Sports Magazine

Singles Strategy: Move Your Opponent Up And Back

By Jen Campbell @TennisLife_Mag

Singles Strategy: Move Your Opponent Up And Back

Hey everyone!

I've had numerous requests for some singles strategies, so for this week's tip, I'm going to show you how to win more points while wearing down your opponent down both physically and mentally.

Most players think that side to side is the way to move your opponent, and this is true, but don't forget about moving them up and back! In fact, I think bringing your opponent up to net is even more effective.

First, this forces your opponent out of their comfort zone and into net, where they'll (more than likely) be dreading having to possibly volley. Second, this creates a huge opening behind your opponent as well as space to their left and right, giving you multiple passing shot choices: lob, overhead, angled down the line, etc.

The key to this tactic is when they're moving in, you're moving in as well because you don't want to give them the open court to hit into. Even if they're struggling to get in and hit the shot, they can still end up with a winner if there's a lot of room. If you can't go for a winner once they do get to net, throw up a lob because then they'll have to run it down to return it without being able to stop and get into position. This up and back movement will not only tire them out and frustrate them, but it will give you more opportunities to put the ball away. (FYI this strategy will also work in doubles against opponents who prefer the one up/one back formation.)

Start doing this early on in your match and your opponent will be worried more about you and thinking less about their own game, which will give you the advantage!

As always, my goal is to give all of you the tips and tools you need to be the best tennis players you can be. If you have any questions about rules, or situations that happened to you, please tell me about it in the comments section below and I'll address it in a future video! Also, be sure and share my posts with your tennis friends, and connect with me on and Youtube!


Back to Featured Articles on Logo Paperblog