Game Situations

When working on a player's tactics, broadly speaking there are 5 game situations that must be covered:

  • Serving
  • Returning serve
  • Both players at the baseline
  • Approaching or at the net (opponent at the baseline)
  • Passing (opponent at the net)

Under each of the above categories, there are various situations that can arise, and various corresponding tactical responses that are possible. In tactical training, the coach must select the set of situations and responses that are most important for the player, given his/her stage of development and evolving gamestyle.

It is important that in a player's tactical training, all five game situations are considered.