Successful Strategies When Playing a Weaker Opponent

Athletes that play against weaker opponents tend to become overly confident and fall into the trap of counting victory too soon. Players and coaches quite commonly prepare to compete against weaker opponents under that strong assumption that success is a forgone conclusion. Unfortunately, we all know by personal experience or by watching top athletes’ performance how such a mental approach ends up biting them back.

In a recent squash match, a physically strong player stepped on the court assuming she would easily win against her slimmer rival. After winning the first point, she unconsciously confirmed her prediction. However, as the game progressed, she began to lose most of the following points; visibly emotionally frazzled and psychologically out of the game, she began to rush the points. At the break, she confirmed to me that she saw herself victorious even before the match started. Together, we set up a mental plan so she would completely focus on one point at the time and make sure she hits the opponent’s shot to the best of her ability. Rather than worrying about the opponent, her focus shifted to hitting the ball and playing to her strengths. From then on, her commitment to each shot was very noticeable.

There are no points conceded just because the opponent is less skilled. The game must be played. It is the responsibility of the stronger player to have a mental map to remain totally committed to playing to his/her strengths. Blaming on the opponent’s inferior skill level for a loss is a poor justification for an inappropriate mental preparation.

The other mental lapse is to play down to the level of the less skilled player. For example, tennis players sometimes do not feel comfortable playing to his/her fullest potential as it will make the less skilled player feel embarrassed. To avoid this unpleasant experience, the stronger player allows his shots to be easily returned, which only leads to unnecessarily adding more pressure. Such a strategy could eventually harm the possibilities of winning as the skilled player finds him/herself still playing a match that he/she long assumed to have finished.

It is no surprising to hear Nadal or Federer saying that the first round matches are very difficult to win despite playing against much lower ranked players. Unless the stronger skilled player comes in to fully play to his/her strengths and being totally focused on finishing each point or shot, surprises can happen and they often do to mentally unprepared athletes.

Tips to play less skilled players:

1 – Play to your full potential by using your strengths and tactics that will help you win your match.
2 – Do not underestimate the less skilled opponent. Totally commit to your game.

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