5 Singles Strategy Mistakes...Do THIS Instead

Ryan from 2MinuteTennis.net shares 5 common singles strategy mistakes:
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1. Standing too close to the baseline when returning fast serves
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2. Hitting rally ground strokes too close to the net
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3. Hitting too many ground strokes down the line
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4. Not split stepping when coming up to the net
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5. Hitting most passing shots cross court
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For more ways to win more matches go to 2MinuteTennis.net

[@2MinuteTennis]

5 Singles Strategy Mistakes...Do THIS Instead

[@kincaidscourt8768]

That was REALLY helpful ... haven't thought about the last three mistakes AT ALL (the first two I know I won't do and #4 I hopefully don't do) - but #3 and #5 I didn't even realise that I could/would do them - THANK you, Ryan ... yours FloRyan !

[@walterposchl5114]

After this, I wonder why the longline isn' t already obsolete.

[@jowoo45]

You can actually move back or up if serve too powerful. I played a guy who was busting serves that I couldnt return and even get to sometimes. Moved back for more reaction time and it just tailed away from me further and out of reach. So I moved up halfway between baseline and service line. I knew I would have to take a very short backswing or none just to make contact with the ball. He starting laughing and shaking his head.."your really going to stand there?". "Watch " I said which made him mad. I started returning about 50-60% of the balls instead of 10% or less. Once I was consistant at getting them back in play he started trying to serve harder which lead to double faults and then he mentally fell apart. I don't see alot of guys do it but it has worked in the past and still do it at times to create pressure by drop shoting or aggressively attacking a 2nd serve. I have good hand eye coordination and fast hands along with feet which I'm sure helps to do this.

[@jowoo45]

Good points in video

[@jaredalanmitchell]

My thought on item number one is kind of the opposite once you've gotten to a certain level. I 100% agree with this item for beginning instructions (USTA 3 or below), but I'd prefer players get used to taking the ball closer to the net and right off the bounce returning a serve. When facing a strong server, practice taking the return closer to the net. You'll increase your reaction times over time (in addition to reducing the distance you have to travel to chase a serve), and more importantly steal the time your opponent needs for their next shot. I've found that quite often, big servers (like myself) love to serve and volley. Nothing takes them off their game faster than standing right outside of the box and returning their serve with a half volley deep in the court. Most of these players have never been challenged or had pressure re-applied. I personally used this strategy to beat every college opponent I faced, even at nationals this worked for a few rounds until I was truly outmatched.

[@ReidVV]

You are, hands down, the best tennis "explainer" on KZbin.

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thank you James. I’m really enjoying making the videos. You’ve written many kind comments and I thank you for that. Have a great day my friend!!

[@Topspin1]

Yep, I’ll second that.

[@kasaka28]

Me too

[@pierredaher9590]

The quality of teaching and enthusiasm on this channel can't be found elsewhere, tennis is mathematics it is a game of probabilities calculating distances time, and options, to play well, intelligence is a must, and you are Master in this sport it's excellent. many thanks

[@2MinuteTennis]

Wow!!!! Thank you so much! Your comment just made my day! I appreciate you watching my videos and trusting me to improve your tennis! Thanks again.

[@ajaykumara7158]

Absolutely right

[@itsmidtrib1569]

Wow amazing. I hope my opponents don't watch this

[@speedymr]

:D:D

[@hunnytomar6488]

😂😂

[@hassanabbas4377]

Lol

[@rogeriotarcia1671]

exactly

[@markpatterson8922]

Quick, click on "hide from opponents"

[@Driver_Eddie]

super helpful, especially the last two tips. My buddy owns me when he charges the net and I never know what to do, and then when i charge the net i am never effective. that all changes now!

[@AndyPeeke]

This past weekend I played in my 2nd UTR match. I watched this video before the match and I won in a nailbiter (6-2, 3-6, 10-7 tie break). There is no doubt the the content of this video helped me win. It was exhilarating. Thanks coach Ryan.

[@2MinuteTennis]

Wow!!! Unbelievable Andy! I’m so freaking excited to hear that my video helped you win a few more points to pull out the “W”. I’m smiling from ear to ear for you!! Congrats Andy!

[@spiralwall]

Where did you arrange Utr matches, is this in NYC?

[@Shaunsweeney-Kubach71]

I haven’t played singles in 22 years my friend, and just recently I started playing singles against my friend who is a solid 4.5 50 player and I lost yesterday 8-4, and today I lost 7-5 and I used your strategy and I almost won my dude. Thank you so much for the help.

[@oldvaliant]

The depth and clarity of these strategies and explanations is utterly mind blowing. First class presentation skills. Thank you.

[@animache]

Thanks always! Every time I watch this lessons it makes me want to start playing right away!

[@2MinuteTennis]

I’m so glad the videos motivate you to go out and play. Really happy to hear that. Thanks for the support!!!

[@hr.doctorlve3386]

Watching your videos has really given me a better insight on how tennis should be played both technically and tactically. So nice you are able to get such good tennis lessons for free. You are really awesome and very good at explaining at an understandle, funny and nice way. Keep up The content Ryan!

[@MrCUSTREL]

My favorite new tennis channel! Short, to the point videos, no filler, no embedded ads, good quality audio and video and a good mix of strategy and technique.

[@btbruh9868]

This is literally the same advice that my hs coach who has made it to state for the past 10 years gave. Keep up the good work and great teaching

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thanks so much!!!

[@alkadeshmukh2404]

All tips are great!!! #4 and #6 are the best gems!!! Your videos are the best!!!

[@yolandaarias3847]

I think you explained very well. I practice some of your tips and it works perfectly. I was so amazed how my game changed just following your instruccions. (My opponent was surprise too). Thank you so much.

[@ejaikumar3068]

Excellent. Beautiful voice. Lot of energy and depth. I'm in love with your technical knowledge. Great.

[@2MinuteTennis]

Wow thank you so much!! How kind of you!!😊🎾👍

[@Jimmy-zx6sd]

Ryan is a professor of Tennis, thank you Ryan!

[@yousifkhalil9655]

singles strategies summary: 1. stand behind the base line a bit to the right when receiving fast serve to give yourself more distance returning it. 2. hit the ball higher in rallies to avoid hitting the net and landing deeper 3. stand opposite of your opponent at the center of where he'll hit the ball. "the center of the court is rarely the center of where your opponent will hit the ball" so you can be equidistant from possible shots 4. when approaching the ball, run perpendicular to the path of the ball, not lateral for less distance 5. always hit crosscourt so you have more distance for the ball to be in and so that the center of the following incoming ball will be closer to you 6. when your opponent hits a short ball and you run for it; right after you hit it, stop running and split step. so you're ready to go for any direction the ball going to 7. when your opponent is at the net, hit the ball straight down the line not narrowly crosscourt. so it's farther than your opponent and for the ball to have more distance to land in

[@dhruvvaze4421]

On point 6, I think the split step comes right before the opponent makes contact, not after you hit the ball

[@Exotic_Pate]

this video IMMENSLY helped me, i watched it all the way and yesterday when i 1v1'd my father (he is better than me, but not by a lot and i never beat him, best i did was like 6-4 6-3) and used every one of those tactics, first set was 6-4 to him, second set was 6-4 to me and last set ended to 4-4 and 30-0 to me, comeback from 4-1 to my father and every single game was so tight and i was just in the zone all the time, it sadly got dark and had to go home, but i was really consistent and smart with my plays, knowing he is better, but i have another tip: use the ,,contra pied'' shot more ofter (translated from french it means ,,contra feet/legs'') and it means when you hit a shot on the right or left edge and the opponent gets the ball and sprints to the middle, instead of making him run the court, hit in the same spot you hit first and you'll surely get him, it's harder to switch direction of running then to continue running

[@BiLaLTravelsOTD]

I can't believe you share this information for free. God Bless you, Ryan!

[@speedypete4987]

Everything you said makes so much sense and it all works together perfectly! Wow!

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thanks Pete! Appreciate you!

[@shawnakavan6600]

Awesome tips- thank you! I’ve played singles for over 35 years and I wish I knew some of these years ago. I’ll be a Subscriber going forward.

[@FelipeAndreoliBass]

Great explanation! We train these concepts on the court, but visualizing them like this really made me understand the "why" of them which is sometimes unclear.

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thanks Felipe. Appreciate the kind words of support!!

[@gustavorojas4544]

Thanks coach, always learning from your videos. You have the best tennis videos here on youtube

[@2MinuteTennis]

Wow thank you so much Gustavo!

[@gdbose1]

Your court configuration points are really useful. On the down the line passing shot tip another plus is that when playing a right-handed opponent they have less reach to their left for the example you showed. I really like your clear explanations, thank you.

[@InKent5396]

Excellent clarity of ideas and delivery

[@Jimmy-zx6sd]

Ryan is a professor of tennis, thank you Ryan!

[@p.a.spaniel1814]

Great video, precise, concise, clear and thorough. Thanks!

[@kattballo67]

Great Ryan! Big thanks to this clearification 🙏👍

[@jonathansong855]

Love this. I have a mathematics degree and all these triangles is bringing me back to college geometry lol. Makes perfect sense to me.

[@susanj.6976]

your analogies and logic to get people to understand are brilliant Ryan!

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thank you Susan. How nice of you to say that. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment. Thanks again!

[@MrBradhakrishnan]

You are awesome Ryan.. I can’t stop watching your videos

[@2MinuteTennis]

Wow thank you so much!! I really, really appreciate your support!!

[@facundojaviergaraventa2835]

Thanks Ryan, from Argentina always watching and learning with your videos!!

[@CamilaLutzM]

Damn, this video is awesome. I am only starting tennis but it opened my eyes for possibilities of strategies in the game. Thanks for the video 👏

[@tradingwithwill7214]

I love strategy videos. I’m been using them in VR tennis and it’s working well and feels amazing to use your brain to adjust to opponent :)

[@TheRizzGuyGaming]

Lol this is so covid

[@CyberUK]

Brilliant & informative video. Many thanks.

[@2MinuteTennis]

So glad you liked it !!!!

[@edwinsam2828]

Amazing thank you so much Mr. Ryan😃

[@2MinuteTennis]

Glad you liked it Edwin!

[@SuperLoluca]

One of the best videos I've ever seen. Thank you👏

[@2MinuteTennis]

Wow thank you so much!!!

[@rogeriotarcia1671]

Great hints, easy English for foreigners undertanding. Thanks a lot!

[@mopbrothers]

These are some good tips. My brothers hits a hard serve and runs to the net a lot. Standing back further will greatly help in dealing with his aggression.

[@Paul-mz2dq]

Great video, very helpful. Thank you from England :)

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thank you so much Paul!!

[@Paul-mz2dq]

@@2MinuteTennis You're very welcome, You have a new subscriber!. I am a beginner and my 4 year old daughter just started taking early years lessons. Enjoying tennis a great deal.

[@ajaykumara7158]

Super explanation of various techniques and tactics of tennis by expert Ryan.. Thanks a ton !

[@2MinuteTennis]

Wow thank you!! I appreciate your kind words.

[@brianfolk9051]

Best advice and explanation for players 3.5 or >. Learning so much. Super excited💪

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thank you so much!! Glad the video is helpful.

[@sumin3333]

You are the best teacher!!

[@2MinuteTennis]

Wow thank you Simon. So kind of you to think that. Have an awesome week my friend!

[@michellem9392]

Thanks, this is just what I needed! I went to a team clinic this past weekend, and the coach gave suggestions for the double players, but nothing for me, a singles player.

[@SomeoneYouKnow2671]

Regarding the return position, I think it depends a bit on how well they can hit the corners of the serve box. I played someone way above my level last year, and the guy not only had really fast serves, but also placed them incredibly well. I tried standing further back, but couldn't reach the ball at all. On clay! My only option was to take it early and take that risk. But that's an edge case most people will never/rarely encounter, so that concept is still valid. Sorry for the little nitpick, great video!

[@raccoonpassion]

one of the best coach in youtube, or maybe the best I've seen, congrats, absolutely a great video

[@TheRizzGuyGaming]

Thank you coach❤️

[@maximl8820]

Ryan thank you so much for your lessons. You are hands down the best at explaining tennis. Your passion and enthusiasm are unparalleled. Respect from Russia

[@MrKibbles42]

This was great...never really thought about the positioning and the geometry made it so clear. Subscribed! Oh yeah...and i'm that guy that when the receiver steps back behind the baseline, i take it as a challenge! :D

[@sleepy4x]

Very useful tips. Only Nr.1 is not so relevant in senior tennis (60+). Could you make a video with tips for older players? I like your stuff.

[@pyroguitars1296]

That was so well structured and clear. I'll be putting it into practice tomorrow. Thanks.

[@armandomarquardt]

Great way to explain tactics including visual, auditive and kinestesic models. A real masterclass. Congrats for your work. Greetings from Argentina.

[@kcamato2294]

This is so cool. I love watching your vids. Thank you for all you do!

[@alejandrovalencia1318]

I´m latin and I understand you perfectly, what an explanation, what a fluid pronunciation !

[@RamiroRivas]

I've seen this video before, and I'm glad that I just watched this again. Great advice on court coverage and explaining the actual distance of the court in feet. Gives a true perspective on what you need to hit more winners during a singles match.

[@КаролинаХерера-ф5й]

Best explanation ever!!! Thank you 💞

[@chuint459]

Perfect! Another subscriber... TKS for the lesson

[@ТТТ-э5ь]

Super valuable information. Thanks!

[@SebSkis]

tried this out the other day worked very well against one of my friends with a fast serve. First time I've been able to return the ball on their super-fast first serves that are successful

[@cindylin3969]

I absolutely love it!! I dont even take tennis classes anymore! Thank you for your amazing videos. Keep it up!

[@drseni]

Thank you just found your videos and so far they are great in a short digestible format

[@2MinuteTennis]

Hi Seni! So glad you found me! I appreciate e the support and let me know if there’s a topic you want me to cover in a further video!!

[@drseni]

Hi Ryan could you discuss strategies around winning your service games. Patterns of play and serves to hit. Thanks 😀

[@yanncharlene799]

Thx Ryan for your great advices.

[@rajanpratik2044]

one of the best videos out there

[@ramsescuevas6781]

wow now it makes sense , dude this should be called tennis 101 great job

[@faustinotrufelli2094]

I love KZbin... Thank you for your tips....I saved it in my phone. It will be my mantra every time I will play a sigle match. Grazie mille.

[@ArunKumar-sq3dk]

You explanations are clear and crisp and sensible and practical..you will become a great coach soon..God bless you with enough prosperity and love..

[@kaiboger1839]

Wow, my English is not very good. But I understood every single word. Thank you! Very helpful video!

[@kattballo67]

As usual, great tips Ryan - thanks

[@eduardodigioia1820]

Great video! Each of the 5 advices is illuminating... Thank you!

[@supernova1717]

This helped me the most cause I have a match tomorrow

[@2MinuteTennis]

Awesome!! Good luck tomorrow super!

[@supernova1717]

@@2MinuteTennis thanks 🙏

[@anselmetennis]

Well explained sir. Clear and correct. I’d love to know where you got your tennis court board.

[@snickaloaf3279]

Damn... I don’t even play tennis but this was really interesting love how you explain keep it up!

[@scottbailey323]

Going to use these tonight! Thanks Ryan!

[@2MinuteTennis]

Glad to hear that Scott. Let me know how it goes for you!

[@toshikosatoru8483]

thanks, gonna use these Strats for tennis clash

[@laurentrochereau1171]

Hello Many thanks for the lesson ,very pertinent and clearly explained

[@2MinuteTennis]

So happy you liked it!!

[@aladodefogo]

Very good tips, I especially appreciated the party hat hack, very intuitive analogy. Will be practicing on court as soon as lockdown lifts...

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thanks for letting me know the videos have helped you Fernando! Keep me posted how they work for you once you can get out on the courts.

[@aladodefogo]

@@2MinuteTennis Ryan, just realised I meant to comment on your serve tips video, that's what happens when you binge watch tennis lessons on lockdown... Either way this one had very good tips as well!

[@pats300zx]

Another great video Ryan. Loved this and your dubs tips. Can you do a dubs vid on the Aussie and I formation ??

[@2MinuteTennis]

Hey Patrick! Thanks for the support. Yes I’ll gladly make those. I have a bunch of topics to do so it might take a while. But they’re coming!! Appreciate you watching the videos!!

[@davidagbesi8222]

Thank you so much. I really understand everything you say just makes too much sense. Thanks for the explanation.

[@madhavdeshpande5127]

I am sharing with my friend with who the matches are always a flip of coin. We both will follow this and hopefully improve our game Thank you

[@pianoplayer1977]

Thanks for the video, I will play against my tennis buddy tomorrow. Was always to beat him until last month, when he won for the first time in 5 years and since then I keep losing to him. Will try your tips tomorrow and the coming weeks.

[@skalenskij]

Very clear explanations, very useful. Thank you very much

[@michalitwin2795]

thanks Ryan!! you helped a lot. please make more singles strategy videos

[@2MinuteTennis]

I will!! Thank you so much!!!!

[@CallumDT]

This is too smart for me. I love it. I will try it.

[@otiravla]

Beat tips ever ! Thanks

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thank you so much!! Appreciate the kind words

[@Andy19771000]

very good! In mistake 3 I think first part is not obvious because you need to defend backhand side, so I would stay center

[@hakanbozcuk7761]

Used your principles from this video and won against a superior player. Just amazed! Super helpful instruction.

[@marvinwen4994]

Tip#5, this was exactly what happened to me yesterday! My opponent hit an approach shot to my right hand side and I tried to hit a cross court passing shot but ended up giving him an easy forehand volley. Should have gone with the down the line shot.

[@lilunallen]

This is very good stuff, easy to follow, thanks!!

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thank you so much Allen!

[@Shy-807]

My friends are sometimes my opponents! Only sharing this to family!

[@2MinuteTennis]

Haha smart. Gotta keep the info in-house. Thanks!!

[@heatherperleberg7816]

@@2MinuteTennis "For you see, the match begins even before the players step on the court." - Sun Tzu or something

[@bennettcrow9298]

That was a seriously good video. If this video was like seven tips longer I could use it to turn pro. Cheers.

[@2MinuteTennis]

Haha thanks. Next time I’ll make sure it’s 12 tips next time. 👍

[@urostennis]

Great points, hopefully many players take the advice and incorporate it into their game 💪💪

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thanks so much!!

[@caramba544]

Thanks a lot, from BRASIL!

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thanks so much!!

[@fahada1921]

Just beautiful

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thank you so much!!!

[@maryellenmahoney5189]

I can’t wait to get back out on the court! Thanks for the helpful video and great explanations!

[@aristomenisxv5213]

man, you rock!!!! so simple and to the point (no pun) explanations, well done

[@abdullaswilem2264]

I am a tennis coach, and everytime I explain these strategies to my trainees, other coaches (friends) tell me that I am making tennis more complicated 😅

[@mineralexdude5580]

Tennis is a complicated game I wish I was told these strategies way earlier

[@Tompey2]

My favourite shot is the cross court forehand on the run.. looks beautiful when it comes off but 7/10 will be covered by opponent. It still won't stop me trying though🤣 Great videos, watching from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@candrewjones]

This is wonderfully helpful!

[@2MinuteTennis]

Thank you so much Drew!!

[@anupkpurushu]

Great curated strategy (tips). I tend to always go back to the center position but based on your “bisection rule" i will make the adjustment. Usually it doesnt matter much, since to take advantage of that small margin the opponent has to be really great baseliner with power and precision or have a short ball to hit. I would say till level 4.0 it wont make a difference. But for anyone who is looking to keep improving it is vital. Doing that at that net is going to be more difficult though.

[@cristianradu7209]

Another amazing video and explanations!

[@2MinuteTennis]

Wow thank you so much!!!!