AMA: Playing Down to Your Opponent's Level, Finding Weaknesses, Long-Term Partners, & More

I recently asked Tennis Tribe Members what they want to improve in 2026. In this episode, I respond to six of their answers with challenges to help them improve different strategic and mental aspects of their doubles games.

Topics include playing against players who don't follow patterns and mishit the ball, building patience on slow balls, and taking away the middle against pace and spin. I also share drills, mindset resets, and simple challenges to improve your on-court thinking.

The first 3 are free to all, while you'll need to become a member for the last 3.

1. How to deal with unconventional 3.0 players who defy patterns and mishit/shank the ball a lot.
2. Changing your mindset to minimize errors, especially against players who hit with slower pace.
3. How to still control the middle against players who hit with tons of spin and power.
4. Members only: Quickly recognizing and exposing opponents' weaknesses early in the match.
5. Members only: How to not let nerves or distractions make you play tentative or down to your opponent's level.
6. Members only: How to play more strategically with a long-time partner and use more formations.

Links:

• Become a member to get the last 3 lessons.
• Already a member? Download the member podcast feed.
• Go to thetennistribe.com/camps to register for upcoming camps.
• Sign up for the Indian Wells Rally Trip, March 3–6. Tickets and details here. (deadline February 9)

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Chapters

• 2:30 Member Q&A Roadmap
• 3:56 Indian Wells Trip And Camps
• 6:15 Beating Random Shanks With Percentages
• 13:35 The 55 Percent Mindset Challenge
• 14:25 Patience Over Power On Transition Balls
• 19:35 Training Height, Depth, And 60 Percent Pace
• 23:53 Controlling The Middle Against Heavy Spin