the wall, no errors, keep volleying and attack.
5th game
- If the opponent is on top break his heart and get every ball back.
- Don’t give in.
- Concentrate.
- No unforced errors.
- No out of court serves.
- If you are on top don’t relax.
- Keep volleying.
- Concentrate on the opponent's weaknesses.
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Think Positive
- Hit the service on the full, so as to gain the T.
- Keep out of the back corners when returning the service.
- Play long or short, but not half-court – be definite.
- Twist and turn your opponent to keep them off balance.
- Use volleys, volley boasts, boast, cross court toss, tight deep length – soft or hard – and volley.
- Make your opponent run – long./short, volley.
- Keep up the pressure.
- Be positive and keep thinking about your plan.
- NO NEGATIVE self talk, eg I’m playing badly, he gets all my balls back,I’m going to lose, etc.
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