5 Winning Singles Strategies and a Game-Changing Lob Tactic

Take control of your matches with smart singles tactics, master the lob-and-approach strategy, and upgrade your court style with Lululemon.

Ella J Designs

👀 WHO TO FOLLOW

The key to better tennis? Watch the ball. 🎾 Track the bounce and keep your head oriented towards the contact point. Game-changer! 👀💥 feel.tennis

📺 WHAT TO WATCH

5 Singles Strategies to Take Control of Your Matches

Want to rack up more wins on the singles court? These five tactical adjustments will keep your opponents off balance, force more errors, and give you the edge in every match. 🔥

💥 1. Serve from Unexpected Positions
Mix things up by occasionally serving from out wide near the singles sideline. This lets you hit sharp angles, and body serves your opponent won’t see coming. Use it sparingly—once or twice per set—to snag some free points.

🎯 2. Pre-Plan Your Returns
A fast first serve? Return deep down the middle. A weak second serve? Aim for the outer thirds to put your opponent on defense right away. Deciding in advance keeps you sharp and improves your break-point chances.

🚀 3. Hit Deep by Controlling Your Net Clearance
To keep your shots landing deep, make sure the ball is still rising as it crosses the net. This forces opponents back and increases their error rate. Aim higher, use topspin, and watch them struggle.

🏆 4. Be Smart with Low Volleys
Don't go for the sharp angle when you rush the net and get a low volley. Instead, keep the ball in front of you and volley straight ahead. This keeps you in position and makes it easier to win the next shot. High volleys? Feel free to attack anywhere.

😈 5. Involve Your Opponent at the Net
If they charge forward, don’t try to blast a passing shot—make them volley! Most players are uncomfortable at the net, so keep the ball low or throw up a sky-high lob. Either way, you force them to make mistakes instead of bailing them out.

Want to master even more singles strategies? Start using these tactics and watch your win count rise! 🎾🔥 Watch the full breakdown here. 

“Just believe in yourself. Even if you don’t, pretend that you do and, at some point, you will.”

~ Venus Williams

👕 WHAT TO WEAR

Skirts That Move With You!

Lululemon’s ultra-versatile skirts are ready for anything—run, jump, stretch, or break out your best victory dance. 💃💥 And the best part? Shipping’s always on them. 🚀📦

DID YOU KNOW: The fastest recorded tennis serve was 163.7 mph, hit by Sam Groth in 2012 during a second-round match against Uladzimir Ignatik in Busan, South Korea.

🎾 WHERE TO PLAY

Championship-Level Tennis at Wintergreen Resort

Play year-round at Wintergreen Resort, ranked among the nation’s Top 50 tennis programs for 18 years! With 15 courts, including 12 outdoor clay and 3 indoor DecoTurf, players of all levels can train, compete, and enjoy stunning mountain views.
 Tennis at Devils Knob
 12 outdoor clay courts & 3 indoor courts
 Full-service Pro Shop & ball machines

🎾 Private lessons, clinics, & seasonal camps available! Wintergreen Resort

💡 QUICK TIP

The Lob & Net Attack: Mastering an Underrated Strategy

Want to take control of the court and put pressure on your opponent? Mastering the lob-and-approach strategy can give you the upper hand. Here’s how to execute it like a pro:

🔹 Lob with Purpose – The goal isn’t just to get the ball over your opponent’s head; you want to target their backhand side. Why? A backhand overhead is much tougher than a forehand smash, forcing your opponent into a weaker shot.

🔹 Advance with Control – Once your lob sails over your opponent, it’s your turn to take charge. Move forward, but don’t sprint all the way to the net. Instead, position yourself around the service line, ready for whatever comes next.

🔹 Expect the Lob Return – When forced back, most players will lob it back rather than risk a passing shot. Be prepared! Staying near the service line keeps you flexible—you can step in for a volley or move back for an overhead smash.

🔹 Cover the Right Angles – If your opponent has time to recover, they may try a passing shot. In that case, cover the line first, as it’s the easier shot for them. It will be a much lower-percentage play if they attempt a cross-court pass.

🎾 Doubles Tip: This strategy works wonders in doubles! If you lob over the net player, both you and your partner should move forward together, creating a solid wall at the net.

💡 Takeaway: Lobbing isn’t just a defensive move—it’s a tactical weapon that helps you flip court position and take control of the point. Master it, and you’ll start dictating the pace of play!

🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Tennis with the Stars at Omni Rancho Las Palmas: March 7 - 9 • Set against the stunning backdrop of Coachella Valley's mountain views, the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa's Cliff Drysdale Tennis camp offers players (3.0-4.5 level) an elite experience with group instruction, luxury accommodations, and VIP access to the BNP Paribas Open during Indian Wells. Learn More / Register

  • Montoya Tennis Spring Break Program: April 21 - 27 • High Performance & Junior Academy Learn More / Register

  • Mallorca Tennis Retreat: October 10 - 15 • Mallorca for a one-of-a-kind luxury retreat, where you’ll play tennis, practice yoga, and indulge in a curated Mediterranean experience—all while staying at a 5-star hotel with breathtaking ocean and mountain views. Learn More / Register

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