This came across my desk- “I have a question for you, Coach. I think most of us non-professionals get tired during matches. And when that happens, we end up missing shots that we’d normally hit easily, grounding lots of shots. But if we play higher percentage shots, that keeps the ball in play longer, and makes us even more tired. The “logical” thing to do when you’re tired is to shoot: all or nothing. But your percentages are down big time when you’re tired. So I’m not sure how to think about this. I have a game plan, and normally it involves using my “A” game. But I feel that I need to have a “B” game that I switch into when I feel tired. Any thoughts?”
Signed-Confused in America’s Heartland
Dear Confused,
This is an age old question–I used to toy around in early rounds and save it when I needed it. Then I began to realize that was almost as tiring as going all out so in tournaments I tried to go all out. Some circumstances changed that approach through the years-injury-sickness-etc made the all out thing impossible at times. The game plan should include “Take what they are giving you”. If they are back you pinch and if they are up you pass. If they are in good center court position, hit down the lines, or ceiling balls. Now when way ahead or way behind I used to shoot more than usual. Over the years people began to know my game plan and stayed back in center court so I had to shoot more. That is why the best players often beat other players decisively. They know not to let their opponents back in the game, as a worthy opponent can get hot shooting.