| WHO'S ON OFFENSE? - Mike
Gillespie Years ago, the net team was the team with
the clear upper hand and thought to be on “offense”
and the backcourt team mostly on “defense” playing
the screens. Back then, the screens were loose, the decks
were wooden, the ball was like a rock and oh those paddles
were like heavy boards! Today, the paddles are lighter, grittier
and forgiving. The screens are tighter for more offense, the
ball is bouncing higher and today’s player is in better
shape. The correct paddle mind set is that the net team and
backcourt team are both on offense. Each side is hitting combinations
of shots trying to get the opponent to miss.
Achieving a break of serve used to be a big deal and put your
team in position to win the set. Times have changed. There
are more breaks of serve in today’s game. The return
is a big shot these days with the returner having an edge
over the server. After the return of serve, the net team does
have the advantage, but varies depending on the backcourt
team’s ability to play the screens.
Having the right mindset can assure your team success at the
net. Here are some mental strategies against different levels
while playing the net.
Your opponent’s screenwork is:
Beginner-Low intermediate
Isolate the weaker player. Discuss this strategy with your
partner. Don’t get too excited and try to win the
point quickly. Hit smart, safe overheads.
Intermediate
Hit different overheads in the warm-up to see how they react.
Move them out of their corner and follow up with a back/side.
Hit deep at their bodies to see if they move their feet.
Find out what works. Realize it will take a few more overheads
before they cough up the error.
Advanced
The backcourt team is more on offense! They are the ones
who are pulling the trigger. Take off your watch. Play slowly.
It will take solid teamwork and good placement to win your
points. If their backcourt skills are advanced, you will
win points on them breaking down. Don’t try to beat
them. You will tend to play to fast and take too many chances.
They will take care of the losing.
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