It is important to shake up your opponent's serve early in the match. The earlier they start to doubt their serve, the earlier you'll break them. While the previous tip dealt with doubles, the following tips can be used in singles as well.

•  Against a good first serve block the ball back deep and cross-court to get the point started.  Use a short backswing and follow threw toward the target.

•    Against a weak first serve or second serve try to run around your backhand and smack a forehand for a winner down the line. Or, hit it right at the server and charge the net.

  Try the above strategies from your first return game to unsettle your opponent. Remember to play the score when deciding whether to go for the big return and go back to consistent cross-court returns if you get down or tight.   See you on the courts...Robert Stephens/USPTA