The 7 Golden Rules Of Tennis Strategy

Tennis is a game of strategy and skill. Every match requires players to make decisions on the court that are based on how their opponents play. While it may seem like a simple game, there is an art to playing tennis strategically. To help you become a better player, here are the 7 golden rules of tennis strategy. 

Make Good Use Of Your Serve 

The number one golden rule of tennis strategy is to take care of your own serve. Your serve is your ace in the hole, a card that you can play to win a crucial point. Most points are won on serves and it's important to focus on mastering this skill first and foremost. Taking care of your own serve means being accurate with placement and avoiding double faults. Also remember that your serve doesn't have to win you a point outright - you can also use it as a strategic tool by placing serves in certain areas of the court that will force your opponent out of position.

Stay Focused

It is easy to get distracted by what your opponent is doing or saying while playing tennis, but staying focused on your own performance is key to winning matches. If something isn't working out for you during the match, don't get discouraged - simply adjust and keep going. When things start getting tough during long points or sets, stay focused on what works best for you rather than worrying about what your opponent may be doing differently or better than you are doing it. 

Play Aggressively When Possible 

Tennis is all about taking calculated risks. Taking risks means playing aggressively whenever possible, as this can give you an edge over your opponent. This means that when you are faced with an opportunity for a winning shot, you should seize it. For example, if your opponent hits a weak shot that gives you plenty of time to set up for the return, don’t hesitate - go for it! Seizing opportunities like these can often be the difference between victory and defeat. 

Don't Be Afraid To Take A Step Back 

It's important to remember that tennis isn't just about attacking - sometimes it's equally important (or even more so) to take a few steps behind the baseline to be more defensive. For example, if you're facing an opponent who consistently overpowers you in serves and groundstrokes, try stepping back a few feet from the baseline in order to give yourself more time to return. This will reduce the effectiveness of their powerful shots.

Don't Make Unforced Errors

This one should go without saying but unforced errors are not only costly in terms of lost points but also in terms of momentum shifts throughout matches - especially if those errors come at crucial times such as breakpoints or when you are leading in a game. It’s important that players recognise when their shots could potentially lead to unforced errors so that they can adjust accordingly before making those same errors again. Read our blog on How To Reduce Your Unforced Errors.

Change Up Your Shots

Many players fall into a predictable pattern when playing – they hit the same shots from particular positions on the court without varying their approach too much from one game to another. But if your opponents know exactly what shots to expect from you, they will have an easier time returning them and putting pressure on your game. To stay ahead of them, mix up your shots and use different angles and spins whenever possible to keep them off balance.

Keep Your Opponent Off Balance

You should also pay attention to where your opponent is most comfortable when returning shots. If they prefer hitting backhands, then try to hit to their forehands instead. If they like approaching the net for volleys, then focus on keeping them away from the net by being prepared to hit lobs over their heads. The idea is to make it difficult for them to get into a rhythm so that they will be unable to play their best game.

To become an all-around better player you should focus on mastering the basics first – such as serving and returning with accuracy – but also remember to be aggressive when possible by seizing opportunities for winning shots. It’s also important not to make unforced errors or fall into a predictable pattern when playing against your opponents. You can use different angles and spins in order to keep them off balance while still maintaining control over the court. With these 7 golden rules in mind, we hope you will go on to win more matches.

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Play Tennis Better

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