Q: I’m a 4.0+ player with strong and consistent strokes. I play with a regular group who know my game and usually target my partner during a match. I’m not the fastest player out there, so poaching isn’t always a great option. How can I get more involved in the game?
— Carolle
A: Hi Carolle, Thanks for the great question! Here’s the good news: You’re experiencing something that happens to all players who start to outgrow their group. Congratulations! The challenge, however, is that continuing your development may require finding a more competitive group. While you explore that option, here are some ways to get more involved in the game right away.
1. Take control of the shots you can
Three key shots happen at or near the baseline:
- The serve.
- The return.
- The third shot.
To have a greater impact on the point, focus on making these shots as effective as possible. Once the rally reaches the kitchen line, your opponents can more easily target your partner, limiting your involvement.
- Serve aggressively: Increase power, depth, and topspin to make your opponents uncomfortable. Mix in wide and short-angle serves to keep them guessing.
- Return with purpose: Aim deep to limit the attacking options for your opponents.
- Drive the third shot: Instead of a drop, consider driving the ball, ideally at the opponent who just returned. This keeps you engaged in the point rather than inviting a dinking exchange where your opponents can avoid you.
2. Play the left side (when possible)
The left side naturally attracts more balls due to the common preference for crosscourt backhand dinks. To position yourself there, you may need to stack, at least when serving. If full-time stacking feels overwhelming, try it selectively — playing the left side on serve allows you to take more third balls and influence the point early.
3. Use the lob — strategically
This advice comes with a disclaimer: If you’re short on friends, proceed with caution! Lobbing can be an effective way to disrupt your opponents and force them to engage with you. Once they start complaining about your lobs, simply remind them that they leave you with few other options. Or, if you’d rather not take the heat, feel free to throw me under the bus.
4. Communicate with your opponents
Most players prioritize winning over improvement. By consistently targeting your partner, your opponents deny themselves the chance to challenge their skills against you. A friendly conversation — maybe over an adult beverage — might encourage them to include you more, and help themselves in the process.
While some of these tactics may shorten rally length, they will increase your impact on the game. Let me know which strategies work best for you!
— Cheers, Morgan
