Doubles vs Singles game

A M Asked 2 weeks ago

Hi

I am considered a decent doubles player at my club. I can think and plan better in doubles. I manage to win even with weaker partners.

But for some reason, I go blank while playing singles and can't plan well enough the way I plan in doubles.

Any tips for this? What should be my approach & how should I be thinking?

Thanks.

Alois Rosario Answered 2 weeks ago

Hi,

Thanks for your question. It’s actually a lot more common than you might think. Many players feel more comfortable in doubles because of the shared responsibility and the rhythm of alternate shots. In singles, the court feels bigger, there’s more decision making and the pressure is all on you, which can cause that “blank” feeling.

Here’s how to approach it:

1. Simplify Your Thinking
   In doubles you’re usually setting up for your partner or reacting to a simpler pattern. In singles, try to apply the same idea:
   Focus on just one tactical goal at a time (e.g., “Play to their wide backhand and block cross-court.”)
   Don’t overthink between points. Pick a plan and stick with it for a few rallies.

2. Pre-Point Planning
   Make a habit of asking yourself before each serve or receive:
   “What is my basic plan in this point?”

3. Use Doubles Logic in Singles
   Since you already plan well in doubles, use that to your advantage:
   Plan the first couple of balls in the rally.
   Think of yourself as both players in a doubles team plan your “set-up” and “finishing” shots in sequence.

4. Improve Your Confidence in Transitions
   Sometimes players feel overwhelmed in singles because they don’t trust their transitions — serve to 3rd ball, receive to 4th ball, and so on.
   Practice short rallies with clear structure (e.g., serve + 3rd ball only).
   This will build up your comfort in controlling points rather than just reacting.

5. Mental Reset Routines
   If your mind goes blank mid-match:
   Use a breath between points (inhale, exhale, cue word like “play smart” or “wide backhand”).
   This small routine can help your brain switch back to purposeful play.

6. Watch & Reflect
   Try recording a few of your singles matches.
   Compare the way you move, position, and choose shots in singles vs doubles.
   You may spot habits (e.g., too passive, not using width, unsure third ball choices) that you can address directly.

7. Practice Singles with Tactical Focus
   Tell your practice partner: “Let’s play to 5, but I’ll try one tactic the whole game like serve long to your backhand and rally down the line.”
   This makes singles feel more like a puzzle to solve, the way doubles does for you.

Final Thought
You clearly have strong tactical awareness. It’s not that you can’t plan in singles it’s more likely that you don’t yet have a reliable framework for doing so under pressure. With a little structure and a pre point routine, you can bring your doubles brain into your singles game.