Before developing a game dependent on strategy or tennis tactics, first a player must have the strokes that will get the ball over the net. Hitting with depth is the second necessity. Limiting the number of options is the third. Overall strategy and point-to-point tactics are over rated for most players.
There are basic five things that a player can do to his opponent from the baseline:
1. hit to your opponent’s left
2. to his right
3. over his head
4. at his feet, and
5. through him
Tennis tactics means devising a realistic game plan which forces you to evaluate your own game and to learn how to scout and play your opponent. For a beginner the first and most basic rule is to get it “Down the middle and deep”. This works on any type of surface or conditions.
It helps you win by (1)(Keeping your opponent hitting from behind the baseline; (2) the net is 5 1/2″ lower in the middle than at the singles sideline giving you less chance for error; (3) you can concentrate more confidently on the stroke because you are not gambling with the sidelines; (4) By hitting down the middle you reduce the length of the diagonal available to your opponent if he wants to hit crosscourt.
The problem with hitting down the middle is an opponent with a strong shot can step around and hit from his strength every time. It is important to remember if you can keep it going deep enough you will still come out ahead. Once you get better at this strategy you can
play slightly to his weaker side.