J
im Hackenberg wrote a very funny article about
bad partners even though bad partners aren’t
funny! So, here’s how to choose a good partner
and be one yourself.
Step 1. Know thyself
Do you want to be an improving tournament player
who wants to win, or do you want to play for fun? Are
you into ratings and rules or do you go with the flow?
You’re not going to be happy if you’re serious about
improving and your partner just wants to have some fun
exercise, and vice versa.
Step 2. Ask questions
Be very clear with your prospective partner about
your goals and ask about his/her goals. Be honest and be
specific. Better to settle it now than be miserable later.
Step 3. Establish goals
Are you each willing to practice? Do drills? Take
lessons? Take doubles lessons? Eat a proper diet? Work
on serves and returns? Buy a ball machine? Collect
a variety of brands of balls to practice for upcoming
tournaments? Are you willing to have your matches
charted so you know if you should stack and who should
serve first?
Step 4. Establish a calendar
Provide your potential partner with a checklist of
tournaments you want to play and ask for his/hers. Is she
willing to travel? Are you? Will he play during football
season? Do you want to play big tournaments or small
ones? Sanctioned or unsanctioned?
Step 5. Investigate compatibility on and off
the court
Are you willing to make her happy? Will he go the
extra mile for you? Does she constantly complain and
are you exhausted trying to make her happy? Does he
like to talk pickleball? Is she willing to try new ideas,
start signaling, etc.? Or is she defensive and fearful of
criticism? Are you harsh and critical? You can change
yourself, but you can’t change others. Of course, if you
have not changed by now, do your potential partner a
favor and find someone who doesn’t mind a crummy
partner.
Step 6. Study your games
Does your game complement that of your potential
partner and vice versa? Do each of you handle pressure
well? Are you able to support each other in a slump? You
are only as good as your worst day. Can she step it up and
know what to say when you’re not delivering? Are you
smart enough to sense the pressure he feels and mitigate
it with your words and performance? Do you each have
weapons you can build a game around? Are you willing
to develop each other’s strengths?
Step 7. Take responsibility
Are you on time and prepared with hydration and
snacks? Do you enter tournaments promptly, book your
flights and hotels, etc.? This certainly is not my strong
suit, but I have a team who helps me every step of the
way. A good partner makes sure you both are entered.
Step 8. Be upfront
If you need to move on, be honest and upfront. Find
a way to make it good for him, too. Don’t burn bridges.
If she wants to play at a higher level and you can’t keep
up, don’t resent her. If you think you need to move on,
let him know your plans in time to find a replacement. If
she decides to move on, be a class act. You will end up a
winner in life.
So, now that you have found one, here are a few
pointers to keep your partner.
• It is about the team, not you.
• Be a class act from the time you step on the court
until you walk off. Respect the sport, your partner,
and your opponents.
• If you win, act like you have been there before.
• Celebrate the award. It may mean a lot to your
partner.
• Be serious but have perspective. It’s a wiffleball for
crying out loud!
• Exude confidence.
• Accept responsibility. If you screw up, admit it. I
always take credit for my short lobs making my
partners the defensive geniuses that they are!
• Empathize but don’t give in to excuses. I expect my
partners to show up and they deserve that in return.
• Use key words to help each other focus. “Bend your
knees,” “Watch the ball,” “Prepare early” aren’t
critical. They are positive support phrases. Know
what your partner needs to hear.
• Realize that a good team is versatile. Sometimes
you’re the setter and sometimes you’re the put-away
person. Make sure you do your job and your partner
will respond accordingly. •
APRIL/MAY 2020 |
MAGAZINE
45