Regarding singles strategy, there are two main issues each with their own components:
1) You are playing against the geometry of the court and of your body.
Hit the ball cross court to reach the most court available, the lowest net, use the natural
rotation of the body, and least amount of recovery distance.
2) You are playing an opponent who has strengths and weaknesses (you hope); so you must
match your skills against theirs relative to #1.
Example 1 For instance you might have to overplay your forehand to your opponents backhand and risk more down the line shots otherwise they beat you to often on the forehand exchange cross court.
Example 2 You might have to hit lower drives to your opponent's forehand because they hit difficult angles on you which open up the court and create a disruption to your timing.
Example 3 You are close in level but in better shape. Wear them down and don't check out of
points too soon.
The example are endless; what makes singles fun is to try to figure a way to balance (1) and (2) that allows you to dictate play regardless of the final outcome of the match.
Basic plans:
Hit cross court till you get a short ball and then hit a down the line approach, or stinger and stay back, angle or drop shot: then get ready for the next shot!
Good Luck!
Your pro in the trenches,
Kevin Pease
