Be aware of the game's momentum in order to create a simple play strategy
Each duel the player is involved in is characterized by a shifting momentum which develops throughout the match. The players may or may not be aware of this, and can use it to define and apply a strategy which is adapted to the situation during the match.
Exercise 1 The double screen
Analyse play by watching (observer) and playing (player)
Sequence: play a match with the roles of player, umpire and self-advisor (independence) during a match to 21 points, a match with two stops (a stop at 11 points then an assessment at 21) or with three stops (at 7, 14 and 21).
2 students playing and 2 observers, then a changeover with two options:
The player builds his or her game as it happens
The player is guided by guidelines on an instruction table.
Examples of tables to create according to the independence, experience and level of the players:
Guidance table 1 TDM (Technique/Decision/Managingemotions/ concentration) (e.g. if I see this, then I score like that)
Table 2 PIPERP: what is happening (understanding play), what I do (the relation between intent and problems encountered), what I achieve (results and progress)
Exercise 2 The decoder
The situation is split into three parts
1/ Watch and analyse (analysis table) the sequence (under way) of a match on the tablet,
2/ Compare with the other observer 11 points,
3/ Rally with the players (quantity and quality) 21 points Possible framework
N1 rallies serves sidespin attitude
N2 sidespin attack spin serve intent
N3 intent planning priorities regular faults
N4 repetition management diversity adjustment
You can use this to build a style of play (in class or in a club)
Equipment: one tablet for 2 students (tool for building)
Exercise 3 The PingCoach
Start a play and observation session with matches in a pool of 4 players, alternating roles (following the previous sequence)
Help with the construction of a plan (a little guidance at a time) and help guide them during the match between each point.
Leave them free to play, but set up a written plan before the match, which they can consult or modify during or after the matches.
Set out the intent and the sequence of strokes
Plan for difficulties and ways to adapt, especially if the opponent repeats him or herself During the exercise, you can also offer resources as questions and answers, such as:
If I serve, then the ball will probably come back like this so I need to prepare to...
if the ball is more... then I...
Advice from the coach: Play against a lot of different opponents. This way, you will adapt faster as every match is unique.
Below is an example of a group organised to maximise the number of different match-ups.
Going up and down according to score is not the only way you can rotate and change partners. You can also rotate regardless of score, by counting the points in each match (you'll need to keep track, adding up the wins and losses).
Advice from the coach: Changing opponents is also an important way to maintain your motivation and selfconfidence by developing your ability to think of strategies. Here, ensure that the changes are not seen as a punishment, such as when you move up or down according to the score, which makes it impossible for the players on the end tables to progress.
By organising themselves into a row of tables like this, both the players and the ball move. A number of variations can be used, according to the objective and the skill level of the players.
