How can you play well (say, in a tournament) even when you are out of practice? Try these ideas.

Spend at least part of your remaining practice time focusing on tight serves and good service returns, and a controlled, consistent opening game using good footwork. In your tournament matches, key off the same things — precise serves, good returns and opening consistently whenever possible. Then just play out the points the best you can. Most of what makes a player rusty is deficiencies in these areas; and, this will give you a specific approach to use for your matches.

Remember, one test of a good player is whether he or she can still win when out of practice, or playing badly.