Getting paired with a weaker player can be a helpless feeling. No matter what you do, that point always seems to end on their paddle. The other team notices and begins sending every ball their way. It is a challenging situation, but Zane Navratil has some tips to help you overcome a weaker partner and get the win.
Keep the ball in front of you by dinking and resetting straight ahead. If you leave a ball too high, the attack will likely return to you instead of going toward them. If they do attack your partner, it will be a cross-court attack, allowing them more time to react.
Option 1: You can stack to allow your partner to play on the side where they are more comfortable.
Option 2: You can stack on the left side to take more of the court and poach with your forehand when your partner is targeted.
If your partner is being targeted, creep into the middle of the courtto provide positional pressure. Lean in and intercept some of the dinks headed their way and tempt the other team to hit it behind you.
When you do finally get the ball, be aggressive with your shots. Try to force a mistake from your opponent and create an opportunity for you to hit the next ball.
As Zane says, “You can only control your effort and your attitude.” Mistakes are going to happen. Positive encouragement and paddle taps can make the difference between your partner playing better than normal or far below their skill level.
Outside of tournaments, don’t be the person who strictly targets the weaker player. Step up and take on the best competition you can find. It is the quickest way to improve.
One habit of a great partner is someone who communicates clearly on the court. Calling ‘me’ and ‘you’ early can help eliminate confusion and save many points.
The earlier you get a read on a ball, the better you and your partner can prepare for it. Be the one who takes charge of your team’s communication. You might be shocked at how much you improve your pattern recognition and the ability to predict your opponent’s next shot.