This weekend in TX, I had the pleasure of playing with a ton of amatuers and up-n-coming senior pros. As I do, I took notes on player tendencies, mistakes, and weapons.
Most weapons in today’s game revolve around power and hand speed. This weekend was no different.
Unfortunately, the weaknesses remain universally the same:
1. Trying to execute fancy, “highlight reel” shots:
Everyone loves the feeling of pulling off the highlight reel, trying to make it to ESPN’s Top 10 shots of the day, but these attempts will never become a 55% win rate. So, while you may win points, you’ll never consistent win matches with them.
2. Hitting your way out of trouble:
There’s a tendency, when in trouble, to want to blast your way out - it’s a panic that comes over many players when they’re on the run or reaching for a wide ball off the court. The answer in these moments is to slow way down and try to reset or lob your way out of this situation. Think of “trouble” as an opportunity to hit pause and start over, rather than slamming the turbo button and speeding up. There’s nothing more frustrating for your opponents than when you shut down their offense with a calm reset.
3. Transition zone:
There’s still soooooo much attacking through the transition area with balls below the net. Why? Because it’s easier than slowing down, being intentional, and hitting a discipline reset. This is the shot I continue to see misused from 95% of amateurs and soon-to-be senior pros. Attack from transition only if you can get the ball on a downward trajectory, making your opponents hit from below the net. The exception would be if you have an opponent who can’t handle pace - then attack him relentlessly with anything ?.
Believe it or not, all of the above challenges begins with your Mental Game. Nothing will change until you first commit to making those changes. The physical piece comes last.
