Getting Ready for the Next Shot

 Recently I played against a 4.3 player for about five games and here are some thoughts about that experience...

A couple of observations:

    He could be beaten - kind of depended on who his partner was

    He made mistakes; he hit it long, netted, rarely wide, didn't miss serves

    His super power was getting around the court - so basically movement and anticipation of play

    He didn't hit the ball extremely hard, but he was happy to drive third shots and go mano a mano with the player directly in front of him.  He might have been playing down a bit in play level as he was the best player on the court.  The others probably in the high 3 DUPR level.  

    He mentioned one aspect of play that resonated with me and that is to make sure you are stopped and split stepped before your opponent hits the ball.  I've been aware of this, but probably was willing to trade getting closer to the kitchen line rather than being in a good ready position.  Well, Mark, was really good at hitting to my feet and had I been more ready for that shot, I think it would have been better for me.  After he mentioned this, I made a point of stopping sooner and being ready.  I found this an improvement as I could return shots more accurately in re speed and location, and since I was deeper in the court I had more time to adjust position and paddle and hit the ball.  The important factor was the increased time I had to hit the ball and the ability to move laterally -- really hard when you are moving forward.

Let me talk a little bit more about the above paragraph.  If you are playing against opponents who don't play a saft game, then you don't have to stop as early.  A hard shot is usually easier to play as it is less likely to be at your feet.  Basically, the more control your opponent has, the earlier you want to stop and split step.

The strategy of PB is one of removing time your opponent has and gaining it for your team.  Poaches and Ernies and Berts are all designed to short cut the time your opponents have.  Maybe you can catch them moving or out of position with those plays.  I believe that poaches and crashing are required at any advanced level of play.