Observe repeatable opponent behavior, change one tactical variable, and evaluate the result over several points.
Equipment
- Pickleball paddles
- Pickleballs
- Pickleball court
- Optional note card and pencil
Setup
Play doubles in two phases. Each partnership observes during the first phase and makes one evidence-based adjustment in the second.
How to run it
1. Play five points without deliberately changing strategy.
2. Each partnership names one repeated behavior: return location, middle-ball owner, speed-up tendency, response to depth, or movement gap.
3. Choose one adjustment to target, depth, direction, pace, height, or position.
4. Play five more points while keeping that single adjustment.
5. Evaluate whether the pattern and adjustment held up; keep, revise, or discard it.
Coach Dave’s cues
Describe behavior rather than labeling a person. Patterns are evidence, not guarantees. Give an adjustment enough repetitions to teach you something.
Watch for
Changing multiple variables, overreacting to one rally, watching only the ball, sharing observations where opponents can hear private tactics, or using negative labels.