How to Beat a Ball Hog

If there’s one type of game that makes me crazy, that throws off my rhythm and gets me frustrated, it’s playing against a ball hog. I’ve run across this in every tournament I’ve ever played, an advanced guy (who probably should not be in this level division) and his partner who should also not be in the division, but for the other reason, she’s not so good.

If you’re stuck across from one of these solo stars, you don’t need polite resignation, you need a plan. Here’s a playful, practical roadmap to reclaim points, teach a little teamwork, and maybe (just maybe) change their ways.

Read the room first
Figure out whether you’re facing a true hog (territorial, always poaching) or a confident player who simply overplays when teamed with a weak partner. The response is slightly different: for a hog you’ll play tactical chess; for an earnest but domineering player you can add a communication and etiquette nudge later.

Tactical moves to neutralize the hog

• Target the partner (smartly). Attack the weaker player’s side with placement, not shouty power. Short crosscourt drops, angle dinks, and controlled lobs force the partner to hit and reward mistakes.

• Use length and depth. Drive deep to the corner, away from the poacher’s ideal intercept zone. Longer returns limit aggressive poaching and create awkward approach angles.

• Lob strategically. A well‑timed lob over the hog’s head is satisfying—and effective. Don’t freak‑lob; just place it deep so the poacher has to choose retreat or risky aerial.

• Reset the rhythm with soft resets. If the hog hits a hard shot, absorb and place a soft reset to the partner’s body or backhand. This discourages constant takeovers and rewards team play.

And of course, go behind the ball hog, if they are constantly poaching the middle, that means the line on their side is going to be open. Set up and even look like you are going to go cross court to their partner, then send the ball down the line behind them as the try to poach. It should make them play more evenly from then on…if not, do it again.