‘I’VE NEVER
LOST A
MATCH—
BUT MY PARTNERS HAVE’
BY JIM HACKENBERG
S
everal years ago, I heard a gentleman say this jokingly
to several friends, and they all laughed, as did I. Over
the years, however, I’ve come to realize there are more
than a few players who have this philosophy, even if they don’t
verbalize it in these exact words.
I love pickleball and I love the players and the people my wife
Yvonne and I’ve met during the 10+ years we’ve been playing
and competing in this great sport. I can’t count the number
of tournaments we’ve played in, or the number of matches.
Whether playing men’s doubles or mixed doubles, I’ve been
fortunate to win matches, and I’ve also been on the losing side
(which everyone has at one time or another). Every partner
I’ve played with has been fantastic, and I hope they enjoyed
playing with me as well. I also hope that when my playing days
are over I’m not remembered as someone who blames his
partners for a loss.
Have you heard any of these comments from players who just
came off a loss?
“I never saw the ball.”
“My partner played terribly.”
“If only I could find a quality partner
who matches my skill level.”
“He/she can’t (pick one): dink,
volley, move, serve, return serve.”
What’s your first reaction when you hear these excuses? My
reaction is, “I’m not interested in playing with this person
because any loss will be my fault.”
32
Think about it. Did someone twist your arm or threaten you
to play with this person? Did you know the strengths and
weaknesses of your partner going into the tournament? If
you’re that good, why can’t you find a stronger partner? If your
partner struggled, did you try to pick them up, or did your
words or body language make them even tighter? (I know,
Yvonne, I’ll try to walk the talk.)
Pickleball doubles is a TEAM sport. You win, or lose, as a team.
Let’s face it: players will make errors, and I’m willing to bet
you’ve made your share of unforced errors as well. I’ve yet to
see a player play the “perfect game.” If your partner struggled,
what changes did you make? Did you try stacking? Did you
poach more? Did you discuss your opponents’ weaknesses and
try to attack them? Or did you resign yourself to, “My partner
can’t play”?
I hope anyone I’ve played with, or will play with, knows I’ll
never blame them for a loss. I’m far more apt to put the blame
on myself and realize there were errors I could have avoided
or plays I should have made that may have affected the
outcome. There’s just no need, or satisfaction, in blaming your
teammate.
Sometimes the team chemistry isn’t there, but team chemistry
is a two-way street. Maybe your style of play doesn’t match, or
your individual strengths don’t mesh perfectly. However, you
chose to play together; no one forced you. Accept the fact that
you’re a team, win or lose.
So the next time you lose and someone asks, “What
happened?” or “How did it go?” my advice is to say, “WE didn’t
have our best game today,” or “The other team played very
well.”
Meanwhile, if you hear any players say, “I didn’t lose, but my
partner did,” think twice before you team up with them. •
TO SUBSCRIBE CALL 888.308.3720 OR GO TO THEPICKLEBALLMAG.COM