This one came from Winterton Nation-
“Hey Coach-can you address sandbagging-it seems like there is a huge jump from A to open”
Signed,
Sandbagged in Sandusky
Dear S.i.S.
It may seem that way, but I seldom see it that way. In fact I remember going to tournaments, watching a rally and thinking omg that player is tough. Who are they and do I have to play them in this draw? I look at the score card and two thoughts go through my mind. “Whew it is the A division not the open and 2–this player has no idea how good they are and they are holding themselves back by playing down.”
To me there are subtle differences between A and open-
1–variety of serves and speeds –open players have more weapons
2–and maybe the most important-open players let others beat themselves by feeding them serves that do not come off the back wall and watching their opponents implode as they try to shoot from 38 feet away.
3–footwork-A players have a tendency to play like the 1970s instruction used to teach-transfer your weight forward-which means that player has an issue getting to the next shot!
Hope this helps-by the way-there are 3 types of players–
1. Stay–not getting better or worse–going down–
2. Getting worse-and going up-getting better. If you are playing recreation the first two do not matter-fun is your objective(that is me right now)
3. Getting Better and Better-take that elevator up–get to the semis and get out of the skill division. Play up-your game will get better faster!