Tanner Tomassi’s Ultimate Guide to Defeating Bangers: In a recent Instagram video, Tanner Tomassi, a well-known pickleball coach and player, shared his expert advice on how to counter aggressive opponents, often referred to as “bangers.” With his straightforward approach, Tomassi offered a concise lesson on how to effectively manage high-speed shots in pickleball, dispelling common misconceptions about the best strategy when faced with an opponent who plays with power.
Tomassi’s video, titled “How To Beat Bangers in Under 60 Seconds,” challenges the typical response many players have when dealing with hard hitters. “You’re probably thinking when somebody slams it at you, it’s best to try to soften it up to slow them down,” Tomassi begins, addressing the instinctive reaction many players have. However, he argues that this is precisely the wrong approach. Instead, Tomassi emphasizes the importance of hitting the ball back just as hard. “We actually want to slam it hard back at them to show them their power doesn’t phase us,” he explains. This tactic, according to Tomassi, forces the opponent to rethink their aggressive strategy, often leading them to make mistakes or leave the ball short.
The rationale behind this aggressive counter-approach is straightforward: bangers rely on their ability to overpower their opponents. When players try to slow the game down by softening their shots, they risk allowing the banger to dictate the pace and positioning of the rally. If the defensive shot isn’t perfectly executed, it can set up an easy kill for the aggressive player. By hitting back with equal force, players show that they can handle the speed, which can unsettle the opponent and create opportunities to win the point.
Tomassi also advises players to stay alert for potential errors from the bangers. “Bangers are wild players. More often than not, their balls fly out,” he notes, suggesting that players remain vigilant and look for “out balls”—shots that are likely to go out of bounds. This strategy requires a combination of mental focus and quick decision-making, ensuring that players are ready to seize every opportunity when their opponent overcommits to a power shot.
In the demonstration portion of his video, Tomassi shows the wrong and right ways to respond to a banger’s attack. He highlights the dangers of attempting to slow down a fast-paced rally and contrasts this with the effectiveness of maintaining an aggressive return. “Don’t save them,” he stresses, showing the importance of keeping the banger on the defensive by returning shots with speed and confidence.
Tomassi’s advice is a valuable reminder that, in pickleball, the mental game is just as important as the physical. By challenging the banger’s strength and maintaining a steady focus on out balls, players can turn their opponent’s aggression into a liability rather than a threat. For those looking to up their game and handle hard hitters more effectively, Tomassi’s insights provide a practical and empowering strategy.
This approach reinforces a broader shift in pickleball strategy towards more assertive play, where maintaining control of the point is key. As Tomassi demonstrates, meeting power with power neutralizes the opponent’s advantage and puts them on the defensive, allowing for more opportunities to dictate play.
News in Brief: Tanner Tomassi’s Ultimate Guide to Defeating Bangers
In a recent Instagram video, pickleball coach Tanner Tomassi shared tips on countering aggressive players, or “bangers.” His video, “How To Beat Bangers in Under 60 Seconds,” advises against softening shots when faced with high-speed play. Instead, Tomassi recommends hitting back with equal force to unsettle the opponent and force errors.
He explains that trying to slow down the game can play into the banger’s hands, whereas aggressive returns can disrupt their rhythm and lead to mistakes. Tomassi’s strategy emphasizes meeting power with power, turning an opponent’s aggression into a potential weakness.
