Game planning can be over-rated for advanced players. Too much game planning can be counter-productive. Here is an example of over-preparation.
1. Coach or well-meaning friend-“This player is very weak on any shot above their waist. Keep the ball there.”
2. Coach-“This player has a weak backhand so keep the ball on that side of the court.”
3. Coach-“This player is slow moving up to back so hit the ball to the deep part of the court.”
Case #1-I ask the athlete why they kept hitting shots off the back wall and I heard that reason.
Case #2-I ask the player why they are not hitting down the lines on their opponent’s forehand side and I get that reason.
Case #3-I ask the player why they are hitting so many ceiling balls from the front court and they give that reason.
Here is a much better way of approaching 1, 2 and 3.
1. Chest high line drive soft lobs will get you setups.
2. Attack their backhand but keep them honest by hitting to the forehand also.
3. Cut off as many balls as you can in the front court and throw in a ceiling ball once in awhile to move them up and back.
The above advice actually says the same thing but in a way the athlete can better control. This frees the athlete’s mind. Too much coach control can spoil the process of winning!
Go get’em tigers!!