Tips to Improve Your Tennis Game Strategy

So, you’re looking for tips on how to improve your tennis game. You’ve got the right gear, and now it’s time to elevate your performance. The Game-Set-Match, Inc. team consulted local teaching pro and high school tennis coach Ming Chew to get her insight on mental toughness and resilience in the game of tennis. She also dropped some key advice to improve our tennis singles strategy, tennis doubles strategy, and a few general tennis tips for all skill levels. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, these tips will help improve your tennis game.

Mental Toughness: How to Improve Your Tennis Game Strategy 

When it comes to winning a tennis match, mental toughness separates the best from the rest. Try “the three Rs” to improve your tennis game strategy:

1. Recognize: Be aware of your emotions and your opponent’s, and try to stay as even-keeled as possible. Do not ride their emotional wave. Moderate your emotions and accept that anything can happen. It’s OK to run a little high on emotion, but don’t completely unravel when you miss a few shots.

   
   

   Notice what is happening around you. Note your opponent’s strategy, momentum changes, or even things as basic as changes in the environment (dogs barking, children screaming as they pass by, etc.) that may be distracting and capitalize on it.

   
   

2. Regroup: Take a deep breath and reassess your game plan. Collect and analyze what shots are working and which ones are not. What worked in the first three games might not work in the next three games as your opponent adapts. Don’t overthink your opponent’s calls. Trust that they are making the best decision they can, even if you do not agree with their call. Either way, you have to move on.  

   
   

3. Refocus: Build a mental "confidence resume" by recognizing your strengths and focusing on what you do best. Remember, no one wins by relying on their weakest shot. Never give up and let them win, even if you’re down 0–5. Fight for every point. What you lack in skill, you make up for in effort.

   
   

Tennis Singles Strategy: How to Play Against a Stronger Opponent  

Are you facing a stronger opponent? First, define “stronger,” as this term is a multi-qualifier. For instance, are they physically stronger? More agile? Do they have better endurance? Are they more skilled at tennis strategy or tennis ball placement? Find their strengths—or better yet, find their weaknesses—and exploit them. Remember that confidence fluctuates during a match, so capitalize when theirs is declining.

Pay close attention to the third and fifth games of a tennis set. They are the most important in the tennis series and can significantly shift the power pendulum.

Improved Communication in Tennis Doubles Strategy 

In tennis doubles strategy, communication and ball placement are key. Most partners use subtle, rudimentary hand signals from the server’s partner to tell the server where to place the ball and where they plan to go. Other tennis partners prefer a quick conversation in-between points to discuss serve placement and movement. Don’t be afraid to use the 25 seconds allotted between tennis serves to communicate effectively with your partner.

Partners should also regularly discuss each other’s strengths and weaknesses in their play, as these may change throughout the match. For example, let your partner know if your tennis forehand isn’t working that day, and ask them to help you cover that part of the court. Don’t think of it as criticism, but a positive step toward creating an effective battle plan in your tennis game strategy.

General Tennis Tips for Different Skill Levels

• Beginners: Focus on form, especially with your serve. Don’t rush your serve just because you feel pressured. Control the pace of the game when needed—use the allotted 25 seconds to serve and take the complete 90-second changeover time to compose yourself.

  
  

• Intermediate players: Keep a fluid game plan and adapt to avoid predictability. Focus on consistency and tennis ball placement rather than hitting winners.

  
  

• Advanced Players: Manage emotions and expectations. Stay composed when shots don’t go as planned. 

Final Thoughts

Success on the court requires mental resilience, a well thought-out strategy and increased communication between tennis partners. Focus on these newfound mental toughness skills, tennis singles strategies and tennis doubles strategies to improve your tennis game.

Let us Help You Step Up Your Game 

Want more personalized tips or help finding the right gear to support your training? Stop by one of our Colorado or Las Vegas store locations to chat with our tennis experts. We’re always here to help you take your game to the next level!

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