USTA Singles & Doubles Tactical Play 2

Question 1

In singles, when your opponent is pulled wide to the deuce side, where is the highest-percentage target for your next shot?

Accepted Answer

Into the open court on the ad side

Answer

Hitting into the open court (ad side) exploits the space created by pulling your opponent wide and makes recovery difficult.

Question 2

A doubles team is in the 'both back' formation. What is the primary tactical disadvantage of this positioning?

Accepted Answer

It surrenders control of the net to opponents

Answer

Both players staying back concedes the net, allowing opponents to volley at sharp angles and control the point.

Question 3

In singles, what is the purpose of hitting a 'moonball' (high topspin lob) to a baseline opponent?

Accepted Answer

To push the opponent deep and disrupt their rhythm

Answer

A moonball pushes opponents behind the baseline, resets the rally, and can break the rhythm of a hard-hitting player.

Question 4

When the opposing net player in doubles poaches and moves across to intercept a crosscourt return, where should the returner's partner ideally move?

Accepted Answer

Move diagonally back and toward the center

Answer

When the net player poaches, the returner's partner should move back and toward center to cover the now-open opposite side of the court.

Question 5

In singles, which tactical approach is most effective when playing a baseline opponent who struggles with high balls to the backhand?

Accepted Answer

Heavy topspin to the backhand

Answer

Heavy topspin to the backhand generates high bounces that force the opponent into an uncomfortable contact point, exploiting their weakness.

(USTA) United States Tennis Association Certified Coach Practice Test