How do you prep for league singles matches?

MRfStop

Hall of Fame
This spring season it looks like I will be the go to singles players for my 3.5 team. I don't know if that is good or bad. I am the 2nd youngest player on my team (30 y/o). I mainly play doubles and I only play singles when the main singles players are unable to. Our main singles players were bumped at the end of 2016 to 4.0 and they were some of the best in the middle GA area.

My main question is how do you prepare for your singles matches (physically, mentally etc)? I want to improve my singles game and be more comfortable playing it like I do in doubles.
 

OrangePower

Legend
In terms of immediately before the match, I don't do anything different than before a hitting session or a dubs match. Make sure to warm up well, make sure you are hydrated especially if it's a hot day, and try stay relaxed. If you've been comfortable playing dubs matches, just keep preparing like you do for your dubs matches. There is nothing magical about singles vs dubs other than it is a bit more taxing physically, but at your age that should not be an issue.

If you mean not just prep before a match but more generally, then of course you should try get in more singles hitting sessions and practice matches than you would have in the past. Try play singles at least twice a week if you can. I know many of the dubs-only players on my team rarely if at all hit any singles, so of course they are not going to feel comfortable if having to play a singles match.
 

MRfStop

Hall of Fame
In terms of immediately before the match, I don't do anything different than before a hitting session or a dubs match. Make sure to warm up well, make sure you are hydrated especially if it's a hot day, and try stay relaxed. If you've been comfortable playing dubs matches, just keep preparing like you do for your dubs matches. There is nothing magical about singles vs dubs other than it is a bit more taxing physically, but at your age that should not be an issue.

If you mean not just prep before a match but more generally, then of course you should try get in more singles hitting sessions and practice matches than you would have in the past. Try play singles at least twice a week if you can. I know many of the dubs-only players on my team rarely if at all hit any singles, so of course they are not going to feel comfortable if having to play a singles match.
I am definitely a dubs only player. When I started playing around 7 years ago I only played doubles and learned how to play tennis playing doubles.

A lot guys on our team play 55 and over as well so they don't want to play singles.
 

c-had

Rookie
Cardio fitness level matters much more for singles than doubles. I typically play doubles throughout the winter (indoor court fees get expensive), but then singles for my team in the Spring. And as soon as I start playing singles, I find myself huffing and puffing after long points. So, the more I can do to improve my fitness level (wind sprints, drills like the spider drill, or just general running), the better off I am making the transition to singles.
 

OrangePower

Legend
I am definitely a dubs only player. When I started playing around 7 years ago I only played doubles and learned how to play tennis playing doubles.

A lot guys on our team play 55 and over as well so they don't want to play singles.
Yeah, most of the older guys have no interest in singles because it's more physical, so the younger guys on the team tend to be the singles guys.
You really just have to start hitting/playing singles as much as you can. Good news is that it's easier to arrange than dubs - just need one other person. Who is the other singles player on the team? Maybe you guys can start hitting together on a regular basis.
 

time_fly

Hall of Fame
My main question is how do you prepare for your singles matches (physically, mentally etc)? I want to improve my singles game and be more comfortable playing it like I do in doubles.

How are your ground strokes? For singles you usually need to be comfortable hitting deep, hard ground strokes from behind your own baseline. It's okay to use more topspin and let them go higher over the net because there is nobody there to poach them. My general observation is that a lot of doubles-only guys have shorter swings and hit flat or slice to keep the ball low and angled, but those strokes don't work as well from behind the baseline. Try to hit to the corners and keep the ball out of the middle of the court. Cross-court should be the default target until you get a ball you can attack. Use your lob to buy recovery time if you get pulled way out to one wing, even if your opponent is still back at the baseline.

You may also want to work on a serve-and-volley singles strategy to capitalize on your net game. A lot of singles-only players aren't ready for this. For example certain top guys at the Australian Open, lol.
 

MathGeek

Hall of Fame
There's a physical side and also a strategy and tactics side (mental).

You really need to start some practice singles matches so you develop both. Much different from doubles.
 
D

Deleted member 23235

Guest
run.... and practice serve :)
especially at 3.5... you can just grind them down.. be a counter puncher, and make them suffer.
seriously, just mentally being prepared to hit20x to the opponent's backhand is enough :)

personally if i were a 3.5 again, i'd be:
* looking at each match as a ground stroke practice session... where the goal was to make each point last 20 shots (because more shots == more practice) - using a full follow through (no bunty strokes) - with topspin
* to keep it simple I might just focus on hitting x-court no matter what (never go down the line).
* hit 10ft over the net, with a decent amount of topspin (goal - never hit the net during the match)
* i'd hit a spin serve for both 1st and 2nd. I will not go for an ace, only want to start the point making the opponent return from their weaker win, then restart the grinding process again.
 

S&V-not_dead_yet

Talk Tennis Guru
The only way to get comfortable is to play more, especially under match conditions.

You might want to do a bit more cardio if that's a weakness. Depending on who you play, you could be out there a while.

I think it's going to be more of a mental than physical challenge: you're out there on your own. No partner to lift you up or cover for you. Embrace the challenge. Be kind to yourself: don't make excuses but don't tear yourself down.

Oh, and enjoy yourself!
 

MRfStop

Hall of Fame
How are your ground strokes? For singles you usually need to be comfortable hitting deep, hard ground strokes from behind your own baseline. It's okay to use more topspin and let them go higher over the net because there is nobody there to poach them. My general observation is that a lot of doubles-only guys have shorter swings and hit flat or slice to keep the ball low and angled, but those strokes don't work as well from behind the baseline. Try to hit to the corners and keep the ball out of the middle of the court. Cross-court should be the default target until you get a ball you can attack. Use your lob to buy recovery time if you get pulled way out to one wing, even if your opponent is still back at the baseline.

You may also want to work on a serve-and-volley singles strategy to capitalize on your net game. A lot of singles-only players aren't ready for this. For example certain top guys at the Australian Open, lol.

My ground strokes are pretty good. I hit with a lot of top spin on both sides. I have a decent slice when I time it well. I have a pretty good serve with a lot of kick on my 2nd serve. So to sum it up I don't have 3.5 shots (I don't think). When I play 3.5 singles I usually dominate. 7, 8, or 9 games into the match I lose the explosiveness (depending on the opponent) I had at the beginning of the match. Around that time my foot work tends to suffer :( and I will spray balls. And that pretty much answers my own question. Develop footwork and get into shape.

run.... and practice serve :)
especially at 3.5... you can just grind them down.. be a counter puncher, and make them suffer.
seriously, just mentally being prepared to hit20x to the opponent's backhand is enough :)

personally if i were a 3.5 again, i'd be:
* looking at each match as a ground stroke practice session... where the goal was to make each point last 20 shots (because more shots == more practice) - using a full follow through (no bunty strokes) - with topspin
* to keep it simple I might just focus on hitting x-court no matter what (never go down the line).
* hit 10ft over the net, with a decent amount of topspin (goal - never hit the net during the match)
* i'd hit a spin serve for both 1st and 2nd. I will not go for an ace, only want to start the point making the opponent return from their weaker win, then restart the grinding process again.
Thank you! I hit with one of my 3.5 team mates and one of the singles players that got bumped up from my 3.5 team. We will play a few games against each other (if its just us 3) and switch out. I will start implementing your suggests in our hitting sessions.
 

Moveforwardalways

Hall of Fame
Singles matches are won by conditioning before the match, especially at the rec level. If you are in better shape, even if an opponent has better strokes than you, she/he will break down in the second set. Fatigue kills technique. Here are the keys to 3.5 singles...

1. Don't worry about the score early on. Simply, as a rule, make them take 3 steps before every shot. By the second set they will tap out physically and start double faulting games away.

2. Run around your back hand and hit inside out forehands to their backhand. Dare them to hit their backhand down the line. In fact, at 3.5 the player who hits the most forehands wins like 99% of the time.

3. Don't miss your serve. You don't need to hit aces. Just don't double fault.
 

dsp9753

Semi-Pro
Pretty much agree. When I was a 3.5 I had two game modes (I am also 30). One where I was swinging out and taking big cuts at the ball. If I find my "A" game is not working, I switch over to my B game which is just get every ball back into play with large margin of error. If I am on the run, hit the ball back in the middle etc. I think I went like 10-1 during my 3.5 singles season. I found that my "B" game was more then sufficient to beat almost every opponent. I even got a few double bagels/breadsticks as well.

Mentally - I am thinking, I don't need to hit amazing shots or force plays. I am enjoying the rally for what it is. I find this to be my most zen like state for singles and works well. I think when I am like this, I see my opponents start to get frustrated that the rallys/points are going on for so long and start to make errors.

The "B" game works especially well if they are the hard hitting type. Hard hitters almost always fall apart/give up once they realize they cant hit you off the court or force easy errors off of you. They are my favorite type of player to play against.
 

MathGeek

Hall of Fame
Singles matches are won by conditioning before the match, especially at the rec level. If you are in better shape, even if an opponent has better strokes than you, she/he will break down in the second set. Fatigue kills technique. Here are the keys to 3.5 singles...

1. Don't worry about the score early on. Simply, as a rule, make them take 3 steps before every shot. By the second set they will tap out physically and start double faulting games away.

2. Run around your back hand and hit inside out forehands to their backhand. Dare them to hit their backhand down the line. In fact, at 3.5 the player who hits the most forehands wins like 99% of the time.

3. Don't miss your serve. You don't need to hit aces. Just don't double fault.

I agree. Let me add that if your conditioning is good, it is to your advantage to lengthen points and make them run after balls.

If your opponent has a clear and significant fitness advantage (or is making you run a lot more) you may need to shorten points. I often will go for an ace when out of breath and cannot sustain another long point so soon (usually against a younger, more fit, opponent.

Optimizing my fitness advantage against most opponents over 40 is a big part of my singles game. Once the younger, more fit players learn to use their fitness advantage against me by minimizing the UEs they make attempting to blast winners, their success rates usually increase. But then they move on to higher ratings and I'm left with the old guys and a new crop of youngsters.
 
N

Nashvegas

Guest
There's a lot here but everything said in this thread is on target. Tells you how much there is to the game.

You don't have to hit winners. Just keep up enough pressure and you'll win off your opponent's errors. That principle applies beyond 3.5 but especially there.

Someone mentioned trying some S&V and I agree with that. That was my strategy at 3.5 and it almost never failed. S&V creates a lot of pressure to hit passing shots that people think they need to hit better than they really do. With your doubles background you probably volley well enough to make it work. Look for opportunities to approach.

If fatigue is affecting your game like you said that's probably the first thing to address, but you've figured that out.
 
D

Deleted member 23235

Guest
My ground strokes are pretty good. I hit with a lot of top spin on both sides. I have a decent slice when I time it well. I have a pretty good serve with a lot of kick on my 2nd serve. So to sum it up I don't have 3.5 shots (I don't think). When I play 3.5 singles I usually dominate. 7, 8, or 9 games into the match I lose the explosiveness (depending on the opponent) I had at the beginning of the match. Around that time my foot work tends to suffer :( and I will spray balls. And that pretty much answers my own question. Develop footwork and get into shape.


Thank you! I hit with one of my 3.5 team mates and one of the singles players that got bumped up from my 3.5 team. We will play a few games against each other (if its just us 3) and switch out. I will start implementing your suggests in our hitting sessions.
gl!
the goal is not to stay in 3.5... it's way more fun when you get to the 4.0 level, then the game becomes more of a chess match, vs. "i hope this goes in" match.
 

MRfStop

Hall of Fame
gl!
the goal is not to stay in 3.5... it's way more fun when you get to the 4.0 level, then the game becomes more of a chess match, vs. "i hope this goes in" match.
Yep, that's my goal. I know that my strokes aren't 3.5 and I probably should be rated 4.0 but USTA hasn't given me that bump. Actually I have played a lot people who say I'm not 3.5 and I think it's pissed some people off. But my fitness is holding me back in the singles area. Right now I want to continue getting in shape with a healthy diet and doing cardio. Once I've shed some pounds I would like to start learning singles tactics instead of hitting the balls to the middle of court and then either getting passed on the return or not being able to get to their DTL or CC shot from the baseline.

Right now my dilemma is I will go up a break (maybe 3-1 or 4-2) and then I will start playing tentative and thinking about the finish line. Then they will break back or I will finish out the set at maybe 6-3. My legs start to burn and then I start to play not to lose and they end up hitting balls in their strike zone for winners and the set is a lot closer than it was in the first set maybe 7-5. If we happen to go to a 3rd set fatigue sets in my legs burn a lot more I become slower and my lower back starts to tighten up and its hard to get any oomph on my serve. So i tend to spin the serve in. Obviously that's all from conditioning but mentally it makes me really dread playing singles.
 

MRfStop

Hall of Fame
There's a lot here but everything said in this thread is on target. Tells you how much there is to the game.

You don't have to hit winners. Just keep up enough pressure and you'll win off your opponent's errors. That principle applies beyond 3.5 but especially there.

Someone mentioned trying some S&V and I agree with that. That was my strategy at 3.5 and it almost never failed. S&V creates a lot of pressure to hit passing shots that people think they need to hit better than they really do. With your doubles background you probably volley well enough to make it work. Look for opportunities to approach.

If fatigue is affecting your game like you said that's probably the first thing to address, but you've figured that out.
I've actually just recently started feeling comfortable moving forward and I really enjoy going forward to put away a volley. I have started moving forward behind a hard FH/BH to look for a defensive return to put away. I have my first league singles match Wednesday so I will be trying to move forward as much as possible. I am also trying to keep in mind that if I get passed than it is not the end of the world and the match won't be won just by getting passed a couple of times.
 
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Nashvegas

Guest
I've actually just recently started feeling comfortable moving forward and I really enjoy going forward to put away a volley. I have started moving forward behind a hard FH/BH to look for a defensive return to put away. I have my first league singles match Wednesday so I will be trying to move forward as much as possible. I am also trying to keep in mind that if I get passed than it is not the end of the world and the match won't be won just by getting passed a couple of times.
Absolutely! You will surely get passed, but if you're picking the right spots you'll win more than you lose. It only takes a few more wins than losses to make all the difference.
 

MathGeek

Hall of Fame
I've actually just recently started feeling comfortable moving forward and I really enjoy going forward to put away a volley. I have started moving forward behind a hard FH/BH to look for a defensive return to put away. I have my first league singles match Wednesday so I will be trying to move forward as much as possible. I am also trying to keep in mind that if I get passed than it is not the end of the world and the match won't be won just by getting passed a couple of times.

If you have an astute opponent with a fitness advantage over you, they will send more lobs over you than passing shots past you. It is in their advantage to make you chase them down and extend the points.
 

penpal

Semi-Pro
Personally, I've found that when playing singles I need to really focus on my opponent's playing style throughout the match. By maintaining a hyper-awareness of what my opponent is doing, and is good at doing, I'm able to adjust my strategy. For example, if my opponent is a baseliner, I try to figure out early if he's weaker on the backhand or forehand, and then mercilessly attack the weaker side. If he's about equal on both sides (meaning, not that good on either but good enough to consistently get the ball back), then I might need to start running him to tire him out, or approach on shorter balls and put more away at the net. If he's a S&Ver then I need to start lobbing (especially if his fitness is suspect) and or be sure to keep the ball low and right at him if I don't have a passing shot opportunity.

The point being, being aware of his style of play will help you be aware of how you should be playing. And I've found I need to maintain my awareness throughout the match because almost everyone has a Plan B that they will go to eventually if you're beating them. It used to be that I'd be winning a singles match, then the tide would turn and I'd be out there castigating myself for missing shots I was making earlier and letting the momentum slip. Finally it hit me to think about "why" the tide had turned, and consider how my opponent had revised his strategy during the match. Be aware if your opponent is now cheating to his backhand side and maybe hitting his shots more safely, thus missing fewer of them and giving you a chance to miss more. Be aware if he's started putting more topspin on his shots, making you hit them higher.

In short, if you focus on his playing style and what he is currently doing, it will help you to focus on your own strategy and ward off feelings of negativity if things start going his way.

Having said that, I generally ignore entirely how my opponent hits during the warm up. I've played against too many guys who hit like pros in the warm up but when it comes to playing the actual match they don't have the same confidence in those shots (and I'm not giving them easy warm up rally shots).
 

zaskar1

Professional
This spring season it looks like I will be the go to singles players for my 3.5 team. I don't know if that is good or bad. I am the 2nd youngest player on my team (30 y/o). I mainly play doubles and I only play singles when the main singles players are unable to. Our main singles players were bumped at the end of 2016 to 4.0 and they were some of the best in the middle GA area.

My main question is how do you prepare for your singles matches (physically, mentally etc)? I want to improve my singles game and be more comfortable playing it like I do in doubles.

physically, do some aerobic crosstraining, like cycling or running to make sure you dont run out of gas! nothing is more discouraging
to have your opponents on the ropes, then lose because you ran out of gas.

call up your old singles guys and play fun matches with them to get in the groove of competitive tennis.
doubles is so different than singles, so you need to adjust
in league singles , you need to focus on every point, and play it out, no matter what the match score is.

z
 

jmc3367

Rookie
I've actually just recently started feeling comfortable moving forward and I really enjoy going forward to put away a volley. I have started moving forward behind a hard FH/BH to look for a defensive return to put away. I have my first league singles match Wednesday so I will be trying to move forward as much as possible. I am also trying to keep in mind that if I get passed than it is not the end of the world and the match won't be won just by getting passed a couple of times.


you should play 3.5 singles in Perry this weekend
 

Nacho

Hall of Fame
This spring season it looks like I will be the go to singles players for my 3.5 team. I don't know if that is good or bad. I am the 2nd youngest player on my team (30 y/o). I mainly play doubles and I only play singles when the main singles players are unable to. Our main singles players were bumped at the end of 2016 to 4.0 and they were some of the best in the middle GA area.

My main question is how do you prepare for your singles matches (physically, mentally etc)? I want to improve my singles game and be more comfortable playing it like I do in doubles.

No magic formula here, what works for me or others may or may not work for you.

It sounds like you are asking about mental preparation, and not practicing to improve.

Before any match, league or tournament, I try to spend 5-10 minutes warming up my muscles. I usually use a band and then do some light cardio for my legs and arms. I may even have a foam roller with me and use it on some areas I know I want loose. I do this because with league matches you only have an hour, and thus I need to be ready to go the minute we start playing. I also do this as a way to get myself mentally focused before a match.

During the warm up I try to look for things my opponent is doing that I can capitalize on. Can they handle soft shots, hard shots, deep balls. What side stroke do they favor, do they bend their knees, are they comfortable at the net...etc. Everyone has a weakness, and I try to formulate a plan going into the first game.

I usually let the opponent serve first to try and catch them off guard and get an early break.

During the match whether I am up or down, my focus is on that game and not whats happening later or before. I try not to think about the score of other games, just concentrate on that set of points.

I never take myself out of a match. I have been down 5-0 before, and come back and won in a tiebreak. Don't ever give up or get mad. If you are losing, change your strategy. You don't have a second set to do this, you have to do it in the middle of a proset, so be ready to stop what your doing and go a different route. If what I am doing isn't working I will play around with different things to see what other areas might be opportunities for success.

Good luck
Cardio and sprints. Lots of them. And pasta, plain. Lots. of. it. TT.TT
 

OrangePower

Legend
During the match whether I am up or down, my focus is on that game and not whats happening later or before. I try not to think about the score of other games, just concentrate on that set of points.

I never take myself out of a match. I have been down 5-0 before, and come back and won in a tiebreak. Don't ever give up or get mad.
I agree with all this in general.
But having said that there are times when I do consider the overall score as part of my strategy.
For example, up a set, down a couple of breaks in the second set. At this point a 10-pt match TB seems likely, and so I am going to try conserve a bit of energy both physical and mental in preparation for that. Also, I might try a few things to maybe disrupt my opponent's rhythm going into the TB. (Not talking gamesmanship of course, I mean changing up my game style to give him different looks.)
So while not giving up on the second set, I'm also not going to use up the last of my strength trying to come back and win it - would rather keep some energy in reserve for the match TB.
 

mikeler

Moderator
Since no one has mentioned it yet, I like to arrive at least 30 minutes before the match. That way I've got plenty of time to stretch, talk with teammates and get some extra warm up in if possible. For some reason, hanging with the team a little beforehand seems to give me some good mojo.
 

heninfan99

Talk Tennis Guru
Rarely but when I could I'd take exactly 27 serves and then the 15 minute warmup.
Lots of leg stretches too.
 

Nacho

Hall of Fame
I agree with all this in general.
But having said that there are times when I do consider the overall score as part of my strategy.
For example, up a set, down a couple of breaks in the second set. At this point a 10-pt match TB seems likely, and so I am going to try conserve a bit of energy both physical and mental in preparation for that. Also, I might try a few things to maybe disrupt my opponent's rhythm going into the TB. (Not talking gamesmanship of course, I mean changing up my game style to give him different looks.)
So while not giving up on the second set, I'm also not going to use up the last of my strength trying to come back and win it - would rather keep some energy in reserve for the match TB.

TB is a different story for me.....I still try to forget anything that happens. And many of the USTA matches are no-ad pro-sets, so conserving energy isn't necessary. A TB I try to start strong, get early breaks, I treat these like any tournament tiebreak.
 

OrangePower

Legend
TB is a different story for me.....I still try to forget anything that happens. And many of the USTA matches are no-ad pro-sets, so conserving energy isn't necessary. A TB I try to start strong, get early breaks, I treat these like any tournament tiebreak.
Ah I see... we don't have any pro-set matches here. It's all two full sets regular ad scoring, and then a 10-pt TB to decide the match if 1 set all.
So if I am up a set but down in the second set I will take it easy for the rest of the 2nd set in order to have full energy for the deciding 10 pt TB.
 

S&V-not_dead_yet

Talk Tennis Guru
TB is a different story for me.....I still try to forget anything that happens. And many of the USTA matches are no-ad pro-sets, so conserving energy isn't necessary. A TB I try to start strong, get early breaks, I treat these like any tournament tiebreak.

At this rate, sooner or later they'll just spin the racquet and whoever wins is the winner of the match. I, personally, like the full 3rd set.
 

Booger

Hall of Fame
I kick back a few brew dogs, rage at some of the "Serena could probably be top 20 ATP" posts here, and always make sure I win the warm up.

Also, I watch this gif at least 50 times to get fired up.
sureshs-o.gif
 

Moveforwardalways

Hall of Fame
Show up 1 hour early and hit with a partner to warm up. Then go shower and show back up to the courts for your match pushed for time, maybe 2 minutes late. Then ask your opponent to cut the warm up short because you were late. Boom. Immediate advantage.

(Trust me, it's been done before).
 

Angle Queen

Professional
I take a nap and then two aspirins before the match.

You've gotten a lot of really, really good tactical advice. And I'd be glad to share with you some of mine...even though it's from the female perspective (but having played many 3.5 men in MX and have had a fantastic fellow TTer 3.5M to hit with in singles).

But RonRay's advice is some of the best. Rest before, plenty of hydration...and an Aleve or two beforehand. There will be some big (serves or strokes...as well as egos) hitting. Your arms, shoulders, body and legs might hurt when you're done if you don't OTC medicate. No matter the result, go home (to your spouse/partner...or, heck, even alone)...happy and un-achy. That means you can do it all again next week. If you're the go-to guy, they'll put you in the lineup no matter what. This is REC tennis. Just have fun and know your team thinks you're one of the best to go up against (the best of) the other team.
 

Cindysphinx

G.O.A.T.
As a former captain, I will tell you what my most successful singles player did (before she was bumped to 4.5).

She was very good at net and very good at transitions. And she had a devastating slice.

She would hit her slice as much as possible, often hitting short slice our drop shots. Then she would stroll to the net.

Meanwhile, her opponent (like most league singles players, a true baseliner) would have to come in to field a low, skidding short ball that she could not possibly lob. Most would scoop it over, and my player would volley for a winner. As the match wore on, the opponent would wear down from all of the forward movement, which baseliners are not used to. If the baseliner did get to the ball and hit a decent shot, my friend would then pass them or smoke the ball right at them because the baseliner's volleys were not a strength. And if the baseliner cheated into no-man's land, my friend would put a skidding slice right to the opponent's feet.

I saw this lady whip strong 4.0 singles players, giving up only a game or two. She is now a 4.5. She is probably over 50 years old.

My advice: Find a way not to play like everyone else. If you are a doubles player with a good net game, use it.
 
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