A good tennis singles game plan gives every point a purpose. Instead of trying to hit a winner from the first ball, you use your serve, return, and court position to make your opponent play the shot you want—and then look for a safe chance to attack.
Your plan should fit your strengths and change as the match unfolds. A player with a strong forehand may build points to that side, while a steady defender may focus on depth and patience. Knowing the basic singles rules also helps you manage the score, serve in the right order, and avoid giving away free points.
Start with a simple singles game plan
Before the match, choose one or two reliable patterns rather than a long list of tactics. A simple plan is easier to follow under pressure and gives you a starting point when you are unsure what to do.
- Build around a strength: Decide which shot you trust most, such as your forehand, backhand, serve, or movement.
- Target a weakness: Notice whether your opponent struggles with high balls, low balls, pace, or movement to one side.
- Play with margin: Aim deep and away from the lines until you have a good opening. You do not need to hit a winner to take control.
For example, if your forehand is your best shot, you might serve wide to the deuce court, then use your next forehand to send your opponent toward the open side. If your opponent is quick and steady, avoid forcing a low-percentage winner. Move them first, then attack a shorter reply.
Use the serve to start the point on your terms
In singles, the serve must land in the service box diagonally opposite the server. You get two attempts on each point. A fault on the first serve gives you a second serve; two faults in a row lose the point. A let serve that clips the net and lands in the correct box is replayed.
You do not need to hit every first serve at maximum pace. Mix direction, spin, and speed to make the return harder to predict. A reliable serve to the backhand can be more useful than a faster serve that often misses. On second serves, choose a dependable target and give yourself enough height over the net.
Serve-and-one patterns
Plan your first shot after the serve, too. If you serve wide, expect the return to come toward the open court and be ready to move across. If you serve up the middle, prepare for a return closer to the center. These patterns do not guarantee a weak reply, but they help you recover quickly instead of watching your serve.
Make the return count
On the return, the first job is to get the ball back in play. Against a strong serve, shorten your backswing and aim deep through the middle. A deep central return gives the server less room for an easy angle. If the serve is slower, step in when you can and direct the ball toward a side that makes the next shot difficult.
Do not guess on every return. Watch the server’s toss, stance, and usual patterns, then adjust. If they repeatedly serve wide on an important point, shade slightly toward that side—but stay balanced enough to reach the serve down the middle.
Build rallies with depth and position
Depth is one of the safest ways to control a singles rally. A ball landing near the baseline pushes your opponent back and limits their angles. A short ball often lets them move forward and attack. When you are under pressure, a high, deep ball can buy time to recover toward the center of the court.
After each shot, move back toward a useful recovery position. That is usually near the middle of the angles your opponent can use, not necessarily the exact center of the court. If you hit a wide shot, recover toward the side that covers the most likely reply. If you leave the court open, be ready for your opponent to play into it.
Choose the right moment to attack
Look for a shorter ball, a reply that sits up, or an opponent who is out of position. Then attack into open space with a controlled shot. Going for a winner while stretched or several feet behind the baseline often turns a promising rally into an unforced error.
Coming to the net can be effective when you approach behind a deep, well-placed shot. A weak or short approach gives your opponent time to pass you, so move forward when your shot has put them under pressure. If you are unsure where to volley, aim deep toward the open court rather than trying to hit a sharp angle.
Use the score to guide your choices
Standard tennis scoring goes from love to 15, 30, and 40. At 40–40, called deuce, a player must win two points in a row: first to gain advantage, then to win the game. Many sets use a tiebreak at 6–6, although the format can vary by competition. Check the event rules before you play.
Score does not change the court dimensions or the basic rules, but it can help you choose how much risk to take. At 0–30 on your serve, a high-percentage first serve and a deep rally ball may be wiser than a low-percentage winner. On a match point against you, focus on a clear target and commit to the shot rather than trying to play perfectly.
Keep track of the serving order and call the score before each point. In a standard game, the server alternates between the deuce and ad courts, starting on the deuce court. Players change ends after odd-numbered games in a set. In a tiebreak, players change ends after every six points. Tournament procedures can vary, so follow the rules for your event.
Adjust your plan during the match
Pay attention to what is actually happening, not just what you expected. Ask yourself: Which serve is causing trouble? Where does my opponent stand to return? Which side breaks down under pressure? Are they tiring, or are they getting more aggressive?
Make one adjustment at a time. If your opponent is attacking your second serve, add more spin or aim farther from their strongest return side. If they are waiting for your crosscourt forehand, use that shot to open the court, then change direction when you get a comfortable ball. Small changes are easier to judge than replacing your whole plan after one lost game.
A practical plan for a recreational match
- Warm up by noticing your opponent’s movement and preferred side.
- On serve, start with your most reliable placement and prepare for the next shot.
- On return, prioritize making the ball and sending it deep.
- Build rallies through the middle or crosscourt until you see a safe opening.
- Between games, choose one useful adjustment and stick with it for a few points.
Keep the plan flexible. If your main pattern is not working, use a simpler one: serve or return deep, recover to a balanced position, and make your opponent play another ball.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best basic strategy for tennis singles?
Use your strongest dependable shots, hit with enough depth to push your opponent back, and attack when you get a short or comfortable ball. A repeatable plan is usually more effective than trying to hit a winner on every point.
Where should I aim during a singles rally?
Deep crosscourt shots are a reliable starting point because they give you more room over the net and help move your opponent. Use the middle when you are under pressure or want to limit their angles. Change direction when you have time and balance.
How often should I change my game plan?
Review your plan during changeovers and after clear patterns emerge. Give an adjustment several points to work before changing again, unless it is causing repeated errors.
What are the main singles rules to remember?
Serve diagonally into the correct service box, use two serves, call the score, and keep the serving order. Players generally change ends after odd-numbered games, while tiebreak end changes follow a separate pattern. Check the rules of your competition for its tiebreak format.
Final Thoughts
A strong tennis singles game plan is simple enough to remember and flexible enough to adapt. Start with reliable serve and return patterns, use depth to control rallies, and attack when your position gives you a real opening. Combine that approach with a clear understanding of the scoring and court procedures, and you will make better decisions from the first point to the last.
