Tennis Singles Strategy Playbook

Singles can feel overwhelming when you are thinking about winning an entire match. But according to Eric Maclin, Racquets Professional at Southern Trace Country Club in Shreveport, LA, there is a simpler way to approach it: break the match into four quarters.

With more than 25 years of teaching experience, Eric has worked with all levels and has helped develop a wide range of players, including current WTA No. 46 Caty McNally and former ATP No. 39 J.J. Wolf. 

Eric’s four-quarter approach gives players a simple framework for understanding what is happening throughout a match. Rather than looking at the match as one long battle, players can use each quarter as an opportunity to assess, adjust and reset. 

Quarter 1: Start of match to first three games of the first set

Preparation is part of your strategy. Hydrate, fuel your body and give yourself enough time to warm up physically. During the on-court warm-up, I’m looking to see what my opponent does well and what they may not do well. At the same time, I’m looking at what I’m doing well and what I’m not doing well. 

Pay attention to your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses and to how you are feeling and hitting the ball.

After the first three games, Quarter 1 ends. Take a quick mental check: If you are winning and your game plan is working, there may be no need to make any changes.

Quarter 2: Begins after the first three games and continues through the end of the first set.

Think about it like a halftime break in another sport. By this point, you've had more time to understand your opponent and see how your original game plan is working. 

Some things to look for: are my serves good, was I double faulting, where am I making too many errors? These are things you can change on your own.

If your strategy isn't producing the results you want, you can adjust your game plan. Maybe you entered the match planning to attack your opponent's backhand, but you discover that their backhand is actually the strongest part of their game that day. 

The mental side of this quarter is about being willing to change your plan without becoming frustrated. Your original strategy is a starting point, not something you have to follow for the entire match.

Quarter 3: First three games of the second set.

At this point, you have played an entire set and have even more information about your opponent. Do I continue with my plan or do I need to make a tactical change?

Your job is to figure out how you can make your particular opponent uncomfortable. One size does not fit all in singles.

Sometimes a small adjustment can change the way your opponent has to play. Instead of thinking, Nothing is working, ask yourself: What haven't I tried yet?

Quarter 4: Takes you through the end of the second set or through the third set if the match is split

At this point, the biggest challenge may not be tactical. It may be mental.

If your game plan is working, stay with it. If your plan isn't working, keep looking for the adjustment. The most important thing is to stay mentally engaged.

Singles tennis can be challenging because you are on your own. You will miss shots. You will lose points. Your opponent will hit great shots. You may even lose a lead. The key isn't avoiding those moments. It's learning how to reset after them. Focus on the next point. The next serve. The next return. Your breathing. Your positioning. Your game plan.

Breaking a singles match into four quarters gives players a way to stay focused on what they can control. The plan may change. Your opponent may play differently than expected. Your shots may not always cooperate. But you always have another opportunity to observe, adjust and reset.