Knowing when to attack and when to defend is a crucial aspect of playing tennis strategically. It allows you to dictate the tempo of the match and conserve energy for key moments. Here's how to read the game and make the right decisions:

When to Attack:

1. When Your Opponent Is Out of Position:
   • Movement: If your opponent is caught off balance or far from the center of the court, it's a great time to attack. A well-placed shot to the open side of the court can put pressure on them and force them into a defensive position.
   • Weak Returns: If your opponent hits a weak return, especially one with little pace or a high bounce, seize the opportunity by attacking with a strong shot. This could be a powerful forehand or backhand, or even a well-placed volley.
2. After a Great Serve:
   • A strong first serve can force a weak return. Follow it up with an aggressive shot to take control of the point. By hitting a deep or angled return, you can put your opponent on the defensive immediately.
3. When Your Opponent Makes an Unforced Error:
   • If your opponent makes a mistake, such as hitting a ball out or into the net, take advantage of their momentary lapse. Transition quickly to the offense and look to hit a winner before they have a chance to recover.
4. Using the Short Angle:
   • If the ball is hit wide, don't just keep hitting the ball back into the same direction. Try hitting a sharp, angled shot to pull your opponent wide, which opens up the court for a potential winner.
5. On the Rise Shots:
   • If you have a chance to take the ball early on the rise, especially in the forecourt or mid-court, this can put pressure on your opponent by reducing their reaction time and limiting their options.

When to Defend:

1. When You're Forced Behind the Baseline:
   • If you're pushed back deep into the court, it's often a sign that you should focus on getting the ball back in play with consistency. In this situation, defense is about resetting the point and staying patient. Aim for the middle of the court to limit your opponent's angles and give yourself time to recover.
2. When Your Opponent Is on the Offensive:
   • If your opponent is hitting with great pace or placing the ball perfectly, you might not have the option to attack. Focus on keeping the ball in play, making your opponent hit an extra shot. Sometimes, it's about surviving the rally until they miss or give you a chance to counterattack.
3. On Low or High Balls:
   • When you receive a low shot, especially on your backhand side, it's often better to play a defensive shot rather than attacking. The same goes for high balls — it's difficult to attack with control, so you should look to return the ball in a way that sets you up for the next shot.
4. On Fast, Deep, or Heavy Shots:
   • When your opponent hits a heavy ball, especially with topspin or slice, your first reaction might be to defend. Focus on getting the ball back with a solid return, making sure you're not caught off guard by their power. The goal is to neutralize their attack and set up an opportunity to counter later.
5. When You're in a Vulnerable Position:
   • If you're out of position, like being too close to the net after hitting a shot or far from the center of the court, switch to a defensive mindset. Make sure you're covering the angles and waiting for a chance to recover or pounce on a weak return.

Balancing Attack and Defense:

• Set Up Your Attacks: Even when you're on defense, look for small windows to shift into offense. For instance, by hitting deep and high shots, you can push your opponent behind the baseline and make them vulnerable to a follow-up attack.
• Patience is Key: Sometimes, defending just means waiting for your opponent to make a mistake. Focus on making solid, consistent returns until the right moment presents itself. By staying patient, you'll increase the chances that your opponent will either miss or give you an easier shot.
• Know Your Strengths: If you're particularly strong at attacking with your forehand, it's important to focus on setting up the conditions where that strength can shine. Similarly, if you're a solid defender with great court coverage, you can outlast your opponent by defending well and waiting for the opportunity to strike.

In short, attacking is about looking for opportunities to take control of the point and put your opponent on the defensive, while defending is about staying patient, getting the ball back safely, and waiting for the right moment to transition into offense. Recognizing these moments in the match will help you maintain balance and improve your overall game strategy.