I'm Randy Reynolds

I’m a tennis professional who makes a living teaching tennis. I consider myself the luckiest person on earth. I appreciate you visiting the site, and hope you enjoy!

Tennis Singles Point Play + Live Coaching

Live coaching takeaways from our singles point play…

Sometimes making fewer mistakes than your opponent is all you in to win.
If you want to get better it is important to practice.
To defend better add more speed exercises.

Overcome Tennis Mistakes – Mental Toughness Training

Tennis mistakes happen…

Making mistakes in tennis is normal and it is important to have mental toughness to overcome those mistakes. It doesn’t matter your level, total beginners to tour players, mistakes are unavoidable and happen all the time. Every sport whether its basketball, baseball, or golf missing happens. What is more shocking is how some tennis players don’t want to accept that making mistakes is part of the sport.

Often times tennis players believe that missing the ball is due to something that went wrong and that it can be fixed. Tennis players think that by training more these mistakes can be eliminated. However, what actually happens is when players improve their game they move up in competition. The higher level of opponents hit higher quality balls. Due to this, mistakes follow players throughout their career… unless they continue to play players who are at a lower level. But what is the fun in that.

Understand that mistakes in tennis are inevitable and accept it…

Tennis is a difficult sport and is designed to be challenging. Reality is that everyone misses and everyone will continue to make mistakes. Rather than get upset at the mistakes, acknowledge that it took place, be kind to yourself, and understand that you are still developing as a player. It is just a matter of time before the next mistake happens.

Mental mistakes should be addressed…

Mental mistakes should definitely be addressed. As a tennis player it is important to have a clear image of what shot is intended to be hit prior to striking the ball. If a player is positioned deep in the court and is being run toward the sideline by his opponent. It isn’t that uncommon to see the recreational player go for a down the line winner. This is poor shot selection and a mental error. High over then net down the middle of the court or throwing up a lob is a much higher percentage choice. I’m guilty of making mental errors. Sometimes, my opponent approaches the net and I don’t provide myself with a clear image of what I intend to do. So, what happens typically, is I hit the ball hard right at the player. Rolling the ball at my opponents feet would be a much better option.

Rather than getting upset at mistakes accept them as reality. Be kind to yourself and focus your attention to developing as a player. By putting your attention on the shots you hit well, you will find joy in tennis.

Here is a quick read and video, Tennis Singles Strategy Playbook, to make smart on court decisions in singles.

Tennis Singles Strategy and Statistics

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Introduction

When talking tennis with my peers and fellow tennis coaches it became evident that we all had our own preferences on tennis singles strategy. However, none of us had the data to suggest which approach would be ideal. So I decided to do some research and found many valuable resources, one of which was from Craig O’Shannessy who was formerly on the strategy team for Novak Djokovic, and is known in the tennis world for sharing tennis statistics and tennis patterns that apply to all levels of play.

I created the following article on tennis singles strategy and statistics to help my tennis pros and clients improve. I hope you find some value in it as well.

You will find a tennis court template that is labeled with numbers and letters at the end of the article. Refer to the tennis court template when serve locations and patterns of play are mentioned. I will put together a video as well to provide more insights in the near future.

Who am I?

Know your strengths and weaknesses.

Who is my opponent?

Figure out what the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses are.

Who is the best?

Know what the top players in the World are doing and copy their patterns.

Based on the above findings, put together a game plan for patterns of play for the first 4 shots. Remember to focus on forcing errors. What strategy does my opponent dislike, finds uncomfortable, or takes away rhythm? It is easier to make the opponent play bad then to play great yourself.

Primary patterns: ~75% of the time. (Utilize to get up in the score.)
Secondary patterns: ~25% of the time. (Utilize when the score doesn’t press the situation.)

8 Ways to Force an Error

*Depth*, Consistency, Direction, Height, Spin, Power, Court Position, Time.

Tennis Singles Strategy Win Percentages

Baseline: 46%
Approaching: 66% – Ideally a heavy forehand to the backhand behind the player. (Increases to 71%)
Serve and Volley: 69% – Ideal first volley is behind the player.

Serve Patterns

Primary 1st serve pattern: out wide to 1 and 8.
Primary 2nd serve pattern: serving to the body-backhand jammer (3 and 7) and to the backhand.

*The 1st service game will have a greater percentage of serves to the body than any other game to increase the percentage of 1st serves in the court.

Serve Goals

1st serve in 60%
1st serve points won 70%
2nd serve points won 50%
Breakpoints saved 60%
Service games won 80%

Return Patterns

1st serve return: On the defense. Return deep down the middle of the court.
2nd serve return: On the offense. Step up and take the serve early. (Murray) Run around it and hit a forehand. (Nadal) Remember, big shots go to big targets.

*70% (men) 75% (women) returns come back.

Passing Shots

Primary passing shot is the crosscourt roll.
Secondary passing shot is down the line.

Playbook for Tennis Singles Strategy

Zones in Tennis to Guide Shot Selection

Where you are physically positioned on the court can help guide your shot selection. Here is a framework that can be used as a guide. Utilize the photos below to illustrate the framework as well.

Defensive zone is when you’re positioned six feet or more beyond the baseline.
- Typically in this zone you want to hit your shots at least six feet above the net. This helps limit your chances of missing into the net, can assist with placing the ball deep, and provide yourself time to recover.
Neutral zone is when your beyond the baseline but not being pushed back beyond where you would like to stand.
- When in the neutral zone, it is important to focus on depth and try to keep the ball deep. This keeps your opponent at bay, needing to take on additional risk if they decide to go for an aggressive ball. Hitting balls three to six feet over the net with topspin is a great choice in this zone because it may push your opponent back near the defensive zone and result in your opponent hitting the ball short.
The attacking zone is when you’re positioned inside the baseline.
- In the attacking zone, the court has now shortened. It is important to hit lower over the net keeping the ball within three feet over the net. This will assist in keeping your attacking or approach shots from sailing long
The kill zone is when your are positioned around the service line.
- All the points in the attacking zone apply to the kill zone as well.

The 2-1

First shot is deep to C+ to push the opponent back in the court.
Second shot is wide to D to open up the court.
Third shot is placed to A for the unspectacular winner.

The 2-1 Followed by the Backhand Cage (Until my opponent got a clear opening to run me).

Backhand Cage

Your forehand (sword) vs the opponent’s backhand (shield). Make your opponent hit 4 backhands in a row.

*If it is clear that this is your opponent’s pattern of choice, attack his forehand first.

*To counter this pattern, hit the backhand down the line without giving up court position.

Tennis Singles Strategy The Backhand Cage

Serve + 1 Forehand

Hit the forehand instead of the backhand. (2:1 winner ratio)
Attack the Deuce or Ad side twice. (Causes the opponent to freeze and removes anticipation.)

Number of Shots per Point

1-4: First Strike – 70% of points.
5-8: Patterns – 20% of points.
9+: Extended Rallies – 10% of points.

*Takeaways: Spend more time on the serve and return, serve +1 and return +1.

More Keys for Success

Understand that the best players in the World win 55% of points. Be mentally and emotionally prepared to lose 45% of points.
The match is being played during the point and between the points.
One point can change everything.
80% of points played end in errors. Chase the 80% by making the opponent uncomfortable resulting in an error.
Hit run around forehands. Forehands produce 2 times more winners than backhands.
C+ is where players stand the most.
Spend 80% of the time developing strengths and 20% of the time minimizing weaknesses.
Play more than you practice.

Tennis Singles Strategy Framework

When formulating your singles strategy and patterns of play, refer to this court diagram. It is a great way to come up with set plays before you play a match. If you enjoyed this article I know you will love the tennis doubles strategy and positioning post.

Tennis Fitness Circuit Workouts and Exercises to Improve Conditioning

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Welcome to your ultimate guide for tennis fitness circuit workouts and exercises. It’s my pleasure to provide you with the training you need to improve your tennis conditioning. This guide is 100% FREE and will be updated regularly as tennis specific workouts videos are released.

High Performance Tennis Training – Workout For Speed, Agility, Quickness and Conditioning

Improve your explosiveness and conditioning with this circuit workout. Two rounds 30 seconds on 30 seconds off is a job well done. Three rounds and its a butt kicker.

Tennis Training Workout

Jump rope.
Jump lunges.
Toe taps.
Sprint to point A, medicine ball slam, sprint to point B, medicine ball slam.
1 foot on step, up 2, down 1, up 2… sidestep up to step and pop.
Burpees.
Battle ropes.

Explosive Tennis Circuit to Improve Speed and Agility

This is my go to tennis workout when looking to hit the legs hard. With plyometrics, sprints and some shoulder work it makes for a good conditioning day.

Here are the Circuits

Squat to Military Press.
Ladder: Cross over step, shadow swing, cross over step, shadow swing.
Set up a row of objects. Lung forward, Speed Skater jump to the other side, land with one foot. Repeat.
Set cones 6 feet apart on both doubles ally (DA) lines. Start on outside of DA, sprint up when outside the ally, shuffle to inside of ally, back peddle, shuffle to outside of ally, and sprint up.
Stand facing a wall with medicine ball raised high above your head. Toss medicine ball with both hands against the wall repeatedly.
Lunges with medicine ball slams to the outside leg.
Set up a row of objects. Jump over each object consecutively. After the last jump, squat and jump 180 degree turn.

9 Min Tennis Fitness Workout at Home Routine with Ladder & Ball

This is a great tennis specific circuit that conditions the whole body. Tennis training should aim to mirror what happens on court. During this fitness circuit you can follow along with me. See all the exercises below.

Tennis Fitness Exercises

Single leg deadlift. Add weight both hands as desired.
Ladder: Stand to side, side step in both feet, side step out both feet, bunny hop over ladder and bunny hop back.
Drop ball, burpee, pickup ball and chest pass to partner. (Take turns)
Sideline to sideline sprints, forehand/backhand shadow stroke, with cross over step.
Hold arms out extended shoulder high with weight. To the side and out in front.
Sprint to point A, medicine ball slam, sprint to point B, medicine ball slam.
Plank on hands. Walk hands in and opposite hand (left) touches opposite foot (right). Walk hands out, walk hands in and straight leg lift previously touched leg (right). Walk hands out, cross leg (right) across the body.

Tennis Training – Circuit Workout For Speed, Agility, Quickness and Conditioning

Here are all the tennis fitness exercises in the video. You will find that t is a good option when looking for more focus on training the upper body. Intervals can be 30 seconds on 30 seconds off to mirror a tennis point. More set your own exercise and rest times. Enjoy the workout!

Tennis Training Circuit Workout

Traveler pushups. Medicine ball alternates from one palm to the other.
Shuttle Cones: X or V pattern with racquet swings.
Squats stepping out and dipping under like a boxer. With or without weight.
Jump rope.
Kettlebell thrust (both hands), into overhead press. (alternate arms)
Set up 3 cones in a V pattern. Jump over cone, shuffle around cone to an upper cone and shadow swing a FH/BH. Cross over step and side step back.
Plank on hands. Walk hands in and opposite hand (left) touches opposite foot (right). Walk hands out, walk hands in and straight leg lift previously touched leg (right). Walk hands out, cross leg (right) across the body.

Hope You Enjoyed the Workout Guys!

When doing any home workouts please exercise in a safe environment, and if you need help or you’re not seeing results, I suggest seeing a health and fitness professional to give you tailored advice on your exercise form and dietary needs. I am not a medical professional and what I share on my media platforms are my views and what has worked for myself. Your health and safety is the utmost importance so find out what works for you.

Tennis Stretches After Match Play Are Essential

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How many players have you seen do a set routine of tennis stretches after match play? Probably less than five. However, it is widely accepted that stretching can help with recovery, increasing range of motion and injury prevention. So why don’t more tennis players do cool down stretches? My gut tells me that they don’t see the value in it, are just not looking at flexibility as an avenue to improve their tennis game or are just lazy. With top tennis players like Novak Djokovic showing off their range of motion, body control and shot making in compromised positions most of us can only dream of, I think its safe to say post match stretching should be on our to do list.

Here are some things to consider to get the most out of your post match stretches. It is important to get your stretching routine in after the workout while the muscles are still warm. Keep stretches gentle and slow. Don’t bounce. Breathe through your stretches. If you feel pain, you’ve stretched too far. Each stretch should be held for thirty seconds minimum to realize incremental gains. You can repeat the stretches two to three times.

Enjoy this full body cooldown stretch that you can do after any workout to relief your body and help you with muscle recovery.

Sitting Hamstring Stretch

Sit on the ground with one leg bent at the knee with the foot facing inward. This is called the butterfly position. Extend the opposite leg, keeping it slightly bent at the knee. Bend forward at the waist, making sure to keep the back straight.

Seated Butterfly Stretch

Sit on the ground with both legs bent at the knee and feet facing inward. Gently pull your feet up towards your groin within comfort. Hold your feet with your hands and rest your elbows on your knees. Keep your back straight and apply gentle pressure with your elbows if desired.

Pigeon Stretch

Sit with one knee bent and the other leg extended behind you. Sit on the ground with your right knee bent and your left leg extended behind you. Pull the right heel in toward your left hip. Make sure your left hip points down toward the ground. If it begins to open up, bring your right foot back in toward your body.

Runner’s Lunge

Start in a lunge where your right knee is directly above your right ankle. Simultaneously extend your left leg behind you so that your left knee is behind your left hip and drive the top of your back foot into the ground.

Supine Low Back Twist

Lie down on your back with both legs straight. Bend your right knee at 90 degrees and bring it across your body until it touches the ground. Keep your right shoulder on the ground with your right arm extended, looking in that direction. Hold this position as desired and repeat on the opposite side.

Hero Pose

Start by sitting with both knees on the ground. Try keeping your knees together and the tops of your feet pressed into the ground. Maintain good posture with your shoulders directly above your hips.

Cross Body Shoulder Stretch

Grab one arm above your elbow with your opposite hand, and pull it across your body toward your chest until you feel a stretch in your shoulder. Make sure to keep your elbow below shoulder height.

Overhead Triceps and Shoulder Stretch

Raise one arm overhead and drop your forearm behind you, resting it on your back between your shoulder blades. With your other hand, grab right above your bent elbow and pull gently, until you feel a stretch in your shoulder and triceps.

Downward Dog

Place your hands on the ground shoulder width apart and spread your fingers out wide. Lift your knees off the floor and straighten your legs as much as you can.

Will You Incorporate Tennis Stretches After Match Play?

Let me know what you think and if you are going to incorporate a stretch routine after playing tennis. If you enjoyed this video you may also like the quick warm up routine and circuit workouts under the training section.

As always, please take precaution to exercise in a safe environment, and I highly suggest seeing a health and fitness professional to give you advice on your exercise form and dietary needs. Every person is unique and there is no one size fits all solution to health or fitness. I am not a medical professional and your health and safety is the utmost importance.

6 Core Exercises for Tennis Every Player Should Do

Essential Core Exercises for Tennis Players

Bird Dog

Do three sets of bird dogs and hold for five seconds. Make sure to alternate sides.

Plank

Hold an active plank for two sets of twenty seconds. Once complete, hold an active plank with an arm raise. Do three sets of five second hold with each arm. Lastly, do three sets of plank opposites where you hold out an extended opposite arm and leg for five seconds.

Shoulder Taps

Get into push up position and raise an arm to tap your opposite shoulder. Do one set of twenty total taps.

Side Planks

Get into a side plank by supporting your weight with your forearm. Do two sets of twenty seconds on each side. Once complete, hold your side plank and do leg raises, lifting the non supporting leg three times with five second holds. Make sure to do both sides.

Glute Bridge

Lay down on your back with your knees up and hands placed on the ground near your waist. Do double leg glute bridges for one set of ten reps pausing at the top. Once complete, do single leg glute bridges for one set of five reps pausing at the top.

Dead Bugs

Lay down on your back with your arms and knees pointed to the sky. Do one set of dead bugs for five reps each way. (Right right, left left, opposites, both arms and legs together)

How was the Core Workout?

Let me know what you thought of the core workout and how it will impact your tennis. If you liked it make sure to check out the quick tennis warm up routine and the post match stretch routine for tennis players.

When following any of my posts or videos, please take precaution to exercise in a safe environment, and I highly suggest seeing a health and fitness professional to give you advice on your exercise form and dietary needs. Every person is unique and there is no one size fits all solution to health or fitness. I am not a medical professional and your health and safety is the utmost importance.

10 Minute Tennis Warm Up Routine

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Having a pre planned tennis warm up is essential. Here’s a brand new warm up routine that you can use before ANY of your workouts in any workout program. Before exercising it is important to raise your heart rate, activate your key muscle groups, mobilize your key joints, and perform some tennis related movements to get you ready to perform. It’s a quick 10 minute routine to get you warmed up before you get to the real action. Enjoy!

Do This Quick Warm Up Before Exercising

Raise your heart rate with:

25 jumping jacks
Light jog across the court from sideline to sideline two times. To warm up the upper body you can add arm swings across the body and alternating arm reaches.
Side shuffle two times from sideline to sideline.

Activate your key muscle groups:

20 arm circles forwards and reverse. Start with small arms circles and gradually increase the range of motion.
5 YTWs with or without a resistance band.
Monster walks from sideline to sideline with or without a band.

Mobilize your key joints:

20 twists keeping your toes pointing forwards throughout the exercise.
10 squats with feet shoulder width apart and your hands behind your head to promote good form.
Lunges from sideline to sideline with knees tracking over heels. Add rotation for more of a challenge.
20 knee hugs from sideline to sideline. For more advanced go onto tip toes or go down into a lunge.
20 dancers where you hold your quad and your opposite arm reaches up overhead.
20 heel sweeps or single leg arabesque with your arms out wide.

Perform tennis related movements prior to hitting tennis balls.

Shadow stroke forehands and backhands from sideline to sideline.
Shadow stroke volleys and overheads from sideline to sideline.
Reaction ball tosses or lateral ball catches with a partner for up to 30 seconds.

Dynamic Tennis Warm Up for Match Preparation

Thank you for taking the time to go through this quick tennis warm up routine. If you enjoyed it you may also enjoy the 6 essential core exercises for tennis players and our quick stretch routine for post match play.

When doing any tennis or home workouts, do take precaution to exercise in a safe environment, and if you need help or you’re not seeing results, I suggest seeing a health and fitness professional to give you tailored advice on your exercise form and dietary needs. I am not a medical professional and what I share on my platforms are my views and what has worked for myself. Your health and safety is the utmost importance so find out what works for you.

Tennis Doubles Strategy and Positioning

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Introduction

Playing tennis with different doubles partners can be frustrating because not everyone knows tennis doubles strategy. Often times tennis doubles positioning varies from partner to partner. So, rather than going off of my years of tennis experience and discussions with professionals in the industry I decided to research for statistics to determine patterns of winning doubles. After searching through resources, I came across a talk at the USPTA by Craig O’Shannessy who was formerly on the strategy team for Novak Djokovic, and is known for utilizing data to guide tennis doubles strategy and positioning.

The following article on tennis doubles strategy and positioning was created to help my tennis pros improve their teaching and our clients improve their games. Hopefully you find some value in it as well.

You will find a tennis court template that is labeled with numbers and letters at the end of the article. Refer to the tennis court template when serve locations and patterns of play are mentioned. A video will be provided with more insights in the near future.

Doubles Statistics to Drive Strategy

Winners: 41%
Forced Errors: 38%
Unforced Errors: 21%

Number of Shots per Point

1-4: First Strike – 81% of points.
5-8: Patterns – 17% of points.
9+: Extended Rallies – 2% of points.
Average Rally Length ~3 shots.

*Takeaways: Spend more time on the serve and return, serve +1 and return +1.

Last Shot in Doubles

Up at Net: 68%
At the Baseline: 32%
By the Server: 64%
By the Returner: 36%
Winner up at Net: 84%
Winner at the Baseline:16%
Error up at Net: 49%
Error at the Baseline: 51%

Last Shot Winner: Serving Team

Volley: 64%
Overhead: 75%
Passing Shot: 35%
Lob: 0%
Ground Stroke: 10%

Last Shot Winner: Returning Team

Volley: 54%
Overhead: 86%
Passing Shot: 30%
Lob: 29%
Ground Stroke: 4%

Serve Percentages in Doubles

1st Serve % In: 68%
1st Serve Win %: 74%
2nd Serve Win %: 54%

Return Percentages in Doubles

Unreturned Serves: 15%
Return Winners: 13%
Forehand Winners: 17%
Backhand Winners: 10%

Tennis Doubles Strategy

Control the Center Window

Center Window: a 9ft wide by 3ft high window centered at the net strap. The center window resembles an hourglass with the small neck being located at the center of the net.

In general, the serving team wants to keep the balls in the middle of the court.
In general, the returning team wants to keep the balls wide and create chaos. Another option is to hit down the middle and take over the center window.

Tennis Doubles Strategy Control the Center Window

*If you control the center window you control the match.

*If you don’t control the center window stop playing there immediately. (Example: Lob a lot and play somewhere else by creating angles.)

Tennis Doubles Positioning

Where You Stand Matters

It visually expands and shrinks areas of the court. Ideal positioning:

Servers partner stands in the center of the service box.
Returner’s partner stands behind the service line at serve location 3 (deuce) and 6 (ad). This buys the returner more reaction time.
Staggered formation is the preferred formation. This is where the server aims to be positioned on the service line at the midpoint of his service box. (over 2 up equal and 2 back)
You want to have a rubber band attached to you and your partner. When your partner gets pushed back or gets pulled off the court you want to make the necessary adjustments to play the middle.

Tennis Doubles Positioning Staggered Formation Court Coverage

Where to Look

Eyes forward. Opponents are a mirror. All the information is in front of you.

Tennis Doubles Positioning Staggard Formation Can Move Forward

Forget the Lines

Once the serve is hit most lines vanish.
Teamwork is the back player making the front player look good. (Like volleyball: back player sets, front player spikes.)
Net player covers: side, front, and middle.

Tennis Doubles Strategy Front Player Go Get It

Don’t Follow the Ball

If the player looks comfortable: on balance, setup, has time then follow the ball.
If the player looks uncomfortable: defense, reaching, falling, off balance, rushed, jammed, lunging low, reaching high then the ball is not going down the line. Go center or middle.

Tennis Doubles Positioning Uncomfortable Don't Cover The Line

Don’t Change Directions

Don’t create new angles on the court to get hurt with.
Create a 2 on 1 scenario. Hockey power play.

*Doubles lesson. Call out “there’s a change” when the ball changes direction. If the team who changed direction wins the point it counts. If they lose the point it is worth 2 points for the other team. Down the middle and cross court is fine.

Tennis Doubles Strategy Don't Change Directions

Don’t Cover the Line

It’s not embarrassing it’s greatness
Rule of 3. Beat me 3 times and I will respect it.
Front player looks bad, typically the back player’s fault.
Give up at least half of the doubles alley.

Tennis Doubles Strategy: Where to Place the Ball

Best Serve Locations

Deuce primary pattern: 4 & 3. Returner generally has a strong forehand return.
Deuce secondary pattern: 1.
Ad court: Find the weakness. The better backhand returner is typically there.

Best Return Locations

Deuce court: return at the server’s feet when serving and volleying, side T, and to B when the player stays back.
Ad court: return out wide to catch the backhand late or to side T.

Volley Targets

Server’s partner offensive volleys: down the middle, out wide, touch angle. (In that order)

Server’s partner defensive volleys: back deep to returner, feet of returner’s partner. (In that order)

*Preview the spots before the point starts. Things happen fast. Play it first in your mind.

Tennis Doubles Strategy Defensive Volley Targets

Low Middle

Doubles default. Percentages, confusion, boomerang, multiplying.

*Rather than going wide or down the line, go low middle.

Tennis Doubles Playbook

The J

To execute “The J”, the returner’s partner goes forward faking to cover his side. However, right before the server hits the ball, returner’s partner cuts to the middle.

The V

Server’s partner covers more at the net. Start with split steps and go to get the ball.

*Think about cutting into the net strap.

Reasons to Play Two Back

Big server
No center window control
Slower at net
Better groundstrokes
Returner’s partner in trouble

Lob Returns

Good doubles teams do it as a weapon and to create chaos. Counter an aggressive server’s partner. Go high over the backhand volley of the server’s partner or server.

Serve Formations

Traditional, “I”, Australian.

*Tennis players utilize the Australian formation more often on the ad side when the returner has a great crosscourt return.
*Utilize serve formations to make the returner hit the ball where you want it.

Returner’s Partner Neutral

Only cross the service line when you are on offense.
Focus on the server’s partner.
Defense: back middle. (backwards J)
Offense: J to the middle.

Tennis Doubles Strategy Framework

Utilize the tennis court diagram below to plot your doubles strategy, court positioning, and set plays before your matches. It can also be a great tool to get your partner on the same page with you. Also, if you enjoyed this article I know you will love the tennis singles strategy post as well.