Gotta Play Some Singles

[North]

If you want to get better at singles (rather than just want to win) then keep coming to the net as much as possible. It takes a long time to be able to win consistently that way but there is no substitute for learning to play and win with an aggressive game than by playing aggressively until you get better at it. You will lose a lot for a longer time than most people's egos (and maybe USTA teammates) can tolerate, though.

If you just want to win, then keep the ball deep. All the time - serves, returns, groundstrokes - consistently deep and down the middle. Hitting really severe angles can hurt you if you are not used to setting up points for singles play. Doesn't have to be moonballs (though they are very obnoxious and can be effective unless you play someone who is good at swinging volleys or otherwise plays very aggressively - not common in women's 3.5 play).

You will be bored to tears (well, I find it deathly boring) but if you can keep doing it, you can win that way against pushers and singles players who are somewhat better than you.

[Cruzer]

Singles is 70% footwork. Since you have to hit every ball getting yourself into the right position to hit it. 3.5 players can generally hit a good grounsdtroke or volley if they are in the right postion. It's getting there that is the tricky part.

[North]

Originally Posted by Cruzer

Singles is 70% footwork. Since you have to hit every ball getting yourself into the right position to hit it. 3.5 players can generally hit a good grounsdtroke or volley if they are in the right postion. It's getting there that is the tricky part.

Oh, yeah. Forgot to mention that but like Cruzer says. Never stop moving your feet in singles. Never. Not even when you are (fill in the blank with anything you think might be OK to stop your feet moving). Never.

[Cindysphinx]

OK, I've read everything. How's this for a plan?

In the next two weeks, I will try to get in some singles matches. This will be difficult; my dance card is already pretty well booked.

I will pick one shot that I think needs the most work and will yield the most benefit: approach shots. I will practice approach shots with my practice partner until I have grooved it and feel comfortable.

During the match, I like the advice of not going for winners and just being steady at the beginning of the match. That said, I will work to move my opponent around, even just a step or two, with each shot.l Since I have no shot tolerance to speak of, I will keep it interesting and mix in some topspin moonballs, just to drive my opponent wild. If I hit a good one to the BH, I will follow it in.

If I lose the first set, all bets are off and I'm taking the net. So look out!

Thanks, everyone! I'll report back after whatever happens happens.

Cindy -- who will not stop moving her feet except during changeovers

[subaru3169]

i grew up as a singles player, but i'm not sure what i can say that can help since i only know my own game.. but generally, i'd put great emphasis on footwork because when you're there, you have a really good chance to get the ball.. if you have bad footwork, you're more than likely to be out of position

since you're mainly a doubles player, i'm assuming your net play is good.. so i'm gonna say to make sure your groundies are solid.. i don't know if ppl will disagree with me or not, but i was taught that my objective in singles play for groundies is to hit them deep, preferably no man's land.. i used to do drills over and over again so i think it's pretty important

for strategy, try not to hit down the center and to move your opponent side to side during rallies.. if they hit it to you in the center, you are the one in control so take advantage.. also, be sure to recover and head right back to the center as quickly as possible after each shot you hit.. moreover, if your opponent hits you a shorter ball that hits the service line or shorter, be sure to come up and make an opportunity ball or finish the approach shot

what i said is super duper general as there is much more to it than these type of guidelines.. for more detailed strategies, i'd youtube it.. bolleteri<sp> has some good words of wisdom

and g'luck on your match!!=)

[RoddickAce]

^^Good advice.

Practice some of the footwork patterns mentioned in this thread:http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?p=3466370

The link SA posted, http://www.jezgreen.com/the-steps-in-tennis, is really helpful.

Also, try to pull your opponent wide with sharper angles and then hitting behind them. This usually draws a weak reply so after you wrongfoot them, go to net and finish the point.

Hitting dropshots or short slices, then hitting a semi-moonball passing shot is very effective too.

[skiracer55]

Originally Posted by Cindysphinx

OK, I've read everything. How's this for a plan?

In the next two weeks, I will try to get in some singles matches. This will be difficult; my dance card is already pretty well booked.

I will pick one shot that I think needs the most work and will yield the most benefit: approach shots. I will practice approach shots with my practice partner until I have grooved it and feel comfortable.

During the match, I like the advice of not going for winners and just being steady at the beginning of the match. That said, I will work to move my opponent around, even just a step or two, with each shot.l Since I have no shot tolerance to speak of, I will keep it interesting and mix in some topspin moonballs, just to drive my opponent wild. If I hit a good one to the BH, I will follow it in.

If I lose the first set, all bets are off and I'm taking the net. So look out!

Thanks, everyone! I'll report back after whatever happens happens.

Cindy -- who will not stop moving her feet except during changeovers

...it's positive, it's simple, and it's realistic, which means it's doable. And you have a Plan B, which is important. Go out there and give it a rip...you might surprise yourself...

[serve and Justin]

my thing is numbering the court...the ad service box is service boxes being 1 and 3...behind 1 is 4 behind 3 is 2...I try to hit 2 evens and an odd or 2 odds and an even...keep your opponent moving...

[Cindysphinx]

OK, this is not good. Not good at all.

After doubles practice today, I hit some groundstrokes. I had two teammates on one end, and I was by myself on the other end.

I couldn't keep the ball on the court for more than a couple of shots. I hit long a lot, or wide. My running shots were erratic. My approach shots didn't have enough oomph on them. This even though I thought I was in good position much of the time.

There may not be enough time to fix all that ails me . . .

[skiracer55]

Originally Posted by Cindysphinx

OK, this is not good. Not good at all.

After doubles practice today, I hit some groundstrokes. I had two teammates on one end, and I was by myself on the other end.

I couldn't keep the ball on the court for more than a couple of shots. I hit long a lot, or wide. My running shots were erratic. My approach shots didn't have enough oomph on them. This even though I thought I was in good position much of the time.

There may not be enough time to fix all that ails me . . .

...the transition from lots 'o doubles to more singles is not easy, and if you can't get a lot of quality singles time on court before your (ahem) NTRP singles match, I strongly advise you not to worry about it. Just do what one my coaches told me and don't think your way through a match, play your way through it. See what I said, above, about getting your rhythm and getting some long rallies, initially. So your last experience on court maybe tells you there is a problem with your groundstrokes; I don't think so. It's a problem with, hitting groundstrokes in singles is way different than hitting groundstrokes in singles. Finally, see what I said, above. Your next NTRP singles match is a game, not a life or death experience. Just watch the ball, hit it hard, and don't think...

[Jim A]

playing against 2 people isn't going to be a realistic view of your singles prowess since they are going to be in much better position to hit each shot than you will be on the other end

a good singles drill to do when you have 3 people is to play nifty fifty or something to that effect (basically you feed the ball in and then count strokes, when you win/lose the point the stroke total is what is won by you/opponent

you can also play 3-2-1 (play til 21 or so) where you get
3 points if your opponent hits into the net or you hit an outright winner
2 points if you win a point at the net (or opponent hits into net while forcing play)
1 point if your opponent hits one long/wide

also just play some 10point tiebreakers and get a feel for what you like when it comes to returning, hitting your groundstrokes, finding your spot on the court

how the game should be played by those of us on a msg board and in real life can vary greatly. Today I had the chance to hit with a real solid 3.5 (good in league play, made the semis of the last tournament, etc) and we played quite a few 10pt'ers..in reality I should be hitting hte ball deep, moving him around and waiting for chances, well that didn't work well at all...I shortened up my points, attacking 2nd serves and hitting about 90% on 1st/2nd serves, varying placement and going for an aggressive shot at my first opportunity. I was up 2-1 in the 'breakers before changing back to a more tempered game and promptly dropped 3 of 4. Surely I need to work on my consistency,etc but if I was in a match with this person, I'd be using what was working regardless

[ttbrowne]

Yesterday my son didn't show (Cop got him) and I had to play #1 3.5 singles. This 27 year old got to everything! He was steady, not overpowering, and mobile. We had a lot of exchanges, many ads/deuce/ad/deuce's but in the end he was just a set of wheels. He was good WITH wheels. I lost 2 & 2.
I tried the old Winning Ugly breakdown halfway thru..."Who's doing what to whom?" Ya might try that. Just break the set down at the break and ask yourself that question.

[subaru3169]

aww don't worry, cindy.. it does take some time.. practice hitting loopers into no man's land as that should at least get you into the habit of spinning the ball into the court instead of going long

[Topaz]

Cindy, you've gotten great advice here. I will add my couple of cents.

What I've learned at 3.5 singles this year...by Topaz.

*There are so many different types of players out there in 3.5 land, it honestly boggles my mind. I've just finished playing my 10th singles match for NOVA, and every match has been so completely different, with perhaps two of my opponents being similar in playing styles to each other.

*There are the bangers, who hit hard and flat with a lot of pace. The bangers I've played against so far have also been pretty darn good, and these are the matches where I've felt overpowered.

*There are the jackrabbits, who run EVERYTHING down and return it in the court. I do not classify them as pushers, first because that seems to be a derogatory term and these ladies were good players, and jackrabbits run everything down AND hit a good shot while they're doing it. One jackrabbit I was able to tire out and beat. The other jackrabbit (a great, great match for me, actually) got sloppy, starting missing her very awesome FH, but still beat me in a match tiebreak.

*Of course, there are the dinkers. They hit that ball with little pace, low, and in the middle of the court. This *should* be an easy ball to put away, but I have found that 3.5s in general really struggle with this shot. The dinkers have mastered this shot, and if you can get to it, just kind of push it to a corner and get ready to volley. As it is very often said, bringing dinkers up to the net is usually a good strategy, but I struggle trying to bring people up on purpose.

*Then there are the Others. The tricky lefties, the 3.0s playing up that you slaughter, the headcases....etc etc...one thing I always remember is that...this is 3.5. We are ALL capable of a meltdown at any moment! So, even if it seems like you are down and out...DO NOT GIVE UP!!!

*Try to pay attention to your opponents strengths and weaknesses and habits. My opponent yesterday NEVER took her FH down the line. She had an awesome CC FH, but NEVER DTL. So, eventually, I just camped out on that side of the court, pounded FHs CC for a while, and then I took *my* FH DTL (which is my favorite shot!). Today, in thinking about that match, I realized that she never took her BH DTL either. Of course, as you know, if you see a weakness, you can exploit it.

*But if you don't see a weakness, go with your strength! My opponent today was solid off of both sides. So I went with my patterns (or tried to...it was a toughie today). I wanted to move her around the court a bit, corner to corner, as I noticed she wasn't real quick on her feet. I had better success when I moved her up and back in the court though (and she did a good job of doing that to me, too!).

I think I have suffered in some of my close matches by not being aggressive enough. In my match yesterday, I was almost in 'awe' of how aggressive my opponent was being...she was taking it to me in the first set. And then I realized...hey, I have a pretty darn good FH, too!!! I play 'scared' a lot of the time, and I'm really working on going out there and not being 'afraid' to just hit the ball like I do in practice!!! Now, hopefully, you aren't as much of a headcase as I am and that won't be a problem!

[shell]

Cindy, having seen your posts regarding dubs, I think you will be fine in singles. Yes, it is different, but really not that much in women's league play. I've played 3.5s playing up, 4.0s and I play up regularly at 4.5, and I have seen mostly the same things across the board - to varying amounts of ability.

Some thoughts from my experience:

1. Women's league tennis is never about the serve. I have only played one match where a 4.5 had a serve that was formidable enough to cause damage in the match. ALL the others were varying degrees of put it in play. GET YOUR RETURN IN. No different than the dubs that you already play. And in fact, somewhat easier since there is no net person to worry about. Get it in play and start the point.

2. If out of position, roll a blooper as deep as you can. If you find yourself against a net rusher (most are not) then lob. Again, your dubs experience should translate well for this. If out of position, throw up a lob. Did I say this twice? Well, that's what I meant. Give yourself a chance to reset the point. Not too many of women at your level, and a bit higher, have great overheads. Give yourself a chance to reset the point. Don't feel like you have to do too much, because you don't.

3. Attack the net if you find yourself with an attackable shot. Go for it! You will be surprised how many easy volleys you will find yourself with. Don't be afraid! The great passing shot is not really something I have found to be sustained throughout a match. Hit your approach as well as you can and be ready.

4. Keep the ball in play. Do you see the trend here? You will find all kinds of players, but if you can dig deep and hit some extra shots, you will find yourself with some options. Don't be fooled into thinking you have to go for crazy winners. Most points are won the simple way - wait it out.

There you go! You have the skills to do well. Don't psych yourself out because you play mostly dubs. It's the same damn stuff at our level

[skiracer55]

Originally Posted by shell

Cindy, having seen your posts regarding dubs, I think you will be fine in singles. Yes, it is different, but really not that much in women's league play. I've played 3.5s playing up, 4.0s and I play up regularly at 4.5, and I have seen mostly the same things across the board - to varying amounts of ability.

Some thoughts from my experience:

1. Women's league tennis is never about the serve. I have only played one match where a 4.5 had a serve that was formidable enough to cause damage in the match. ALL the others were varying degrees of put it in play. GET YOUR RETURN IN. No different than the dubs that you already play. And in fact, somewhat easier since there is no net person to worry about. Get it in play and start the point.

2. If out of position, roll a blooper as deep as you can. If you find yourself against a net rusher (most are not) then lob. Again, your dubs experience should translate well for this. If out of position, throw up a lob. Did I say this twice? Well, that's what I meant. Give yourself a chance to reset the point. Not too many of women at your level, and a bit higher, have great overheads. Give yourself a chance to reset the point. Don't feel like you have to do too much, because you don't.

3. Attack the net if you find yourself with an attackable shot. Go for it! You will be surprised how many easy volleys you will find yourself with. Don't be afraid! The great passing shot is not really something I have found to be sustained throughout a match. Hit your approach as well as you can and be ready.

4. Keep the ball in play. Do you see the trend here? You will find all kinds of players, but if you can dig deep and hit some extra shots, you will find yourself with some options. Don't be fooled into thinking you have to go for crazy winners. Most points are won the simple way - wait it out.

There you go! You have the skills to do well. Don't psych yourself out because you play mostly dubs. It's the same damn stuff at our level

...this is very simlar to what I said above, and above all, keep it simple:

- The worst you can do is lose, and if you do, they probably won't take you out and shoot you.

- Watch the ball, hit it hard, and don't think. Play your way through the match, don't think your way through the match...

[spiderman123]

Is there any book called "The art of singles"? If not, that is a shame.

[Cindysphinx]

Originally Posted by spiderman123

Is there any book called "The art of singles"? If not, that is a shame.

There should be. I have looked for such a book and come up empty.

Eh, who needs a book? I have you guys!

Shell, I am going to do everything you say. If my opponent wants to beat me, she will have to hit winners, 'cause I plan to keep the ball on the court.