Tennis tactics: how to optimise your game to dominate on court

The first rule of good tactics is to keep the ball in play as long as possible. Long rallies tire out your opponent, especially mentally. The constant pressure of a long rally often forces your opponent to make mistakes. By keeping your shots consistent and avoiding unforced errors, you maximise your chances of winning points without having to take excessive risks. As well as tiring your opponent physically, this approach forces him to remain concentrated at all times, increasing the likelihood of a mistake under pressure.

Varied shots are a formidable weapon for destabilising an opponent. Alternating between lifting shots, slices and flat balls can break your opponent’s rhythm, forcing him to constantly adapt to different trajectories. By varying the depth, with long balls to push him back and drop shots to force him to come up to the net, you put him in difficulty and force him to move around more than he would like. This strategy disrupts his rhythm and prevents him from settling comfortably into the rally, making his game less fluid and more predictable.
Example: Vary between high balls and lifts to push the opponent far behind the baseline, then follow up with low slices that force him to hit shots down, where he has less control.

Score management is another essential aspect of tactics. Not every point should be played in the same way, especially at key moments such as 30-30 or break points. On important points, it’s often wiser to secure the rally by aiming for wide areas of the court rather than trying risky shots. This reduces the risk of a unforced error and increases your chances of winning these decisive points. Knowing when to be aggressive and when to be more conservative can make the difference between winning and losing a close match.
 

Example: If you’re in a break point position, play it safe by hitting into wide spaces to avoid making an unforced error and forcing your opponent to take risks.

Players who hit hard and with power can be impressive, but they often present vulnerabilities that you can capitalise on. The best approach is to slow down the pace of the rally. Lifted and deep balls are ideal for forcing them to play well behind the baseline, preventing them from dictating play with their power. The further back you force them to hit, the less time they’ll have to adjust their powerful shots, which will increase the likelihood of them committing errors.

Tactics: Target their backhand, which is often less powerful than their forehand, with deep, lifting balls. This type of shot forces them to hit more difficult balls and take extra risks, which creates opportunities for unforced errors or balls that are easier to attack.

Defensive players are masters in the art of prolonging rallies. Their ability to turn over almost any ball can lead you to take risks to try and score points, which can backfire if you make mistakes. The key against this type of player is to avoid falling into their game of patience. You need to vary angles and trajectories to force them out of their comfort zone and force them to play more difficult shots where they are less comfortable.

Tactics: Use bunts and come to the net after well-placed shots. This forces them to move forward, a situation in which they often perform less well. Breaking the rhythm and getting them to play forward makes it harder for them, as they usually prefer to stay at the back of the court.

Offensive players who like to go to the net can be formidable if you let them set up their game. To counter them, it’s essential to confuse them by forcing them to hesitate in their tactical choices. Alternating between lobs and crossing passing shots is an excellent strategy for keeping them off balance. By preventing them from settling comfortably at the net, you reduce their ability to finish points quickly, while increasing your chances of forcing them to return to the baseline.

Tactics: When your opponent comes up to the net, use well-placed lobs or crossing passing shots to force them to question themselves and hesitate before coming up again. This alternation encourages them to play defensively, even when they want to attack.
 

Clay is a slower surface that favours long rallies and topspin shots. Balls bounce higher and more slowly, giving each player more time to adjust their shots. It’s a surface that favours players with stamina and tactics, as it’s often difficult to score points quickly. Angles and depth are essential to destabilise your opponent. The aim is to push your opponent away from the court by using lifts and varied trajectories to tire them out and cause errors.

Tactics: Use topspin shots to control the pace of the rally. Push your opponent to the baseline, then exploit the angles to make him run. By varying the trajectories and moving him sideways, you’ll wear him down more quickly, which will increase your chances of gaining the advantage on decisive points.

Hardcourt is a fast surface that encourages aggressive, attacking play. Points are often played more quickly, as the ball bounces more predictably and the court allows powerful shots and climbs to the net. On this surface, it’ s essential to take the initiative from the very first shot, whether with a powerful serve or an aggressive return. Players who know how to attack quickly and finish points are generally at an advantage, as there is less time to react.

Tactics: Concentrate on a powerful serve to take the initiative from the start of the point. After a good serve, be ready to go to the net to finish the point quickly. Similarly, try to be aggressive on the return of serve to put your opponent under pressure from the first shot.

Grass is the fastest surface, with low, unpredictable bounces. This surface favours volleying and serving, as exchanges are often shorter. Players who have mastered slices and volleys are at an advantage, as these shots keep the ball low, making it difficult for their opponent to control their shots. The speed of the surface favours direct points and rises to the net, which reduces the length of exchanges and favours aggressive styles of play.

Tactics: Use low slices to keep the ball close to the ground, limiting your opponent’s reaction time. Serve volleys as early as possible to take the initiative and finish points quickly, as grass favours short exchanges and direct attacks.