Beating Better Opponents in Tennis: Simple Strategies That Actually Work

You know that feeling. Step on the court. You look at the other side of the net. The other player’s already bouncing, already swinging smooth, already looking like a highlight reel.

And you think, “How am I supposed to win this?”

I’ve been there. A lot. But here’s what I’ve learned—beating better opponents isn’t about hitting bigger. Or being faster. Or pulling off some miracle shot at match point. It’s about changing the way you approach the match.

You don’t need to be perfect. All you need is to be smart.

You ready? Let’s break it down—step by step.

Stop Playing Their Game If You Want to Win

This is where most people mess up.

You face someone who’s more experienced, more athletic, or just more intimidating. So what do you do? You try to match them. Shot for shot. Speed for speed.

And then… you fall apart.

But the truth is, beating better opponents starts with this: stop trying to be them.

You don’t need to copy their pace or rhythm. What you need to do is disrupt it.

Here’s what works:

• Slow the ball down when they expect pace.
• Throw in loopy topspin when they want clean drives.
• Use slices. Lots of slices.
• Change depth. Mix short balls with deep ones.
• Take your time between points.

You’re not there to prove anything. You’re there to make them uncomfortable. And the best way to do that? Don’t let them play the match they want.

You’ll be surprised how fast their confidence fades when their usual tools stop working.

Beating Better Opponents Means Leaning Into Patterns, Not Power

So you’re not hitting like them. Good. Now let’s talk about what you should do.

Patterns.

Sounds boring, right? It’s not. It’s the smartest way to mess with someone who’s better than you.

Instead of swinging for winners, build patterns that force them to move. Make them uncomfortable. Repeat the same play over and over until they crack.

Some ideas?

• Keep rallying high and deep to their backhand until they hit short—then attack.
• Hit wide serves, then go behind them.
• Hit to their weaker wing and keep them pinned there.
• If they’re slow to net, hit drop shots when they least expect them.

Even the best players fall apart when they can’t break your rhythm. They’ll try something risky. Maybe even overhit. They’ll panic.

Beating better opponents isn’t about showing off. It’s about repeating the same annoying, frustrating, draining patterns again and again.

Think chess, not wrestling.

Also Read: Wrist Snap vs Racquet Lag: The Real Secret Behind Effortless Power

Use Your Feet: Smart Movement Beats Big Shots

Let’s say it clearly: movement is everything.

You don’t need a 100 mph forehand to win. The basics you need is balance and recovery. You need to get one more ball back than they expected.

When you’re facing someone better, they’re going to push you. They’ll stretch you side to side. Deep and wide. If you move like a statue, the match is over in 30 minutes.

But if you stay sharp with your feet? You stay alive.

Here’s how to move like you mean it:

• Always split step as they hit.
• Recover quickly to your ready position.
• Stay on your toes. Not flat. Not heavy.
• Anticipate. Read their body language.
• Don’t be late. Start early.

One more thing—your shoes do matter. If they’re too heavy, if the grip is worn out, if your foot rolls when you stop—you’re always behind. Good tennis shoes let you stop, push off, and adjust fast without hesitation.

Better opponents rely on time. Your footwork steals it back.

Make the Match Physical—And Watch What Happens

Here’s something they won’t tell you in coaching videos.

Most better players hate long matches.

They don’t like getting dragged into 20-shot rallies. Neither do they want to be out there grinding, sweating, battling every single point. They want clean points. Fast finishes. Easy wins.

But guess what? You can take that away from them.

All you have to do is make the match physical.

Not by hitting harder—but by making it longer.

• Keep the ball in play one more time than they expect.
• Stretch points out. Don’t rush.
• Let them run.
• Allow them to get frustrated.
• Let them think “Why isn’t this over yet?”

When their legs get tired and their mind starts to wander, you win.

It’s not pretty. But it’s powerful.

Beating better opponents isn’t just about skills. It’s about endurance. Mental and physical.

You show up for the fight. Let them decide if they want to stay in it.

Check Out: Unlock Powerful Serves: Exercises to Increase Serve Speed

Trust Your Game: Beating Better Opponents Starts Inside

Now we’re going deeper.

Because it’s easy to talk about tactics. It’s harder to talk about belief.

You’re playing someone better. Everything in your head tells you to try something new. Something big. Something you saw on YouTube.

Don’t do it.

This is the moment you trust your game.

• If you’re a counterpuncher—counter.
• Are you a patient player?—be patient.
• If you love the net—get to the net.

You’ve trained. You’ve practiced. You know what works for you. Why throw that away just because your opponent looks good in warmups?

The players who win against the odds are the ones who stay true to their style. Who stay calm. Who stay grounded.

Beating better opponents doesn’t happen by pretending. It happens by trusting.

Conclusion

So let’s bring it home.

You’re not trying to out-hit them. Neither are you trying to out-serve them. You’re trying to out-think, outlast, and out-focus them.

That’s how beating better opponents really works.

• Play your game, not theirs.
• Stick to patterns that frustrate.
• Move better. Move smarter.
• Drag them into long, ugly, exhausting rallies.
• Trust who you are on the court.

Next time you find yourself looking across the net and thinking “They’re better than me”—don’t shrink.

Smile. Because now you know what to do.

You don’t have to be the best player. You just have to be the better problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I focus on first when facing a better player?
Start by breaking their rhythm. Don’t match their power or pace—slow things down, change spin, move them side to side, and make them work for every point.

How do I stop panicking when I’m the underdog?
Breathe. Focus on small wins—getting returns in, holding serve, extending rallies. Play your patterns. Trust what you do best. That calms your mind.

Will changing my shoes really help against better players?
Yes. Good tennis shoes help you move faster, stop safer, and recover quicker. That half-step advantage can be the difference in a 15-shot rally.

Can I really beat someone ranked way above me?
Yes. It happens all the time. Tennis isn’t just about skill. It’s about decision-making, discipline, and who can stay calm longer. With the right mindset, beating better opponents becomes part of your game—not a surprise.