Question: How far back should I play at the baseline?

Answer:

For most players, the best default distance behind the baseline is 3-4 feet, but playing closer lets you be more aggressive, and playing farther back can help with certain defensive styles.

Playing closer makes sense if one or more of the following is true:

• Your opponent tends to hit short, and you don't run forward easily.
• You like to hit balls on the rise.

Playing farther back makes sense if if one or more of the following is true:

• Your opponent hits balls that kick up too high for you, and you are not good at taking these on the rise.
• You are very quick running laterally but need extra time to prepare your swings.

Back to 13 Singles Positioning and Placement FAQ Questions