We’d like to break down for you exactly what is going on in singles with regards to shot selection, court positioning, shot combinations, and building a singles point. Let’s take a look at court positioning first.
Court Positioning:
In singles, you would like to position yourself not in the middle of the finite court, but rather in the middle of your opponent’s next angle of shot. This “place” changes depending on the shot you’ve hit, and whether you’re at the net or the baseline. At the baseline, you want to shade away from the ball side and at the net, you want to shade towards the ball side.
Shot Selection:
From the middle of the backcourt, any shot you choose will be good for your court position. Find out which pattern you’re better at (and/ or which one your opponent is weaker at), the forehand, or deuce pattern, or the backhand/ inside-out forehand, or ad pattern, then try to create this more often than not when given the ball down the middle. When hitting from a corner, a deep crosscourt topspin groundstroke is best for your court positioning. An approach shot hit down the line or when in the center- down the middle will be best for your court position. If you are not in a position to end the point on a volley, treat it as an approach shot, and hit it down the middle or down the line.
Shot combinations:
You would like to create shot combinations, which will attempt to deteriorate your opponent’s position, so that you may either receive an open court opportunity, or the opportunity ball that will enable you to close the point. This will allow you to build the point to gain control and increase your chances of winning that point.
Building the Point:
Develop the conditioning that will enable you to “grind it out” as you set up the point during the rally phase. The options to consider as you build points are the strengths and weaknesses of both you and your opponent and trying to establish sound rally patterns. For example, if you hit crosscourt, expect the ball to come back either crosscourt or down the middle. If the ball comes back down the line, immediately hit sharp crosscourt, and take control of the point. If the ball comes down the middle, choose your stronger crosscourt rally pattern. If the ball comes repeatedly down the middle, look to hit “coast to coast” and get your opponent on the run. Hit down the line with a height adjustment to avoid getting caught out of position unless hitting an attacking or point ending shot. Generally speaking, attempt to control the middle of the court. Stay away from the extreme strategy styles that are being only a consistent retriever or a relentless attacker. Rather try to find a balance. At some point in time come up with a game plan that is based in logic rather than a random collection of shots and points without a purpose or a madness to them. No matter what the score, keep battling. Create these situations more often than not, and you will find yourself winning a lot more singles matches!
