Strategy vs. Tactics: Know the Difference to Win Smarter

Key Points

• • Strategy = The Big Picture:
    It’s your overall game plan—what you want to do to your opponent (e.g., target their backhand).
• • Tactics = The Execution:
    These are the specific tools you use to carry out your strategy (e.g., slice low to the backhand, hit high and heavy, or take away angles).
• • You Can Have the Right Strategy but the Wrong Tactics:
    Don’t abandon a solid strategy just because one tactic didn’t work—adjust your methods, not your mission.
• • Key to Problem Solving:
    Great players constantly assess whether they need to change the strategy or just tweak the tactics.
• • Critical for Match Play:
    Understanding and applying both concepts helps players adapt mid-match and make smarter decisions under pressure.