Tip of the Week 1

I can only say so many times that Platform tennis is a team game not an individual so why not get in the best position possible to help your team.

When you’re at the net the, you need to make sure that one player is always closer to the net (usually on the ball side). If your partner is going back to hit an overhead make sure you close the net to defend the drive. Too many times I see both players hanging back when only one is hitting the overhead and that means you’re giving up the drive to easily.

Remember a better positioned team will beat a stronger team that is out of position.

Tip of the Week 2

I ask this question all the time and most players tell me the correct answerer: If you drive a ball from the baseline, what is most likely to be your opponent’s shot? The correct answerer is…a volley. So my next question is: Will your opponent’s volley usually make it to a screen? That answer…no. So where should you and your partner be after driving the ball from the baseline? To position ourselves properly, we should move towards the baseline (but not into NO MAN’S LAND) after our opponents volley back at us. If your opponent hits a volley that is not a drivable ball then you lob and go back into defensive mode, or offensive position if you hit a good lob (service line).

Because the court is so small, it’s important to recognize what type of shot your opponent will most likely hit next. Then, position yourself accordingly…either ready to drive again, or to lob… As I have said many times, This is a game of chess, not checkers, so put yourself in position to take the king/queen. You will win more matches over time.

Teamwork

The last I looked at a paddle court it had 2 people playing together on each team. The best way for you to win a paddle match is to win as a team. A few helpful hints to get you started for this season. Communciation is the key to all relationships!! Talk on every lob, do not watch your partner when they are hitting their shots keep focus on your opponents for they are the one that will be hitting the next shot back at you. When your partner is hitting a shot you should always move into a better spot on the court that will help your team. Keep positive!! Paddle is a game of errors so you and your partner are going to make them so just try and not make the dumb ones more than your opponents.

The Double B’s B’s

What are the double B’s? Two of the most important parts of platform tennis: Basic’s and Balance. You need to learn and do all the basics of this sport before you can go on be the best you can be. Those that watched the Olympic beach volleyball saw the teams take gold. The best part is what their coach said about how they became best in the world is by going back to basics and working on them every day and do the little things better than their opponents and good things will come. Balance is as simple as having your weight in the right place for any shot. It’s keeping your shoulders in line as well as your knees bent.

For more information on this or anything else with the great game of platform tennis contact Matt Garavaglia at mgaravaglia66@yahoo.com.

The 3 Worst Mistakes in Paddle

(a review)

Driving the ball into the net! If you drive the ball, please make sure it goes over the net!
Missing Lobs: Lob all day long! Remember ~ THE SCREEN IS YOUR FRIEND and any lob is a good lob!
Missing Overheads! No excuse!!

Concentrate on taking these 3 mistakes out of your game, and you will become a better paddle player- AUTOMATICALLY!!!