Patterns are combinations of shots and shot sequences utilized during a point that emphasize a player’s strengths and exploit the opponents’ weaknesses.

Players use shot patterns to increase the number of times they are hitting their best shot or stroke during a point and/or to keep their opponents from hitting their best shot or stroke. Depending on a player’s game style, whether he’s a baseliner, serve-and-volleyer, counterpuncher or all-court player, he will implement different patterns of play.

An example of a pattern can be as simple as hitting to an opponent’s backhand. A baseline player might hit backhands crosscourt and forehands down the line to hit to an opponent’s backhand. A serve-and-volleyer might use the pattern of serving wide in the deuce so he can volley to the backhand (and the open court) or hit the serve and volleys to the backhand. The goal is for you to play your best shot more often and for your opponent to play his worst shot more often. If your opponent’s weakness is fitness or foot speed, then you would want to use a crosscourt pattern that will make your opponent run more.

However, it’s important to note that patterns should not restrict a player’s shot selection on every point. Typically, patterns work best when the player is in control (or at least in a neutral position) of the point. The key to implementing a particular pattern is to know the shot(s) that can set it up or start it. Then no matter what type of shot or ball your opponent plays, you can play the shot(s) to your best pattern.