There comes a moment in many rec games when someone quietly identifies the target.
The slower player.
The less aggressive player.
The one who looks like they might donate a few extra balls to the net.
And then comes the question:
“Should we hit everything to them?”
The Problem With Picking on the “Weak Link”
This week, Tracie talks with Coach Mindy Yoder about one of pickleball’s sneakiest little strategy questions:
Should you target the weaker player?
Mindy’s answer is refreshingly practical.
If your only goal is to win the game, targeting can work.
But if your goal is to get better, have better rallies, keep stronger players engaged, and not make rec play feel like a courtroom cross-examination, maybe not.
Because when you avoid the better player completely, you also avoid the better shots.
The better pace.
The better challenge.
The better chance to improve.
And if you invited that stronger player onto the court and then never hit them the ball?
They may not be rushing back for another round of “standing there with a paddle.”
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Why targeting the weaker player depends on your goal
How avoiding the stronger player can actually hurt your own game
Why targeting can backfire when the stronger partner starts poaching everything
What to say when your partner points out that all the balls are coming to you
How using the middle of the court can help bring your partner into the point
The big takeaway:
Before you decide who to target, decide what kind of game you want to have. If you are playing to win, targeting may be strategy. If you are playing to improve, you may want to hit to the player who gives you something useful back.
And if you are the one being targeted?
Mindy suggests a better partner conversation before anyone gets tense or frustrated. Much better than silently wondering why you’ve become the court’s designated pickleball piñata.
Share this with a partner who goes for the weakest link and and tell them to SUBSCRIBE.
Short, practical insights for recreational players who want answers.
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