Singles strategy
Singles is about deep serves and returns, getting to the net first, passing shots and smart court coverage. Learn the core patterns, positioning and drills for the one-on-one game.
How singles is different
In singles, you cover the full 20-foot width of the court alone. There is far too much open space for long dink rallies, so points are usually decided by depth, speed and placement. The rules are the same as doubles except for the scoring and serving positions, but the strategy is very different.
The serve
- Serve deep. A deep serve keeps the receiver back and slows their move to the net.
- Serve with pace and spin more than in doubles. Since you face only one returner, a slightly more aggressive serve is worth the risk.
- Mix targets. Corners and the receiver's body are good options.
The return and approach
The receiver has the advantage, because the server must let the return bounce. Use it:
- Return deep, ideally to a corner.
- Move straight to the net after the return, stopping in a split step when the server hits.
- Stand near the middle of your side, slightly toward the side where the ball is.
A deep return followed by a strong approach is the most important pattern in singles.
The server's third shot
The server is stuck near the baseline. Options:
- Passing drive down the line or cross-court if the receiver is not yet set.
- Drop to the receiver's feet, then approach.
- Lob if the receiver rushes in too close, though this is risky.
Many singles players favor the drive over the drop, because one player cannot cover both sides against a well-placed pass.
Court positioning
- Center yourself relative to the angles your opponent can hit, not the center of the court.
- Stay a step behind the kitchen line at the net, so you can reach both passes and lobs.
- After hitting wide, recover toward the middle quickly.
Key patterns
| Pattern | What it does |
|---|---|
| Deep return, approach to net | Takes the net first |
| Drive to a corner, approach | Opens the opposite side |
| Short angle, then deep | Pulls the opponent wide then behind |
| Passing shot down the line | Beats a player cheating to the middle |
| Lob over a net-hugger | Forces them back |
Fitness and pacing
Singles is tiring. Use the time between points to breathe, and avoid long baseline rallies if you are not as fit as your opponent. Short, purposeful points are better than wearing yourself out. A good warm-up matters even more.
Drills
- Return and approach. Serve and return repeatedly, with the returner sprinting to the net each time.
- Passing practice. One player at the net, one at the baseline. The baseline player tries to pass down the line or cross-court.
- Skinny singles. Half-court games that build consistency and soft game.
Common mistakes
- Hanging back after the return.
- Hitting short, which lets the opponent approach.
- Going for too many winners from deep.
- Forgetting the serving position rule: your own score decides the side.
In singles, depth beats speed. A deep, medium-pace shot is usually better than a hard shot that lands mid-court.