Beginning to play competitive tennis can be daunting. With all the effort and focus required to do the basics, like getting a serve in the box, contemplating a more developed strategy can feel out of reach.
Your ultimate goal as a tennis player is to learn to play aggressive, all-court tennis, which includes approaching the net to finish off points. But getting to that level can take some patience and commitment. Tennis mastery comes one step at a time.
Here are our suggestions for how to approach match play when you are just getting started. This articles covers both the mental approach as well as a simple strategical approach to playing winning tennis.
- Set 1-3 intentions before you walk on the court. These intentions can be as simple as “I am going to make at least 2 first serves in every game” or “If my opponents ball lands inside the service box, I will hit it and come up to net.” It could even be something like “I will bounce the ball three times before each serve”. Beyond winning the match, you can define your success by steadfastly committing to your intentions no matter what the outcome of the match.
- If you lack confidence in your serve, choose to receive serve first. Your key at the start of the match is to find your rhythm and establish a sense of timing and confidence. Having some extended rallies in the first game or two can help you get a feel for the dynamics of the match ( the balls, the court, your opponent) and set the tone for the rest of the match. Stay calm if you miss a few shots at the start. Your goal is not about winning the first point of the match; the goal is to win the last point of the match!
- Have safe targets for your serve and return. This means aiming in the center of the box for your serve and aiming relatively deep in the center of the box for your return. If you can consistently hit these targets or if your opponent is sufficiently skilled that they are able to control most points, you will want to get more precise with your placement.
- Identify your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. Most, but not all, players have a stronger forehand than backhand. Some people do not like to come up to net. Some people get very nervous on their second serve. Some players hit well when the ball is right to them but have a hard time moving. See if you can stay away from your opponent’s strengths and exploit their weaknesses.
- Use the entire court. Use simple shot progressions. For example: serve to the deuce court, hit your next shot wide to the ad court, and the third ball back to the deuce court. As simple as this 3-ball progression is, it will be very effective if you can do it consistently and keep your opponent moving.
- Variety can be a key ingredient to success. This includes varying: 1) Spin 2) The height of your shots 3) Direction 4) Depth 5) Pace 6) Your court positioning. Assess your own skill and confidence level with your strokes and movement. Consider using some of these variations as you develop your points. For example: you could implement this sequence: Return down the center; hit two medium-paced balls; hit a high, looping ball to your opponents backhand; If you successfully get the ball deep in the court, look to move forward on the next ball and hit an aggressive shot.
- Take your time between points and between games. Sit down between games for a minute. Review your intentions. Are you successfully sticking with them? Are there certain patterns that are proving successful or unsuccessful for you? If things are not going your way, consider what you can adjust.
- Say the score before each point. If your opponent is serving and doesn’t say the score, ask them to do so, or just say the score yourself.
- Make your line calls quickly and loudly. Calling balls is difficult when you are focused on making your shots. Be sure to get in the habit of making calls quickly and accurately.
- If you miss a shot, before moving on, redo the shot in your mind (and even do a practice swing), imagining yourself executing the shot perfectly.
- Practice gratitude! Tennis is so much fun! It can also be a frustrating and nerve-wracking game, and a match can have many ups and downs. If you feel your state-of-mind shifting to a state that is not helping your play your best, take a moment to breathe and appreciate how lucky you are to be out on the tennis court, playing this great game, and challenging yourself to become better. You can do it!