Gamesmanship-I touched on this in my DVD I used to sell, Tips and Tricks, The coach’s Toolbox. Here are a few opponents and some gaming that just might work.
The Racehorse-this player is out of the box fast fast fast. They want to storm all over you and not make the match close. They serve drives and Zs and put the ball in play fast.Game them by slowing the game down. Take a full ten seconds (it’s legal) between serves and points. Weather the storm; know that they might hit a streak but move them up and back as much as possible and side to side. Let the race horse sprint the beginning and run out of gas; then your steady pace can overtake the horse!
The Snail–This player plays at the slow pace mentioned above. Give no indication it bothers you, even if it does. Play snails in practice to get used to the pace. If you have done your homework and are in great physical shape, you can beat the snail by giving them their own medicine. Keep them on the court a long time and they will wear out. If they are in great shape, hang with them mentally and whip the snail during the rallies!
The roadrunner–this player loves to run run run. They wow the crowd by climbing walls and bounding around the court like a young deer. Take advantage of this by hitting behind the road runner. If the left side of the court is open fake left and hit right. Another strategy is to hit front wall side wall right at them. The timing of the run will then be spoiled. This is kind of like keeping a running quarterback in the pocket!
The wise owl-is a player, usually aged, who is very smart. The crowd loves to watch the smart creative player who makes all sorts of dink shots and crazy kills from the front court. Keep the owl in the back court and do not let them perch in front. Play stupid vs the owl. What I mean is do not try to out “cute” the shot making but rip drive serves and jam serves as much as possible and stay patient on the ceiling. Even the wisest of owls looks dumb vs a good serve or down the line pass!
The lion–this player loves to dominate their opponent in every way. Intimidation, hitting, verbal insults and downright rudeness are trademarks of the lion. First, get to your match on time, but let them warm up alone. Make them think you are no where around while they warm up. Do the old rope a dope for showing up. Then, be sure to laugh and tell them how great they are and how much you love their selfies on facebook. Tell them you think they are the greatest players ever and it is an honor for you to play them. Then kick their butt! If they hit you. Do not hit them back…..on purpose.
Okay, I simplify and of course it is not easy to beat this zoo full of animals but it may give you a slight edge in matches.