How to Build a Game Plan Before You Walk On Court
Quick answer
A game plan is three simple decisions made before the match: how you will play your strengths, how you will attack your opponent's weakness, and what you will switch to if it is not working. You do not need a scouting report. You need a Plan A you trust and a Plan B for when the day goes sideways.
On this page
Why you need a plan at all
Players with no plan default to hitting harder when things go wrong, which usually makes it worse. A plan gives you something to do under pressure besides panic. It is the difference between competing and just reacting, and it often beats an opponent with better strokes but no idea what they are trying to do.
The three questions to answer first
- 1What is my strength, and how do I make the match about it? Funnel balls to your best shot.
- 2What is their weakness, and how do I keep finding it? Usually a wing, a high ball, or movement.
- 3What is my Plan B? If Plan A is not landing, do I add margin, change pace, or come to net?
Read the warmup and the first games
You learn most of what you need in the warmup and the first two games. Which side do they avoid? Can they handle pace, or do they love it? Do they move forward well? Adjust your plan to what you see, do not marry a plan that is clearly failing. A common, reliable Plan A is the serve plus one to get on offense early.
Against a steady opponent, your plan changes shape. That specific puzzle is worth its own read, so see how to beat a pusher.
The short version
Decide before you walk on: play your strength, attack their weakness, and keep a Plan B. Read the first games and adjust instead of just hitting harder.
Frequently asked
How do I make a tennis game plan?
Answer three questions before the match: how you will play your strength, how you will attack their weakness, and what your Plan B is. Keep it simple and adjust based on the warmup and first games.
What should I do if my game plan is not working?
Switch to Plan B rather than just hitting harder. Add margin, change pace or height, or come to the net. The mistake is stubbornly repeating a Plan A that the scoreboard says is failing.
How do I scout an opponent quickly?
Use the warmup and first two games. Note which wing they avoid, whether they like or hate pace, and how they move forward. That is usually enough to pick where to direct the ball.
Sources and further reading
Written by
Bolor Enkhbayar
Tennis coach and founder of CoachesNote
Bolor coaches serious juniors and adult competitors. She builds every weekly plan, reviews the video and match notes, and decides the next job, in person and remotely through CoachesNote.
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