Tennis Tactics: How To Beat Players “Better” Than You

What’s up, everyone! Winning and losing often happens before we even step on the court. The notion that someone is “better” than us can be detrimental to our performance. While sometimes the difference in skill might be too big, more often than not we convince ourselves the other player is much better than us. Tennis is mental and you need to believe you can win any match, even if it is a long shot. So here are five tips that will give you a better chance at beating someone who is “better” than you.
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[@Radnally]

I started to get better when i went for more shots. Getting a consistent yet aggressive game improves your game quickly.

[@anhvu3780]

I am old + a weekend warrior. His 5 tips are sound: no mistakes, keep ball deep, believe. It's easier said than done. I want to share my experience to help you. 1) in order to reduce mistakes, you have to be fit. You must be confident that you can outlast your pusher opponent. Fed, Joker and Nadal are kings of fitness. 2) in order to keep the ball deep, you have to have a consistent + correct technique like top spin forehand, backhand. I watch junior/high-school players complete with 100% moon balls = very effective. At club level, 95% players cannot blast such moonballs from the baseline. It can be considered a 'weapon'. 3) in order to believe (you can win), you must have #1 and #2 above. If you could develop a 'weapon' (i.e. forehand, backhand, overhead, serve, etc) then you'll have more confidence too. They are all boiled down to practice. Try to make it fun and you'll improve slowly but surely. Thanks for the video. Subscribed.

[@jeffhermida4788]

i have the "who cares if i win or lose" mentality. it keeps the pressure off and i win most of my matches thinking this way. its amazing bc when i try to win a point my unforced errors go up and makes me crazy. i just keep telling myself who cares of the result of this match and for some reason my shots start to click and i end up winning. nice video. i just subscribed.

[@MyTennisHQ]

Jeff - thanks for sharing that. I think that’s a great mindset when you’re trying to improve some shots out a specific aspect of your game. At the end of the day, winning or losing is just a consequence of your overall game, and sometimes it’s more important to focus on improving rather than on winning or losing. But it’s also important to train handling nerves and pressure. Because regardless of the level you’re playing at, at some point you WILL care about winning or losing, and you want to be prepared for that. Definitely one of the tricky aspects of being a tennis player, and I definitely struggled with that. Thanks again! - Gui

[@Sleeperknot]

I wish I could do that. I play Tennis as a hobby, and there was this one time I played a tournament. The pressure of winning made me play my worst game ever.

[@germanslice]

@@MyTennisHQ how do I beat better players than me? I do it by hitting the ball lower and flatter through the court. Because against better players you can't afford to hit short or sit the ball up in the court.

[@2sunsqigong794]

Exactly! When I get ‘mad’ w a ‘I-Don’t-Give-A-F’ attitude … I play better. True yet cool weird.

[@rafapazos06]

I’m generally have that mindset but it also requires some tweaking, at least from my point of view. Because of that mindset I sometimes do stupid things because who cares, in other words, sometimes you gotta play it safe and keep in mind the score and winning mentality.

[@tomsd8656]

That's exactly what I did when playing someone better. I didn't think about the overall score, just on how many points I could win. So I reset in my mind at the start of the point. Doesn't matter how many games I had lost, I only care about the next point I play, because it's better mentally to focus on winning a point than winning a game, or a set.

[@dwoo0418]

Do you have a video on the opposite situation? How to win when you are suppose to be the "better" player.

[@MyTennisHQ]

Yes we are definitely planning on doing that

[@grantdelmege2724]

Awesome tips! The absolute key when playing better players is not to overplay and stay consistent and hit controlled aggressive shots with lots of margin. When I played better players in the past, I always overhit and beat myself. I have learnt the hardway that consistency is king and fitness is the queen👍

[@K4R3N]

1. Don't "overplay" 2. Stay consistent 3. Go for depth 4. Keep up score board pressure 5. BELIEVE Great tips Karue. Also, no need for the background music, I find it distracting during your explanations.

[@MyTennisHQ]

💪🏻💪🏻

[@Subterraneansteve]

You going to apply this when we play this weekend?

[@K4R3N]

@@Subterraneansteve and some more you don't know about.

[@K4R3N]

@@Subterraneansteve we meet again

[@Meowth88]

The best tennis KZbin channel. Love this guy

[@kraluxGmail]

Great video. Thanks!

[@petestation]

I totally agree. When I rally with a friend my strokes connect perfectly because I hit freely. but when points jump in, the tension builds up and I end up killing myself. Unforced errors skyrocket. Thanks for the well made and helpful content!!!

[@wadyz]

just a tip that helped me, connect your racquet and your lungs, and force yourself to move. i dont remember where i heard these, probally a coach or a friend but they helped me

[@hesterdekoninck]

i like the opening sketch. did put a smile on my face. you have that energy!

[@manuelcardona6385]

Hey man love your videos! I played a couple futures a few years ago and the farthest I got was 3rd round qualifying, and out of all the tennis coaching pages out there yours is my favorite! I just subscribed!

[@WillLamy]

I was playing a doubles tournament with my friend, we got to the championship final and we were playing to a proset of 8. We were down 7-2 and by keeping it simple and believing, we were able to win 8-7 by using those methods. Thank you for the amazing tips and I plan to continue using them in the future!

[@keshav4599]

What you can’t win a pro set 8-7 beo

[@LearningandGrowing47]

That boy stopped mid tourney to watch this video 😭💀

[@ale03000]

Amazing mental game !!

[@djkid6832]

Thank you for the video!

[@Tennis_longivity]

Great advice, thanks!

[@raiderjkwong]

Great tips. Love your channel.. You give advice and tips that are never given...

[@gregorsveticic61]

By far the easiest to listen from all how to win more matches videos. thanks bro

[@MyTennisHQ]

Glad to help

[@nba-live-army8028]

Thanks so much for this!!! I subscribed!

[@TheTennisMentor]

Only just found your channel and love it! Great content, sound advice and well made video!💥🎾

[@MyTennisHQ]

Appreciate it 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@Indorussian2000]

Great tips!!!!

[@davidshin289]

thank u for this vid, i have a match tmrw and I think this will help me a lot. Thank u

[@Sleeperknot]

Solid tips. I realized that I've been applying most of them in my matches against players who are better than me. I'd say that the tips about being consistent, & the depth of returns are the most value-adding.

[@roccoedwards]

Playing someone better than me helps me focus and play with greater clarity. I don't second guess my shots because if I hit an easier/weaker shot then he will punish me for it. I struggle with shot selection vs. a worse player because in the back of my mind I'm thinking "All I have to do is not miss" and that disrupts what I want to do.

[@mu11ian]

I needed to hear this - love the channel

[@harryherman5371]

You're a great dude and helping me a lot.

[@hubsun]

Will be in this situation this evening 😀will try to follow your advice…thanks for the great video

[@MyTennisHQ]

Let us know how it goes

[@anouk.vandevelde]

love these tips!! very helpful :)

[@MyTennisHQ]

We’re glad you enjoyed them Anouk!

[@stonearchitect116]

I'm actually the exact opposite, against players who are better than me, I play normally, but against players that may be weaker than me, I get too cocky and overplay on shots. Either way, the rules in this video are very helpful and will help me very much in my match later this week.

[@MyTennisHQ]

well make sure you watch tomorrow’s video

[@SaadonAksah]

thanks for the tips!

[@MyTennisHQ]

You are welcome

[@myrkotennis]

Those are on point. Consistency is a key thing I think.

[@tennisparisbrothers8001]

These tips are great will try my best to execute this when playing against stronger players!!

[@MyTennisHQ]

Let us know how it goes!!!

[@rafaelpitanga5762]

Amazing job with the channel! Cheers from Brazil!

[@MyTennisHQ]

Valeu Rafael!

[@kiesbett]

thank you very much, nice video, makes all sense what you advice. just subbed

[@MyTennisHQ]

Thank you! We appreciate the support

[@zacharywan2004]

Learning from someone who has exp from being a pro tennis player is always gonna be a priceless lesson. And you doing it for free. So I’m subscribing the heck NOW!😁

[@MyTennisHQ]

Thank you!! Anything in specific you'd like to learn about??

[@zacharywan2004]

My Tennis HQ Hey! I think maybe drills to get those footwork right would be awesome! Many times you see the huge difference in footwork between recreational players and the pros. Pro players have such light but aggressive footwork! Would be great if you could do up a video on what you did to improve yours 😁

[@preetmann7058]

This helped sooooo much

[@maxleche]

Hey Karue, I really enjoy your videos and you’re an awesome player. Congrats on all the success. I have a question that seems related to this video. Lately I’m on a bit of a losing streak to players that are basically at the same level as I am. Sometimes in crucial moments my game tightens up, other times a particular stroke seems to start failing me, while other times I just don’t convert when I need it. In particular, this seems to be happening with a hitting partner of mine that, until recently was essentially equal regarding wins and losses. Wondering if you had any tips on how to dig yourself out of a hole and how to overcome essentially the feeling that you’re gonna lose the point before it even happens? Thanks so much for any feedback. Much appreciated.

[@jeblunde1]

Watched this but still went for broke on every shot. It didn’t work as the pressure of the match dropped my level/consistency. Couldn’t make the ‘glory’ shots I can make in practice. Will take this on board and keep learning. Thank you.

[@thecirclemovement]

Hi Karue, great vid! Are you using the checkered Wilson Saint Laurent racket in this video?

[@svlagonda7417]

7:16 I like your FH. Any chance of a video where you break it down and teach it step by step?

[@gabrielmezey3324]

Could you please do a video on how to return low backhand shots ??? that would be great !!!!!

[@patmcc7758]

These tips are general. Before them, the weaker player must first acquire certain skills that are second nature to better players. These include keeping your eye on the ball at the point of contact, moving your feet and split stepping, and changing grips when needed. These are fundamental skills. I would recommend players seeking to improve to play against players about their own standard one-third of the time, better players one-third and weaker players one-third of the time. Then expose yourself to tournaments. Be prepared to lose but in time you will learn and start to win matches ('match craft').

[@mikkelhi386]

Sry for bad English. Really good video, I play a lot of counter strike, and I can translate what you are saying over to that. Thanks a lot! :)

[@graphguy]

Great advice for the junior player. Play the percentages - keeping the ball in play is the number 1 way - allow THEM to make a mistake.

[@nguuma99]

wow am getting better improvements..and by the great contents

[@lukekoh2796]

I’m playing a big lefty guy in an itf, huge serve, great volleys but he’s shaky and gets nervous when he plays players who he’s supposed to beat, I’m thirteen and he’s fifteen so I’m lacking the size to overpower him, I’ll try to stay in the rally and keep balls deeper, make him play more balls and hope for the best

[@MycroftDev]

Hey man, nice mentality. How did it go?

[@fingersm]

How did u do?

[@lukekoh2796]

It went great! Lost the first set 7-6, but won the next 2 6-4,6-4 :)

[@evelynwaite7858]

@@lukekoh2796 awesome nice job!!

[@fingersm]

Great going!

[@jaysfishing5765]

Thanks this video helped today during practice I have to play a kid that’s just a little better than me but if I loose I’m not playing in the divisionals

[@PrecisionPointTennis]

Thanks. Great!!! I’m gonna play futures at 58 years young and gonna win a match this year for sure!

[@hermanodejesus7264]

Believe and you'll achieve 🎾

[@ssofianos]

will be in this situation today! wish me luck 😀

[@transamination]

I'm really struggling with players who don't have good technique (and freely admit this). They don't hit topspin, don't have both hands on racquet in ready position, don't do unit turn, can't slice, serve facing straight at me rather than standing side-on. Despite all this, they beat me. I think it's because they hit 'weird' shots. Whatever I hit to them, high/low, slow/fast etc they can always just sort of block it back.

[@MyTennisHQ]

Well try to look past the fact that they have "bad technique". What it looks like is that they are able to make more balls and play the game a bit better than you at the moment. They are focused less on technique and more on just playing the game. Worry about your side more, how you can make them uncomfortable. Also, typically the guys with odd technique can be a bit predictable on where they hit or are able to hit on the court so try to find those patterns!

[@nicholasvalerio9232]

Hey super random but what hat are you wearing and do you recommend mesh like hats for tennis? I typically wear dryfit hats but i feel like id prefer more of a mesh hat. Thanks.

[@t_tsering]

Brilliant video! Can you do a video about how to beat players who are not as good as you in hitting sessions but you always lose to because you always go for the spectacular shots, have tonnes of unforced errors and absolutely hate them moonballing pushers and don't have the belief when the match is close?

[@arnmandleg]

Just play high percentage shots and then finish the point by wearing the opponent down. You kind of already answered your question 😀

[@calistalau5158]

What’s a UTR and thx for tips

[@happyandbob]

thanks! love your videos. just one suggestion -- might want to invest in a better microphone

[@youngsuit]

My tip is to focus on your serve heavily. A good serve can neutralize a lot of matches.

[@franc1smurray]

definitely, one of my friends has ground strokes 10 x better than mine but my serve is better than his and i’m able to win lots of free points off of aces

[@andresf1984]

You’re not asking, but when I play big servers I try to focus on my own serve and take it to a tiebreak, hoping that my opponent has a lapsus in focus and I can get a break point.

[@peteluoma3518]

It was great to be a kind of overachiever in my competition career. It was because of my love for competition and mental toughness. I love challenges and never be afraid of any player. When I lose a set 6-0 I don't feel hopeless, it's just lost set and it doesn't matter if I losed it 6-0 or 7-6 after losing set points. I will just think about how to play better and make him play worse with right strategy. And if I have lost a set 6-0, I often see it as a chance to get in to a match because opponent can easily feel too relaxed and when I start to play better the match can suddenly change as it is hard to get your focus back in a match after you have relaxed a bit. Those are just some examples why I have won matches that I should have lost 6-0, 6-0. If somebody wants any advices for different situations in a match you can ask me because I have been in all kind of situations in competitions and I know so much about sport psychology and strategies.

[@tako7378]

thanks for the tips!! im going to beat my friend in tennis now!

[@tritang7298]

Hi tennis HQ, can you please do a video on how to play match like when you are warming up rallying. Just right Before the match start, you warm up hitting shots with pace and swing freely and sweetly. Just minutes later when the match starts, I believe many people, me included, stiffen up a bit and also the ball coming in off pace a bit, so inviting, I attack that shot and it goes out, the second one also goes out, I tense up a bit more, and I start to miss more, it is totally different from only 2 minutes ago, those feeling hitting shot at sweet spot gone, gone, gone and I end up keeping the ball in with a continental grip slicing both sides. It is boring as I don’t feel like playing tennis hitting the ball freely. Is there a method to defeat this feeling? Thanks in advance.

[@MyTennisHQ]

Hi Tri! Thank you for your reply. First thing, what you are feeling is completely normal and it happens to most players. It is hard to play the same way you practice because there is that extra “match pressure”. So don’t beat yourself up because of it. Second, the easiest solution is to play more matches. Get used to the feeling of being in competition. On top of that, remember that you need to have fun. Don’t let the fact that you want to win stop you from having fun. If you want to learn more, here is an article you might enjoy: mytennishq.com/how-to-play-tennis-like-you-practice/

[@kpopmonhee5311]

My team lost to a really great private school today but I'm not even upset about it. I've only ever had 5 tennis lessons before we started doing matches (today was my second match, yesterday was the first) and I think I did very well! Our first set was 4-6 and the second was 0-6, haha. I will use these tips next time we play a great school. We'll get them next game!

[@Salmonzs]

Only 5 lessons and already doing matches?

[@kpopmonhee5311]

@@Salmonzs Mhm! Granted I missed the first lesson so everyone else had 6. But a lot of my teammates had played before so they didn't need as much preparation, and jt was the second half of the school year so I think they may have rushed it a bit?

[@rattata30]

I'm a 3.0 and play with a 5.0 and a 4.0. I never win but I'm never at 0. I also play cause I love it and of course I do want to beat them. But I also have improve a lot playing with higher players.

[@vladimirgetselevich4704]

You are confusing something with levels. If you are USTA 3.0 and I am strong 3.5 I will beat you 6:0 or close to that consistently. Believe me from experience.

[@lostmemer4262]

That’s how you get good at messing with better players, I don’t know how many games I’ve lost to lower NTRP players that can mess with my rhythm

[@zdfvbadfbadb]

Great tips, tho not sure about #4. Basically, that tip is you can beat a better player by trying not to lose too many games? Huh?

[@PaulVoorberg]

I'd say controlled aggression is a good way to put it. Meaning deep balls and ideally with good pace. If you start dinking in shots, it's a sure fire way to get your ass handed to you as high level players put away your short slow balls with ease.

[@ogamesandanime1007]

keep it close is a little bit hard because I am playing seeded 4 tomorrow

[@caioscofield]

what about the other way around? I love playing people better than me since there's no pressure to win but when I'm playing someone a bit worse nerves pile in since I feel I need to win (especially if I think the person is gonna nag me afterwards in case they win)

[@vivanakella3316]

I'm playing in a boys 14s L5 quarter final tomorrow and going into it, I'm a 7 utr, and i have to play against an 8.5. I haven't started watching the video yet, but once i finish it, I'll make sure to leave another comment saying what I think about what you have to say, because I am feeling pretty anxious and stressed out right now.

[@masscantbecreatedordestroy8868]

Same! i’m a 2.5 UTR (super underrated probably 4 in reality) playing against 5-9 UTRs next week in a L5. How’d the tourney go

[@MrXltennis]

Wot am mast to do ,if am playing vs Roger Federer? Am believe,am 53 its ok....Thanks

[@rafiqmuhamad8251]

Actually many times a better player lost to a weaker play. I am one often guilty of it. The irony is that the advises actually work for someone who often lost to a weaker player. Overplayed is the main culprit.

[@hissaanh.haqqani9758]

Great video and great tips! Quick question: whats the silver/grey racquet orange shirt is using?

[@hissaanh.haqqani9758]

Also, can you please do a full video on one handed backhand? You have a gorgeous OHBH and any simple tips will help. I end up bunting it back, maybe it is the continental grip or maybe swing path issues. Anything to help. Cheers!

[@MyTennisHQ]

It is the Yves Saint Laurent edition Wilson Clash. My friend had it so I took it for a spin. And yes we can make a video about that but if you are bunting it might be due to your grip. Here is an article that might help you: mytennishq.com/tennis-backhand-grips-tips-steps-with-photos-and-video/

[@hissaanh.haqqani9758]

@@MyTennisHQ thanks for the link, just went through it all. I definitely have a strong eastern grip. I guess what I didn't describe more accurately before is that instead of doing a windshield wiper sort of stroke finish on OHBH I end up with more of a drive looking like I am holding a tray upside down at the end. Thanks for the answer!

[@tannerbrinton9808]

Remember not to get too excited when you do start winning. That can be just as deadly to your game

[@peoplespeace]

Rip rewards!? I'm gonna remember that one 🤣

[@bmpjjaa]

interesting that your forehand stroke changed quite a bit from back 2 years ago

[@huinyavaina]

So basically: If the opponent is more consistent than you just be more consistent than him. If he's winning by games, make sure you are also winning a lot of games, at least as much as him It's like advising a runner: Start at your fastest pace and then gradually increase it

[@MyTennisHQ]

or you can just lose

[@tejastennis3290]

I subscribed from 7 accounts

[@MyTennisHQ]

Lol thank you!

[@24carrot_]

I'm a UTR 5 and I have a match against a UTR 7 in 2 days Any suggestions?

[@MyTennisHQ]

have fun and be there! Fight, make it visible to your opponent that you are there to beat them!

[@sunny051488]

Awesome tips! Just curious how normal inside the top 50 players come out on court against like rafa nole fed in tournaments. Do they all really deep down not expect to win? I know they’ll try and make as many balls as they can but against the goats like that, how much of these tips work against the gods of tennis? Thanks!

[@MyTennisHQ]

I love that question Sandeep. This is obviously just my personal opinion, but I think it depends a lot on the player. I think these NextGen players, while they know the odds are against them when facing the Big 3, they’re so excited about the possibility of beating one of their idols that they come out with a winning mindset. Actually winning the match, however, is a whole different issue - which is why a lot of times these guys choke. So I think that players like Khachanov, Medvedev, Tsitsipas, and even Shapovalov actually think they can beat the big 3. Some of the top 50 that have been around for longer, however, I believe come out much more defeated when they’re facing a top 3. Players like Gasquet, Sam Querrey, or Mannarino rarely seem to believe like they have a shot. And I don’t blame them, since they’ve lost 7, 8, or even 20 times to the same player. Finally, I think that out of the big 3, Rafa is the most discouraging opponent to play if you’re a top 50. Roger has his bad days, Novak feels sick or has excuses all the time, but Rafa is ALWAYS there. And he’ll make you win every point. Hope that answers! - Gui

[@TheDrakulie]

what if his UTR is 2.0 better than yours ? can you still beat him ?

[@MyTennisHQ]

Might be really difficult but if you don’t believe you can, you wont

[@pcyounan]

i have a match on Monday i'am playing the number two seated oh no oh no.

[@tejastennis3290]

4:54

[@alpsala]

I overplay, then when I'm losing I start hitting harder just to get a workout in.

[@Andrew-fu9sm]

my opponents utr is 4.5 higher than mine how do i win???

[@MyTennisHQ]

you don’t

[@Andrew-fu9sm]

@@MyTennisHQ bro please if i can beat him i can go to college!!!!!! it will impress all ths schools. How do I get the most games out of him at least. he is 15 utr

[@jamesp9115]

I'm a utr 6. I beat a utr 14 just from believing.

[@jonathanchen1026]

Is your utr higher now that you won

[@jamesp9115]

@@jonathanchen1026 yes its a 10

[@jamesp9115]

@@jonathanchen1026 yes

[@carlosv.1278]

I want to beat my coach hahaha

[@ogamesandanime1007]

please pray for me

[@andiweng5894]

can I beat Novak with these tips🤔

[@MyTennisHQ]

Most likely

[@aleksandargavrancic5657]

I played against an opponent, hit better shots, but he won off the consistency

[@MyTennisHQ]

Consistency is king at the amateur level

[@trex1448]

Find the weakest part of their game and hit it their all the time and use your superior fitness to outrun him or her.

[@NeuralEngin33r]

just push.... its easy

[@MyTennisHQ]

You are not wrong lol

[@novz19]

Why you look like a combination of Roddick and Thiem 😂

[@tjenissa]

Get a good tennis 🎾 racquet with good strings and don't use old cheap balls. You win...

[@clydewmorgan]

I was interested in the video but after two minutes of intro about the title to this video I gave up

[@MyTennisHQ]

Damn if you give up in two minutes don’t even bother trying to beat better players. Easy W for your opponents