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INSTRUCTION by ALICE TYM
WHEN SHOULD YOU PLAY DEFENSIVELY AND OFFENSIVELY?
It is worth examining this question on two separate levels. The first is whether you are a steady player or a chance taker. Are you a defensive specialist or an offensive specialist? The second level examines when an all-round player should bring forth his offensive game and when should he pull back and play defensively. Sometimes it is obvious and you have few choices. But your choices matter, and they determine the outcome of each point.
First, identify the characteristics of offensive pickleball. Pace and heavy topspin on your serve, court position where you are toes to the NVZ line whenever possible, attacking returns, hitting with lots of forward momentum, bashing overheads, going for put-away volleys, offensive and aggressive groundstrokes— these are offensive tools.
Defense offers caution, consistency, safety shots down the middle, cautious serves well inside the baseline or high lob serves, returns that are well inside the baseline, balls well over the net and well inside the sidelines, even-paced balls— these are the signs of a defensive player.
But do not confuse defense with consistency. Steady players are not necessarily defensive players. Being steady can be offensive. So, now there are consistent players( called grinders and pushers by those who hate playing against that style) and there are defensive shots or situations that call for defensive play.
How do you know what kind of player you want to be? Your personality will guide you. If you want to be an offensive player, you are going to want to practice hitting hard and being on the attack most of the time. If you are a steady player, you want to practice placement, consistency, accuracy and a five-shot strategy. Five shot drills help you develop tenacity.
With both styles, players will need to have defensive shots, so you need to practice those reset drills regardless of your overall style.
When you practice, focus on what works for offense— power, accuracy and speed. Practice what works for steady players— good legs, stamina, disciplined strokes, patience and tactics.
So, now you have a game style, and you need to know what to do when.
The offensive player needs to get a jump start. His carriage is almost haughty. He projects confidence. He sets the pace of the match, and he almost rushes his opponent. Size up your opponents’ weaknesses right away. Rivet your eyes on the ball. Complete concentration because you are the playmaker.
Oops! What if your opponents like pace and you come out of the starting gate too slowly? The offensive player must stop the bleeding. Otherwise, he is racing to lose. The plan did not work. If the other player’ s style of play is better than your style of play, you must change. The saying goes,“ Never change a winning game.” It should also add,“ Change a losing game soon.”
If you like pace and he likes pace, and he is better at pace, you must slow the game down. Walk slower between points. Be deliberate. Give him time to reflect. Consider outsmarting your opponent rather than outplaying him. Hit high, deep balls to the backhand. More variation on the serve. Change your rhythm. Remember, you only want to race off the court if you do so as a winner. Do not rush to lose.
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