Strategy

July 2024

Strategy

How many times have we had a fellow player offer advice on how to beat your opponent…or…your doubles partner wants to give hand signals and discuss poaching and other strategy to beat the other team?!

I certainly do not wish to downplay strategy planning…but…leave the game planning and strategy to the advanced players who can actually execute the plan.  In my opinion this talk of “Strategy” can become mind cluttering and take focus from actually playing the game properly.  Even on the advanced level if a player is unable to execute properly then game planning does not matter.   Focus on your play and allow the game to flow and adjust as possible along the way.  You have enough to do just to make good swings.  I will offer the following suggestions to increase your potential for success.

Play Cross Court

Play the majority of your shots Cross Court (or down the middle especially if your opponent is on the run).  You have more court to work with and it reduces the options of angles your opponent can use to advantage.

Do Not try to be Cute

Avoid regular attempts at “Cute” or “Fancy” shots, especially Drop Shots.  Too often those are either missed or they are hit so poorly that they turn your advantage into a lost point.  A firmly hit ball is normally the better choice.

Stop Frequent Lobbing 

This one may be a bit controversial for some…but…if you wish to Not be mired at one level with not much hope of stepping up to the next level - Stop Lobbing on every other shot.  It stunts your growth.  It can be used effectively but if it is a regular staple in your game you will likely NEVER step up to the next level!

Do Not “Climb on the Net”

Do not position yourself one foot from the net when playing there.   A couple of steps back allow you more reaction time and you can still step up quickly for a short ball.   It also makes you less vulnerable to an offensive lob.   

“Square Up, Stand Tall, Step n Hit”