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Tactics

Tactical skills are the decisions and actions of players and performers used to gain advantage in the game or competition e.g. serving to an opponent's weak side, playing a trick shot.

Although maybe less obvious to the observation these are just as common in individual sports as they are team sports. Tactics in individual sports can be prepared for example, making the decision to lead in a running race; however factors on the day such as number of competitors, race speed and unexpected changes to the line up may change your decision.

Within tennis, a player may serve and volley (come to the net after a serve) or choose to stay back. Some players such as Pete Sampras and Tim Henman often played serve and volley as they felt this gave them the advantage. Despite this however there are many other factors that may affect the tactic deployed on the day.

For example

  • How hard to hit the ball
  • Whether to position the ball or smash it
  • Position on court of self and opponent
  • The length of the rally / match - how long has it been going on?
  • Score situation - am I winning or losing?
  • Is it more important to score or force an error?

Tactics vary depending on the sport or activity. General tactics may include;

  • Attacking - How and when to put pressure on the opponent to gain an advantage.
  • Defence - How and when to sit back and avoid losing an advantage.
  • Movement - Where to move to and/or where to place the equipment e.g. ball/shuttle.
  • Phases of play - How to react in different circumstances e.g. deuce in tennis or in the early stages of a 800m swimming race.
  • Communication - with yourself and coach etc...throughout the game to maintain an advantage.