Hall Tennis: Singles Strategies 1. Analyze opponent’s strengths and weaknesses during warm-up. Look at size, speed, one or two handed backhand, spins, net game and serve. Who is more consistent? 2. Decide on a game plan before you start, then be flexible. Be comfortable going with your strengths. 3. Take opponent out of his comfort zone. Keep ball out of the middle 1/3 of court. 4. Minimize unforced errors by making good shot choices: 5. Use x-courts for percentages and to open court. Avoid changing directions off deeper ball. 6. Create the opening to drive the ball down the line off a shorter return. 7. Take a few steps in when opponent is stretched, on the run. 8. On short ball, hit aggressive x-court for winner; down the line for volley; down the middle to cut off angle of passing shot. Hit more aggressively off the high bounce. 9. Do not go for winners when off balance or when not in good hitting position. 10. Hit defensively in situations in #9: lobs, deep balls down the middle. 11. Think in patterns of two shots, at least (like serve wide, 2nd ball x-court). Visualize the pattern before you begin the point. 12. Use changeovers for proper relaxation, refocusing and hydration. Accept coaching. 13. Take weather conditions into account for game plan and court positioning. 14. Be positive and stay in control. Practice these techniques before you get to the match. 15. Work on mental toughness skills to employ during matches, including relaxation, mistake management, maintaining concentration/focus/intensity, anger management. 16. Play to win, not to avoid losing. 17. Focus on performance rather than outcome goals. 18. Make clear and immediate line and let calls; know how to handle cheating by opponent. 19. Leave it on the court. Play hard with no regrets. Maximize your wins and losses. 20. Have fun!