Tennis Strategy

Tennis Strategy

1. Always watch the ball (Try to figure out whether it is a topspin, back-spin, or slice)
2. Stay in the present. Don't think about winning or losing. Focus only on the current point (forget all past points won or lost)
3. Learn how to relax. The body performs best when it's relaxed
• On a count of 4, breathe in/out. Slow breathing helps to calm nerves
4. The time to think is during changeovers. Don't evaluate your game while it's going on
5. Keep your shots landing deep (to prevent the opponent from approaching the net); close to the baseline is better. 
6. Add topspin to keep your opponents farther back
7. Don't try to win points during the return of serve
8. Hit most of your shots crosscourt (statistically best shot)
• The net is lower by 6 inches at crosscourt
9. Drift back to the center of the court after each groundstroke
10. Never change the style of a winning game (always take chances when losing)
11. Keep the first two shots on the court (a majority of games are over after the first 4 shots)
12. Separate balls into two types: Green and Red
• Green balls are balls that can be hit with any stroke you want. Hit your opponent's weakest side with your best stroke
• Red balls just need to get over the net. Use whatever shot you can to do so

Singles Strategy

1. Attack the net at every opportunity
2. Play the percentages
3. Under pressure, play the right shot (not the SAFE shot)
4. When forced, get the ball up
5. Breakdown your opponent's rhythm
6. Overplay your opponent's strong shot
7. Hit crosscourt groundstrokes
8. Hit with purpose
9. Play with a game plan
10. Basics of a sound strategy:

• Every shot is critical because it could be your last. 
• Anticipate opportunities and hit the first short ball.
• Instinctively move forward, not back. 
• Mentally, know that you are here for the whole match. 
• Forget the winners that your opponent hit; just play. 
• Buy time at every opportunity so you can be prepared to hit
• Get all your serves in deep. The first serve puts pressure on the returner. The second serve puts pressure on the server. 
• Keep the ball down the middle and deep consistently
• Swing through your shots; don't shorten your swing if you hit long at first. 
• Keep moving and aware of your balance. 
• Strive to hit technically correct shots during the match. 
• Visualize your shots as you hit them; mental pictures produce physical results.

Doubles Strategy

1. When the ball comes crosscourt to your partner, only briefly look. Then, return to focus on what your opponents are doing.
2. When to poach?
1. When the server's ball is bouncing in the service box, run to the net's center
3. Essential doubles strategy
1. Hit volley back-to-back
4. Tennis Double Shading
5. Decide where to serve
6. Overcome any hurdles to communication
7. Understand what works for you
8. Become Fluid movers
9. Learn the power of less pace
10. Ease your way forward

10 Commandments for Tennis Players

1. Always watch the ball
2. Exhale when  serving or returning a shot (relaxes muscles)
• When the opponent hits the ball, I inhale
• When I am about to hit the ball, I exhale (this relaxes the muscles)
3. Focus on getting the racket back as early as possible (early preparation for the next shot)
4. Focus on finishing properly (long, extended follow-through is required)
5. Focus on split-stepping during the return of the serve
6. When serving, hit the ball at its highest point
7. On serve return, focus on the front of the body (imagine the wall behind me), and don't take the racket back too much (like you would in a normal groundstroke)
8. On the volley, contact at the front of the body