The tactical component takes into account all of the variables a player implements during a point, such as power, spin and placement. Where a player hits a shot, how early he takes it, the speed and trajectory at which he hits a shot and the type of shot he chooses to hit all involve certain tactics. A player's use and combination of tactics with every shot create an overall strategy.

Consistency, placement, patterns, spins, power, shot selection and competitive situations are the seven tactical subcomponents.

Tactical subcomponents

The following list defines each of the subcomponents and explains them with a short video:

1. Consistency - The ability of a player to get the ball back more times than an opponent using optimum pace and control MORE 2. Placement - Selecting a target and hitting the ball there MORE 3. Patterns - Combinations of shots that help achieve a strategy (e.g., hitting crosscourt to open up the down-the-line shot) MORE 4. Spins - Developing offensive and defensive spins for control and power MORE

5. Power - Imparting pace on shots for both offensive and defensive purposes MORE 6. Shot selection - Deciding placement and type of shot to be hit (offensive, defensive, neutral) MORE 7. Competitive situations - Ability to execute all of the above in a competitive situation MORE

Resources

Below is a list of available video clips describing in detail the tactical component as well as each of its seven subcomponents.

How important are tactics?
Define tactics