USTA Singles & Doubles Tactical Play 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In doubles, the server's partner is at the net and the return goes down the line past them. What is the server's PRIMARY responsibility?
- Let the ball go and reset
- Move to cover the down-the-line ball (Correct answer)
- Stay in position and wait
- Signal the partner to retreat
Correct answer: Move to cover the down-the-line ball
When the net player is beaten down the line, the server must move laterally to retrieve the ball and keep the team in the point.
Question 2: What tactical adjustment should a singles player make when serving into a strong wind at their back?
- Toss the ball higher and add extra pace
- Reduce pace and focus on spin and placement (Correct answer)
- Serve flat and wide on every point
- Avoid the kick serve entirely
Correct answer: Reduce pace and focus on spin and placement
Serving with a tailwind adds uncontrolled pace, so reducing serve speed while focusing on spin and placement improves consistency and control.
Question 3: In the 'Australian formation' in doubles, what is the primary goal?
- Protect the ad-side alley
- Force the returner to hit down the line instead of crosscourt (Correct answer)
- Both players move to the net simultaneously
- The server attacks the T on every point
Correct answer: Force the returner to hit down the line instead of crosscourt
The Australian formation places the net player on the same side as the server, forcing the returner to change their preferred crosscourt return direction.
Question 4: In singles, what is the main purpose of hitting approach shots to the opponent's backhand?
- It generates more topspin
- It forces a weaker passing shot on most players' weaker side (Correct answer)
- It is easier to hit than the forehand
- It opens the alley for a volley winner
Correct answer: It forces a weaker passing shot on most players' weaker side
Approaching to the backhand typically elicits a weaker, more predictable passing shot, making the volley easier to put away.
Question 5: When playing a net rusher in singles, what is the most effective counter-strategy?
- Hit flat hard drives directly at them
- Use deep topspin groundstrokes and lobs (Correct answer)
- Always go down the line on passing shots
- Stay back and trade baseline rallies
Correct answer: Use deep topspin groundstrokes and lobs
Combining deep topspin groundstrokes to keep them back with lobs over their head limits the effectiveness of a net-rushing style.
Question 6: In doubles, where should the non-returning partner stand when their teammate is returning serve?
- At the net, near the service box T (Correct answer)
- At the baseline in the center
- Halfway between baseline and service line
- In the alley to protect from poaching
Correct answer: At the net, near the service box T
The non-returning partner stands at the net near the service box T, ready to volley any short ball and maintain offensive pressure.
Question 7: A singles player consistently loses points when drawn into extended baseline rallies by a 'pusher.' What tactical change would most help?
- Hit harder on every shot to end points faster
- Use short angles and drop shots to bring the pusher to the net (Correct answer)
- Serve and volley on every point
- Focus solely on crosscourt consistency
Correct answer: Use short angles and drop shots to bring the pusher to the net
Short angles and drop shots force the pusher to leave their comfort zone near the baseline and play offensive shots they typically struggle with.
USTA Singles & Doubles Tactical Play 3
In doubles, the server's partner is at the net and the return goes down the line past them.
What is the server's PRIMARY responsibility?