Tipbit #43 – Two Common Errors

 

Probably the most common error I see at Greenwood are members failing to communicate.  Communication is one of the easiest ways to improve playing with your member teammates, yet so many members don't bother to even try. Saying simple things like "Mine, Yours, Go, Stay, Switch or Watch" can keep your team from fighting over middlle balls, covering vacated areas and giving free points away.  When I start a game with a new member I often say, “Talk to me”!
 

If you notice that the two people you're playing against aren't talking, your path to victory is through the middle of the court. You should hit every return, dink, and drive to the middle of the court. Aim for the center line even and let them fight over it. You’ll guarantee yourself some free points and likely the game.
 

 

The second most common error members make, especially those who don't play together regularly, is not moving together. This applies vertically, where one player moves toward the NVZ line while the other stays back. Some members hit their returns and then stay back or they slowly float, stroll or saunter their way toward the NVZ line. This is really frustrating for your teammate, as he/she knows they will be targeting you in the back court or in transition. You also need to move horizontally. If you don’t, you’re leaving the middle or side wide open when your teammate is pulled out wide. To help you and your partner move better, pretend you're tied together by a rubber band. Don't let it get too taut or too loose. Or, simply remember to follow the ball.

 

If you notice that your opponents aren't in sync, you should have plenty of open holes to hit winners. To do this, focus on moving one opponent around to make the hole left by their teammate even larger. I try to accomplish this on my serve; I try to place my serve wide on both the deuce and ad court. Many times that leaves a gap or hole between the returner and their partner already at the NVZ line.  Many times that  partner, at the NVZ line, doesn't move horizontally to help cover the gap created by my wide serve.

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A lot of my tipbits demand practice, drilling, learning new shots and stroke techniques, etc, but these Two Common Errors can be readily fixed just through focusing, attentiveness, concentration, communication, etc.

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                C' ya on the Greenwood courts. President Lueck