It bothers me when the number of players is not right and one or two people are waiting for a game to finish. If there is only one game in play it is worse.
I've played five handed a couple of times and it is a nice way to get some practice in, play with all the players, and be punished just a bit for bad play. The way it works is to start a normal game. When someone misses a shot, long, short, wide, etc., they sit out the next point and the fifth person takes their place.
The serve moves to the next server in normal order. Score is not really kept, as players will be changing sides as the points are played out. The best part is that the wait time is only one point. Hey, how long is that? Probably about three hits on average.
The only thing that is done is keeping track of which server is serving, be it the first or second server.
Now, how do you minimize your own wait time? That's easy too, don't make any mistakes. The game encourages steady, conservative play, Who doesn't need a bit more of that?
It there are six players, then each "loser" will sit out two points before getting back on the court.
Give it a try, it's a nice way to practice/play.
I agree with this approach. It feels good when you get to stay in fir quite a while and no problem to take a short break too.
ReplyDeleteHow about a column on the ethics of of 3 strong players playing with one weaker player.. Should the strong players play at full strength or lighten up when hitting to the weaker player?
Hi, thanks for the comment. I think the good players should not punish the weaker player(s). I don't think it makes them better in the long run. Playing down has some usefulness, the points are longer, the good players can concentrate on control, not power, and the weaker player has a better time and would not feel that they are a burden on partner or the game. I've played with the understanding that it would be a "gentle men's" game and take a lot of the smashes, etc., off the table. It was a nice way to play and more enjoyable than killing the beginner.
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