Win With Any Partner
Don't be mad at your captain, isn't this team tennis? The same old adage stands true today... there is no "I" in team. Don't get me wrong, I do understand the importance of a good established partnership. But once someone is experienced enough at playing club doubles, shouldn't you know your own strengths and weakness? Shouldn't you be able to figure out how to win with whom ever you are placed with for that day? Some of my most favorite wins in ladies club doubles tennis comes from playing with someone who has completely taken me out of my comfort zone. Being able to figure out what to do, not know ing what to expect and having to work it out gives me a full sense of accomplishment, probably even more than winning with my regular partner against a team we are expected to beat. Of course, you are not going to win them all. But a winning attitude and team spirit is what really matters.
1. Know your Strengths!!! It's good to know your own personal strengths before going into a match. Really really really get to know your own game. It's great to have a balanced tennis game, with little weakness but to own your strenghts and be able to compliment your partners game by knowing what those strengths are. It's not just hey "I prefer the ad side." It's knowing hey "I'm good at coming into the net" Figure out a way with your new partner to get yourself to the net. "Hey I prefer grounding it out from the back." "I need someone to help me out at the net."
2. Know your Weaknesses!
Conversely, everyone needs to understand their weaknesses. It could be you have no net game, or you have no strategy. Or you have weak ground strokes. Know this! Tell your partner your weakness, find a way to compliment both players game.
3. Figure out partners strengths and weakness~ for all of the same reasons for numbers 1 and 2
4. Have FUN and stay Positive~ It is just a friendly match meant for exercise, camaraderie, competition in our forties and fifties. Having a positive attitude not only help you play better it will also help your partner. I've had days where I have had the worst negative attitude. If I could turn it, it is likely that I turned my match around. Body language says it all.
5. Play like you have nothing to lose. There is no money to be won at the end of the day. Maybe you have the medal key chain to add to your bag. But really... go out swinging in every match. It may not be your favorite person to play with, but I bet they love tennis. And there is fun in that. You just might win, any partnership is beatable at any time.
Remember, playing with a different partner sometimes can be a new interesting challenge that helps develop your problem solving skills. These skills can translate over to your regular partnership and make it even stronger.
