I was watching a doubles match at the Downs recently. It was a mixed doubles match and the guys playing were better players than the gals. Nothing unusual in that and everyone was having a spirited game and a good time.
The gals were making more mistakes than the guys, perhaps the greatest differential in abilities. But what I noticed was that the gals were hitting the ball a lot harder than the guys.
The gals were hitting the ball too hard. There were more net shots and long shorts on their part. I would suggest that the path towards being a better player is working on hitting the ball softer. Control is much more important than hitting the ball hard. Would it be reasonable to say don't hit the ball harder than you can control it?
As a more general note, trying to "win" a point outright than to nudge your opponents to a losing position is a trip towards the dark side. Don't go to the dark side! Strive to hit a shot in, then good, then better and someday best. A really tough opponent to beat, is the one who makes few mistakes.
---- And now for a bonus. A short play in one act.
Player 1: "How tightly do you hold your paddle?"
Player 2: "If I'm not stretching for a dink, then very tightly."
Player 1: "Hmm..."
I need that play to continue. Sometimes holding your paddle tight allows you to hit a flick backhand that you couldn't do loosely. Conversely, running up to get a very short shot, loose is much better for tossing the paddle out one extra inch to get a desperation shot.
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DeleteIf you talk to Robo, who has the backhand flick shot down pat, he will tell you that his wrist and grip are quite loose. I've seen him "throw" the paddle on occasion due to the loose grip. A tight grip is useful when you don't hit the sweet spot of the paddle, are trying to hit the ball down for an overhead, and off the top of my head not much else. I may be wrong, but try the loose stuff for a while and report back! Thanks.
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