Christian Alshon and Quang Duong’s Winning Strategy: In professional pickleball, players often cover the middle of the court to support their partners. At first glance, this strategy may look like poaching, especially in mixed doubles, where one partner seems to dominate the game. However, pro player Christian Alshon explains the reasoning behind this tactic and why it helps win matches.
Covering the Middle: A Winning Strategy
In a mixed doubles match between Meghan Dizon and Andrei Daescu against Etta Wright and Christian Alshon, Daescu repeatedly moved to the middle to handle balls aimed at Dizon.
While this might seem like he was taking over, it is a strategic move to help the team. Similarly, in men’s doubles, Ben Johns and JW Johnson often take shots that could be their partner’s.
Christian Alshon shared his perspective on this approach, explaining that it is not about dominating but about supporting the partner. At the IHG Hotels & Resorts Bristol Open, Alshon and Quang Duong used this strategy to defeat Ben and Collin Johns in the finals.
“Because they’re hitting every single ball to Quang, that means I can come over, pinch the middle, and bait my opponents to hit a ball behind me,” (Christian Alshon).
Helping a Targeted Partner
In doubles pickleball, one player is often targeted by the opponents. Alshon emphasized that the middle strategy is especially helpful in such situations.
“If your partner is getting picked on, it doesn’t mean that you’re completely helpless and you just stand there and say ‘good luck,’”. “What you can do to help your partner out is by creeping over to their side.”(Christian Alshon)
By covering the middle, Alshon forces opponents to make tougher shots. If the ball is hit to the middle, he is ready to return it. If it is hit wide, his partner Duong can attempt an around-the-post (ATP) shot. This positioning leaves the opponents with fewer options and often results in a weak return that Alshon and Duong can capitalize on.
Proving the Effectiveness of the Middle Strategy
This strategy played a key role in Alshon and Duong’s success at the Bristol Open, helping them secure the gold medal. By working together and controlling the middle, they minimized their opponents’ opportunities to score. Alshon’s approach highlights the importance of teamwork and proactive support in doubles play.
Takeaway for Amateur Players
For players at all levels, the advice is clear: if your partner is being targeted, step in and play the middle. While it might look like poaching to spectators, the goal is to win the point and support your partner. As Alshon demonstrated, mastering this strategy can make a significant difference in competitive matches.
News in Brief: Christian Alshon and Quang Duong’s Winning Strategy
In professional pickleball, covering the middle helps support a targeted partner and control the game. Christian Alshon highlights this strategy, emphasizing teamwork and proactive positioning. By forcing opponents into tougher shots, players like Alshon and Quang Duong showcased its effectiveness, winning gold at the Bristol Open with this tactical approach.
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