Hello, me and my sister are about to enter our first tournament next week. We will undoubtably not be the best team there, but i was wondering if there is any advantages that our age would give us (15 and 19) over the elder competitors, and also if there was any specific techniques we should use when playing people who are better than us, but not necaserily to a standard where they will beat us 11-0. Hope you understand, and thanks in advance!
You ask how you can use your youth to your advantage? Usually youth means speed, so use it to get to every shot you can. Try to avoid the pitfalls of youth, though. Be patient. Every shot doesn't have to be a winner. Dont' get frustrated. Don't worry about the last point or game. Jitters. Have respect for your competition, but don' t be in awe. Otherwise you'll hand them the game because you've already lost in your mind.
OLDER PEOPLE MEANS HAVING MORE KNOWLEDGE OVER THE GAME SO I THINK YOU GUYS ARE GONNA GET OWNED. jOKING LOL. so JUST DO UR BEST AND LEARN FROM THE EXPERIENCE.
Yes, the advice so far has been good. Remember to keep your head running between rallies though. As my coach once said, "Your body should be working hard during the rally, but your mind should be the one working hard between rallies." That is to say, think about what's going right for you and use it to your advantage, but if your opponents keep picking on certain areas of your formation/court, then you have to change the pattern of your play. Use variety in your shots, formations, and expect your opponents to do the same back to you. In the end after a match though, the question is, "Did you have fun?"
I am 16 years old..from my experience being older (in your twenties) is a pretty significant advantage. It means a person is more developed physically and has probably been playing for quite a bit longer. But don't worry, you have lots of time to improve. I am already able to beat most of the adults where I have been playing.
For your first tournament, don't think about winning, think of it as experience & play your best. That is all. btw, since you are playing with more elderly people, speed & accuracy is most important IMO.