Have you ever left the pickleball court puzzled, wondering why you seem to perform significantly better when matched against higher-level players? It’s a curious phenomenon that many of us encounter, and it raises an intriguing question: Why do we often play our best pickleball against those who are, on paper, much better opponents?
One player recently shared their experience, highlighting a night when they participated in both intermediate (3.0-3.5) and advanced (4.0+) open play sessions. Surprisingly, they found themselves struggling in the intermediate games, winning just a single game in 1.5 hours. However, once they stepped up to the advanced level, their performance dramatically improved, leading to multiple wins and a noticeable increase in consistency.
This wasn’t a one-off occurrence but a regular pattern. So, what’s behind this counterintuitive phenomenon?
Challenge Elevates Performance
The consensus among players is that facing stronger opponents inherently raises your game. There’s something about the challenge that sharpens focus and heightens attention. Every point feels like it counts more, possibly because you’re on high alert, expecting a tougher battle.
As one player put it, playing against someone with a slower, less predictable serve (akin to a knuckleball in baseball) can throw you off, whereas a faster, topspin serve from a better player is somewhat easier to anticipate and return.
Predictability in Advanced Play
Better players tend to play more predictably in terms of strategy, making it easier to anticipate their moves. There’s a certain rhythm and logic to their play style that aligns with the strategies you’ve learned and practiced.
This predictability can be comforting and allows you to prepare and respond more effectively.
The Role of the Partner
Many players have noted that their performance significantly improves when paired with a competent partner. This isn’t limited to playing doubles; even in singles, facing a competent opponent can elevate your game. When playing against lower-level players, you’re often forced into the role of controlling the game, which can be chaotic if their shots are unpredictable.
Playing against or with higher-level players means engaging in a game where your shots are set up more strategically, allowing you to execute those winning moves with precision.
Forced to Use Full Skill Set
Advanced players make it necessary for you to use all the tools in your toolbox, often drawing out skills and strategies you might not utilize in a lower-stakes game.
They push you to make returns more difficult, set up more challenging shots for your opponents, and capitalize on opportunities to smash or speed up the ball.
Growth Through High-Level Competition
Ultimately, playing against better players is a learning opportunity. It forces you to elevate your game, adapt to higher standards of play, and refine your strategies under pressure.
The intensity and quality of play at the advanced level not only test your skills but also push you to improve, offering a clear path to becoming a better player yourself.
So should you always strive to play with better players?
Playing with better players is a fantastic way to elevate your pickleball game. However, it’s also important to balance this with games against players at your level or slightly above. Constantly playing against those much better than you can be discouraging if you’re not able to keep up, potentially leading to frustration or burnout.
It’s beneficial to:
- Challenge yourself by playing with better players to learn and grow.
- Reinforce and practice new skills in matches with peers to build confidence.
- Occasionally play against lower-level players to mentor others and solidify your own knowledge by teaching.
In essence, strive for a mix.
To Sum Up
In summary, playing against stronger opponents in pickleball can serve as a catalyst for growth, improvement, and heightened performance. It’s a reminder that sometimes, stepping out of our comfort zone and facing tougher challenges head-on is the best way to uncover our true potential on the court.
So next time you find yourself facing a seemingly daunting opponent, embrace the opportunity to rise to the occasion. You might just surprise yourself with how well you play.
