Did you know physical exercise can boost your mental health? If you play tennis and want to learn more useful play tactics, we can help.
In this guide, we’ll go over tennis tactics to try out.
Want to learn more? Keep reading.
1. In/Out Tennis
In/out tennis is the opposite of playing box tennis. With this tactic, your opponent will have to move up and down the court.
Some players are more comfortable playing behind the baseline. This will make it difficult for them when they need to move into the court.
Overall, players tend to be more comfortable with playing at the baseline. Challenge your opponent with this tactic.
Hit the ball high and into the center of the tennis court. Aim to push your opponent back further, instead of side to side across the court. This way, you’ll keep the angle of the court more narrow.
If you feel in control of the rally, you can play a drop shot or short ball to force your opponent into the net. Playing an approach out of the blue will catch players.
If they come to the net, you have a few different shots of attack. You can try a lob and force them backward, making them adjust and move their body.
A passing shot will end up winning the point. A fast-paced body shot makes it hard for them to hit a volley.
Try using moon balls to force your back onto the court. When you’re ready to hit the drop shot, move into the court as fast as possible.
Follow your drop shot into the net and cut off as much space in the court as possible.
2. Hit Consistent Shots
An overlooked tactic in tennis is consistency. Hitting more balls compared to your opponent is a simple way to get points.
You’ll also want to reduce unforced errors. Unforced errors are mistakes you make without pressure from your opponent.
Forced errors occur from the pressure that an opponent applies to you during the game.
3. Step Into the Court
While in/out tennis makes your opponent move forward and backward, stepping into the court is about getting tactical court space. This way, you can have chances at hitting winning balls.
After hitting each shot, you’ll need to move forward into the tennis court. If the opponent hits a short ball, attack it from a good position. You’ll have a higher percentage of winners.
When you get far into the court, you can charge the net after hitting an aggressive shot. You’ll have a chance to set up a winning volley from a weak return.
Try to hit the ball early. Block the ball with a short stroke on the backhand side.
4. Box Tennis
Box tennis is a common tactic used in modern single games. You make your opponent move from corner to corner.
Box tennis is a popular tactic because you have to hit a ton of crosscourt balls. Crosscourt balls will increase the size of the court space. It also lets you hit consistently over the lower point of the tennis net.
You have to move a lot. You’re aiming to force your opponent to hit a weak return shot. You’re also trying to force a ball down the line, which makes it a more difficult shot to make.
Strong players tend to play box tennis. Whoever is more daring will take the lead. Players also use box tennis at the beginning of their matches. They use this tactic to get a feel for their opponent’s game.
If they lose the box tennis battle, they’ll have to change tactics to disrupt the opponent.
If you want to try this tactic, you’ll need to use consistent groundstrokes. This way, your opponent’s forced to move from side to side and will weaken. When they get tired, they will make sloppier shots.
If the opponent you’re facing is superior at long groundstroke rallies, this tactic isn’t practical.
5. Wall Tennis
Wall tennis is a more defensive tactic. You’ll alter the pace and end up controlling the shot.
Wall tennis tactics will tire out your opponent. This can make the points and game drag.
6. Try to Hit the High Ball
The high ball tennis tactic involves kicking high services. A topspin groundstroke forces your opponent to return the tennis ball at a higher point.
The high ball tactic is effective against players with one-handed backhands. It’s also effective against shorter players.
It’s more difficult to generate power off the shot without using a lot of energy. Throughout the match, your opponent will tire out.
The high ball tactic also forces your opponent to remain deep in the court. You could change to the in/out tactic.
You can keep the point going for a long time, different from hacking. You can force your opponent to go for a winner when they’re deep in the court. This is a lower percentage shot.
You will need to take the pace away from the ball to increase accuracy. If you leave it short, you’ll give your opponent easy winners. Use this tactic to attack your opponent’s rhythm or weaknesses.
Learn more about the topspin forehand technique.
Now You Know About Essential Tennis Tactics
We hope this guide on tennis tactics was helpful. Now that you know about the top tennis tactics, start practicing.
Please browse our other helpful resources on education, business, and more.