The best way to practice for singles tennis matches is to make each session resemble the points, decisions and pressure you will experience in competition. Choose one match-related goal, rehearse realistic singles patterns and finish with scored play.
Casual rallying still has value, but it should not make up the entire session. Singles points begin with a serve or return and require movement, recovery, shot selection and decision-making.
Match-like intensity does not mean hitting every ball at maximum power. It means moving properly, committing to targets and treating each point with purpose.
Step 1: Choose One Match Problem and Set a Goal
Review your most recent matches before stepping onto the court. Identify one problem that repeatedly affected your performance rather than trying to improve every part of your game in one session.
Useful priorities include:
- Second-serve reliability
- Return depth
- Crosscourt consistency
- Attacking short balls
- Defending from wide positions
- Recovering after each shot
- Maintaining a between-point routine
Turn the priority into a measurable practice goal. For example, aim to land seven out of ten second serves in the intended half of the service box or complete a six-ball crosscourt rally before changing direction.
The exact number should match your current level. A target should be difficult enough to require concentration without being so demanding that the drill regularly breaks down.
This process is easier when you understand how to set clear and measurable tennis goals. Keep the primary goal visible throughout the session so each drill contributes to the same purpose.
Begin with a progressive warm-up. Start with controlled movement and shorter swings before moving back to the baseline, changing direction and gradually increasing the speed of the ball.
If a partner is unavailable, you can adapt the goal to shadow swings, serving, wall practice or a ball machine. These ways to practice tennis alone should support the same match-related objective.
Step 2: Rehearse the Patterns That Shape Singles Points
Singles practice should regularly begin with a serve rather than a hand feed. Starting with a serve allows one player to practise the serve and first groundstroke while the other trains the return and next ball.
Alternate between the deuce and ad courts. Include both first and second serves because they create different return positions and tactical situations.
The server should choose a large serve target and an intended next-ball pattern. The returner should choose a safe return target and prepare immediately for the following shot.
Dedicated technical work still has a place. Use a complete tennis serving guide or more detailed advice on returning a serve when the mechanics require attention. During singles practice, however, focus on applying those shots within complete points.
Depth-Focused Crosscourt Rallies
Place markers approximately 6ft inside each baseline to create a deep target zone. Rally crosscourt and award one point whenever a shot lands beyond the marker without becoming an error.
Crosscourt rallies provide more court length and generally offer a larger margin than changing direction down the line. They also reproduce one of the most common neutral patterns in singles.
Do not treat every ball that misses the deep zone as a failure. A shorter ball may result from pressure, poor spacing or an incoming ball that was difficult to attack. The goal is to improve repeatable depth, not encourage reckless hitting near the baseline.
Recover after every shot instead of remaining in the corner. This connects the drill to proper tennis footwork and prevents it from becoming stationary target practice.
Attack and Defend
Begin with one player receiving a shorter ball while the other starts in a defensive position. Play the point out normally.
The attacker should recognise whether the feed is suitable for an aggressive approach. The defender should use height, depth or direction to neutralize the attack and regain a more balanced position.
Award points based on the normal result of the rally rather than forcing the attacker to win within a fixed number of shots. A good attacking point may still require patience, while rushing to finish can encourage poor shot selection.
After a fixed number of feeds, switch roles. Both players need experience converting attacking opportunities and surviving defensive situations.
Serve Plus One and Return Plus One
The server chooses a target before beginning the point. After serving, the player must recover and prepare for the first groundstroke instead of watching the serve.
The returner aims for a large, dependable target and immediately prepares for the next ball. Against a strong first serve, simply neutralizing the point may be successful. A slower second serve may offer an opportunity to take control.
After the serve, return and next shot, remove all restrictions and play the point freely. This keeps the opening pattern purposeful without choreographing the entire rally.
Rotate the chosen targets and patterns throughout the session. Players should learn to read the opponent rather than blindly repeating one sequence regardless of the return.
Step 3: Add Score Pressure and Simulate a Match
Finish the session with scored points so the skills must work under consequences. Remove the drill-specific bonus points and use normal tennis scoring whenever possible.
Useful formats include:
- Start each service game at 30-30
- Play only second-serve points
- Play a standard tiebreak
- Play a 10-point match tiebreak
- Play a short set while tracking the session goal
- Give the server one serve only when training second-serve pressure
Use only one special scoring condition at a time. Combining several restrictions can make the drill feel less like a real match and distract from the original goal.
The first-to-20 format from the original practice drill can still provide competitive pressure, with each player serving five consecutive points. However, it does not reproduce normal match scoring or service rotation, so it should complement rather than replace games, tiebreaks and sets.
Practise a between-point routine during every scored exercise. Respond calmly to the previous point, recover your breathing, choose a plan and prepare for the next serve or return. This is one practical part of developing the mental game of tennis.
Occasionally recreate the likely match conditions by using the same court surface, balls and time of day. If possible, practise against players with different styles so you learn to adapt rather than becoming comfortable with one predictable opponent.
A full-intensity match simulation can be demanding and does not need to be repeated every day. As a competition approaches, prioritize sharp, purposeful repetitions and avoid creating unnecessary fatigue or making major technical changes immediately before the match.
Example 75-Minute Singles Practice
| Phase | Time | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive warm-up | 10 minutes | Movement, timing and controlled rallying |
| Targeted pattern | 20 minutes | Depth or attack-and-defend drill |
| Serve and return | 20 minutes | Serve plus one and return plus one |
| Scored play | 20 minutes | Games, tiebreak or pressure points |
| Review | 5 minutes | Record results and choose the next priority |
This schedule is only an example. Adjust the length and intensity according to your level, available court time and proximity to the next match.
Finish by recording whether you achieved the goal, which patterns remained reliable under pressure and what needs attention in the next session. A practice win is useful, but the quality of your decisions and the transfer of the chosen skill matter more than the final score.