playing different level opponents

Discussion in 'Techniques / Training' started by evolution-Fung, Sep 8, 2006.

  1. evolution-Fung

    evolution-Fung Regular Member

    Joined:
    Aug 15, 2006
    Messages:
    90
    Likes Received:
    0
    Occupation:
    Clothing
    Location:
    Hong K0ng
    do u guys ever notice that when u play against people who are better then u u play ur best?, when u play against people who are of lesser level then u, u stoop down to their level? i always do this i dont know why
     
  2. cheongsa

    cheongsa Regular Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2003
    Messages:
    513
    Likes Received:
    1
    Occupation:
    Assistant Professor
    Location:
    Singapore
    That used to happen to me.

    Then I started playing more against weaker players, and consciously polish my shots (production and placement) in these games. Now my shots are consistent whether I play stronger or weaker players.

    If I had played exclusively against stronger players, I would not have the luxury of polishing my shots to make them consistent, because most of the time I would be reacting to shots rather than to execute a refined stroke.
     
  3. mettayogi

    mettayogi Regular Member

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2005
    Messages:
    315
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    SF bay area
    One possible reason is if you are much better than your opponent, the rally will be short/easy if you play to win, which is less fun for both. I also find myself not going all out b/c I can win w/o exerting myself. Mental slack, I guess.

    One way to keep the rally going is to reduce or do w/o power shots (smash or drive). Refine your shot (tighter net shot and drop than normal, clear to tramline/baseline) is another way to deal with this.

    Another way is to work on your weakness. I'm weak in smash return, so I'll play to lead a few points, than give the opponent chance to smash, etc.

    I sometimes play 1 on 2 if they are weak, or half-court singles w/o me smashing to make it more challenging.
     
  4. Double_Player

    Double_Player Regular Member

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2005
    Messages:
    415
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Kingston, ON
    true. since u know u can win, u just don't put any effort to it. higher level player ussually can be enticed with generous donation of feathers during the game :D. feather suckers!!! :D:p:cool:
     
  5. evolution-Fung

    evolution-Fung Regular Member

    Joined:
    Aug 15, 2006
    Messages:
    90
    Likes Received:
    0
    Occupation:
    Clothing
    Location:
    Hong K0ng
    yah but once u know u already can win its like ur level of play has dropped increasingly and ur slacking on alll of ur shots when they dont make over the net or hit the net tape, THEn u just get frustrated and loose hahahaha never happened to me before but when i play against same level people and i start making bad shots i get frustrated and i miss the birds someimtes or hit it way out.
     
  6. DivingBirdie

    DivingBirdie Regular Member

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2005
    Messages:
    972
    Likes Received:
    4
    Occupation:
    student
    Location:
    Singapore
    i usually play more placement and less power against weaker opponents
     
  7. morewood

    morewood Regular Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2006
    Messages:
    545
    Likes Received:
    2
    Location:
    UK, Derbys.
    I play a range of opponents, from county level down to beginners and yep you will adjust your game against the beginners, for example I will play left handed (normally right handed so it feels weird) against obviously weaker opponents it makes the game more interesting for them, because lets be honest loosing 21-0 three times in a row is not how you encourage a beginner.
     

Share This Page