The Simplest Way to Get Better…That No One Ever Does

The one improvement strategy you’ve probably ignored

It was a busy day and I ended up playing with Carl, not my first choice, but he’s got great spirit on the court, especially when you consider he’s 80-something years old. And of course the other side, consisting of two better players, hit most of the balls to him and won easily. Sure, one of the most common instincts is to target the weaker opponent, after all, it’s a natural instinct to go after the “easy” point. 

But if you really want to level up your game, one of the smartest strategies is to hit the ball to the stronger opponent, and do it intentionally. Not only does this challenge you, but it can also help their skills. Not that I’m pro-level by any stretch, but sending a few balls my way would have allowed the other team have more fun, rather than ending the point in just a few hits.

Targeting the stronger player forces you to elevate your game. When you aim your shots at their weaker spots, whether it’s their backhand, feet, or simply their ability to recover quickly, it pushes you to think more tactically. You start looking for openings, learning how to place the ball more precisely, and developing better shot selection. Over time, this improves your control, accuracy, and overall court awareness.

Second, hitting to the stronger opponent keeps you honest. It’s easy to get comfortable when you’re only rallying to the weaker partner, but challenging the best forces you to stay sharp and consistent. Playing against someone with higher skills makes you pay attention to your stroke mechanics, footwork, and shot placement. Each rally becomes a mini-learning experience, helping you identify areas to improve and see what works under pressure, like “how did Michelle manage to keep me on my heels during an 8 dink exchange?”

Third, playing the “David and Goliath” role allows you to adapt and think creatively. When you’re not simply targeting the easy shots, you have to mix up your shots, going cross-court, down the line, or adding some spin. The more you experiment, the better you’ll become at reading opponents and adjusting your strategies mid-game. These skills translate into more confidence and smarter play in your future matches.

Finally, challenging the stronger opponent builds mental toughness. No one enjoys losing or making mistakes, but facing tougher competition helps you develop resilience. You learn to stay calm under pressure, manage frustration, and keep pushing even when things aren’t going your way. That mental edge is critical for growing as a player.

So next time you’re on the court, don’t shy away from hitting to the stronger player. Use it as a learning opportunity, a chance to sharpen your skills, and an effective way to take your game to the next level. After all, the best way to improve is to challenge yourself, targeting the stronger player does just that.