Coach Austin Hardy did the hard work for us. And we certainly appreciate it.

He watched, analyzed and studied Collin Johns' game to compile 15 key tips that can make a real difference in your play.

Tip #1 - Prep for success

Do the things before the start of your match to set yourself up for success. This includes little things like bringing a towel, water, electrolytes, etc.

“The more prepared that you can show up to a tournament, the better you’re going to play,” said Hardy. 

Tip #2 – Fill up your belly

Having food in your stomach is going to help settle your nerves and allow your body to operate at peak potential.

Tip #3 – Don’t return out balls

Many points continue because players return balls that are out. Drill with a partner and have your partner drive balls out. Identify where the balls hit when they soar past you (usually around chest height) so that you can stop long rallies. 

Tip #4 – Always guess balls will hit mid-court

“Most times, balls regress back to the middle of the court, so if you’re not sure where your opponent is going to hit the ball, always guess the middle,” explained Hardy. 

Tip #5 – Hit your drops cross-court

“The reason you want to hit your drops cross-court is because it applies a lot of pressure to your opponent. If you hit it up the middle, you have a very active player on the left who’s going to get used to the drop coming up the middle and you’ll never make it in to the net,” said Hardy. 

You also have more room to work with and hit the ball over the lowest part of the net. Going cross-court will be the most consistent shot you can hit. 

Tip #6 – Hit your drives down the line or up the middle

Down the middle solves the riddle. 

“If you hit your drive cross-court, you’re giving your opponent time to react. And we’re giving them a huge angle to work with and burn our partner. Instead, hit your drives down the middle because it causes confusion from your opponents on whose ball it is,” noted Hardy. 

Tip #7 – Lob often

This is not as popular of a tip, but Hardy explained that lobbing takes you from a neutral position to an offensive position because it forces your opponents to move back to return the lob. 

Tip #8 – Hit your resets low

Position your paddle face angled downwards so that it gets to your opponent as quickly as possible. 

Tip #9 – Focus less on a powerful serve and more on height and depth

If your serve has more height, it’s more difficult for your opponent to return it because it puts them at an awkward angle. And the depth of the serve forces your opponents to lean back, which causes them to pop the ball up.

“This tool is a great way to take advantage of the point right off the get-go,” said Hardy. 

Tip #10 – Be the first player to hit the ball downwards

Usually, the first player in a rally to hit the ball down wins the point. Hardy recommended turning the paddle face downwards and changing the angle. 

Tip #11 – Strategize beforehand

Strategize with your partner and decide which player you’re going to return to and which player you’re hitting the majority of your drops and drives to. The player you’re going to want to keep back is the player who has the strongest game at the kitchen and fastest volley. The longer you can keep them back, the better. 

Tip #12 – Look for fifth shot poaches

When a lot of players poach, they move laterally. Instead, move forward first, then cut over on an angle so your opponents think you’re staying on your side of the court. 

Tip #13 – Use timeouts

When your opponents have momentum and they go on a run, call a timeout to halt their momentum. Calling a timeout also allows you and your partner some time to collect your thoughts and discuss changing your strategy. 

Tip #14 – Know who’s better at offense and defense

The majority of the time, one of your opponents is better at defense and the other player is better at offense. This helps you strategize which player to hit drops and drives to, so you can hit to the weaker player depending on the shot. 

Tip #15 – Do everything you can to get one more ball

The point is not over until it’s over, so don’t be afraid to lob and drive to keep the ball in play and stay in the point.

“Don’t try to be perfect when you’re in a scramble, just keep the ball in,” advised Hardy. 

For more drills and tips, follow us on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).