Stop Getting Targeted On The Court

Find your opponent's weakness before they expose yours...

Author

Shea Underwood
November 29, 2024

WEEK 41 ANSWERS

Welcome back to the Road to Pro!

Earlier this week I asked you the question, “How do you adjust your strategy in a game when you notice your opponent targeting your weakness?” Out of 30 responses you submitted, it’s time to reveal the top three! You can vote for your favorite response using the poll at the bottom of the issue.

Last week’s winner was Sean, and as promised, he’s getting a new Selkirk paddle for submitting the best response. Thank you all for participating!

Now, let's get to it!

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Michael’s Response

I try to respond to this in one of two ways:

1) If we are really trying to win the game, I need to work with my partner to make his/her area larger and mine smaller.

We can stack and make sure my partner covers at least 70% of the court, and that means I only have to cover at most 30% of the court. We should also hit our dinks in front of me, allowing my partner to move to the middle to shrink the kitchen. This can cause the other team to tighten up because they have less areas to hit effective shots. I will also ask my partner to look for more opportunities to poach balls and put pressure on the other team. If there is a pattern that always seems to end up with me making an error, I need to change the locations of my ball placements, including changing the types of shots I'm hitting. Finally, I need to focus on my consistency - concentrate on hitting balls over the net and trying to make the other team make the errors rather than me.

2) I can look at this as an opportunity to get better.

If it is rec play, and winning isn't the only goal, at least I can work on the details to try to get better. The other team exploiting my weaknesses will let me know what I need to work on when drilling, but it will also let me experiment a bit while I am in the game. I need to let my partner know that I am going to try some things so he/she hopefully doesn't get frustrated. I also need to be sympathetic to my partner wanting to try to work on things too.

The best thing out of this is that it pinpoints what I need to work on when I drill!

Noah’s Response

When I notice an opponent targeting my weaknesses in a pickleball match, especially during games with my super-competitive 4.0/4.5 friend, I know I have to stay mentally sharp the entire time we play. Playing with someone who has such a strong drive to win pushes me to be better—there’s no room to let up or get comfortable. Here’s how I handle it when they’re zeroing in on my weak spots:

1. Find Their Weakness Before They Expose Mine

Before they can pick apart my game, I try to find the cracks in theirs. I’m constantly analyzing their shots and patterns, looking for what makes them uncomfortable. Is it their backhand? Are they slow to react to a lob? Do they struggle with low dinks? The sooner I find something to exploit, the quicker I can turn the tables and keep the focus off my own weak spots.

2. Mentally Reset When Needed

When they’re targeting me successfully, it can get in my head if I’m not careful. That’s when I remind myself to reset. Playing with my friend has taught me to stay in the moment—no matter if we’re up, down, or tied.

I’ve learned that the more present I am, the better I play. If I’m thinking about past mistakes or worrying about my next shot, I start to lose focus and unravel. This is exactly what The Inner Game of Tennis talks about: being fully in the moment and quieting the mental chatter. When I’m in my head, I play my worst. To reset, I take a couple of deep breaths and focus on the present —whether it's me bouncing the ball or setting my feet -- this helps me block out distractions and get back into the moment.

Every point is a chance to turn things around, but only if I stay focused on the here and now.

3. Adjust Footwork and Positioning

If they’re attacking a specific area, like my backhand, I adjust my positioning to cover it better. I might set up slightly different angles or prepare earlier to cut off their shot. It’s also about court awareness—watching for their tendencies while trusting my partner to back me up. When my footwork and positioning are strong, I can stay ahead of their strategy and avoid getting stuck reacting.

4. Turn Their Strategy Into My Advantage

Sometimes I’ll lean into their targeting strategy to create opportunities. If they keep hitting to my backhand, I might play a soft reset to force a higher ball and set up my forehand on the next shot. By mixing up my responses—adding spin, varying pace, or changing placement—I can throw off their rhythm and make them second-guess their plan.

5. Find the Energy to Keep Moving

When fatigue sets in, it’s easy to let your footwork slip, and that’s when weaknesses become glaringly obvious. I’ve learned that even when I’m tired, I need to dig deep and keep moving my feet to stay in the best position possible. I focus on staying light on my toes and getting low for balance, even if it takes extra effort. The energy to keep moving is what prevents giving up easy points and keeps me in the game longer.

Why Every Point Matters

Playing with someone as driven as my friend has taught me that every single point counts. Momentum can shift in an instant, so I know I have to fight for every ball, even when it feels like the odds are against me.

As Yogi Berra famously said:

"It ain't over till it's over."

That quote hits home for me because matches are often decided by the grit and focus and how early points can change the outcome of a match—and the small ones too. Staying locked in until the final point is how you turn challenges into victories.

Mark’s Response

When opponents start targeting your weaknesses, it’s time to stay calm, adapt, and play smart. Here’s how you can adjust effectively:

Reposition yourself: If they’re going after your backhand, adjust your stance slightly to favor that side, giving yourself more time to prepare. You can also try stepping around the ball when possible to use your forehand, keeping them on their toes.

Play to your strengths: If they’re consistently targeting one area, counter by finding opportunities to reset the point or redirect the rally to a position where you’re stronger—like engaging them in dinking if you’re confident in your soft game, or driving the ball if you’re better at power shots.

Work with your partner: In doubles, communicate with your teammate. They can help cover your weaker spots or step in to take shots aimed at you, breaking the pattern and forcing your opponents to adjust their strategy.

Mix up your shots: Opponents targeting your weaknesses are banking on predictability. Break their rhythm by varying your shot placement, adding depth to your returns, or occasionally throwing in a lob to get them off balance.

Stay composed: Most importantly, don’t let them see frustration—it only confirms their strategy is working. Stay patient and confident, knowing every shot is a chance to turn the momentum.

And, of course, work on shoring up your weaker areas in practice so they’re harder to exploit in the future!

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