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Larry Hodges

Coaching Tip of the Week: Patient Decisiveness

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(By Larry Hodges)

Some players are too patient – they mostly just keep the ball in play, rallying while missing opportunities to score. Others are too decisive – they jump on every ball with little patience or judgment. Develop a sense of “patient decisiveness” – in other words, pick your shots carefully, but once you’ve made a decision, be decisive about it. Don’t be afraid to take a shot, but don’t be afraid not to take a shot if it’s not there. If the shot is there, take it without hesitation. If the shot isn’t there, play a shot that doesn’t give your opponent an easy shot while perhaps setting up your own shot. Be decisive about whatever choice you make, whether it’s an all-out smash or loop kill, or a simple push or block.

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