Reading Your Opponents: Spotting Weaknesses Early
How to work out where the points are within the first two games.
Good players do not just hit better shots — they work out faster where the weakness is.
Check the Backhand Overhead
Lob both opponents early over their backhand shoulder. Whoever struggles is your target for the rest of the match.
Watch Their Glass Play
Players who crowd the back wall or take the ball too early will give you short balls all evening. Lob them relentlessly.
Look at the Net Position
Do they stand too close to the net? Lob. Too far back? Play low at the feet. Their position tells you the shot.
Note the Grip
A very extreme forehand grip usually means an awkward volley. Bring those players forward.
Test the Communication
Two balls down the middle in the first game tell you whether they have agreed who takes it. Often they have not.
Adapt, Then Adapt Again
Decent opponents will adjust. Keep checking whether the pattern that worked in game two still works in game seven.
Stay Sporting
Targeting a weakness is tactics, not rudeness — but keep it good-natured, especially at mixed-ability sessions.