Stop Opting Out: Stay Patient Until You Get a Green Light

Summary

Universal Rackets says many players mentally quit the point after a pop-up. A red-light ball, one that comes up too high, doesn’t end the rally; it just means you stay where you are.

Keep resetting from back there, even if you pop up a couple more, until you finally hit a good low ball. That’s your green light to move in. Getting to the kitchen can take 10, 15, or 20 shots, and you have to be okay with that.

Key takeaways

• A pop-up is not a lost point
• Red light: stay back and reset
• Green light: move up after a good low ball
• Be patient; reaching the kitchen can take many shots

Action items

• Play a drill where you may only step forward after a ball you rate as low
• Keep score of points won after your first pop-up