Tanner Tomassi’s Latest Pickleball Strategy: Pickleball player Tanner Tomassi recently shared a video on Instagram to explain the strategy of “Respect The X,” a simple but effective concept for doubles play. Tomassi introduced this strategy as a way to ensure fair involvement for both players on a team, regardless of their dominant hand.
Understanding “Respect The X”
In the video, Tomassi breaks down the strategy by encouraging players to “play the diagonal.” He explains that when a ball is hit to one side of the court, the player who hit the ball should also take responsibility for the return from that same diagonal. This concept ensures that both teammates stay active and involved, reducing confusion about who should take the shot.
For example, Tomassi shares a scenario where he and his teammate, Ridley, are playing together. If Tomassi hits the ball toward one diagonal, it’s his responsibility to continue playing shots from that diagonal. Ridley, on the other hand, would take responsibility for the opposite side. This method prevents overlap and confusion between teammates, ensuring that each player has a fair share of the action.
When to Use This Strategy
Tomassi makes it clear that while “Respect The X” is great for casual games or when playing with new teammates, it is not suitable for tournament play. In competitive settings, more advanced strategies would be necessary to outperform opponents. However, for recreational play or when teammates aren’t yet familiar with each other’s tendencies, this simple strategy can be very effective.
Tomassi’s Daily Pickleball Tips
The video is part of Tomassi’s daily series of instructional posts designed to help players improve their skills. His straightforward, easy-to-understand style aims to make pickleball more accessible for players of all levels.
By breaking down this basic strategy, Tomassi makes it easier for players to collaborate effectively during doubles matches and improve their coordination on the court.
News in Brief: Tanner Tomassi’s Latest Pickleball Strategy
Pickleball player Tanner Tomassi recently shared a video on Instagram explaining the “Respect The X” strategy for doubles play. The concept encourages players to “play the diagonal,” meaning that the player who hits the ball toward one diagonal should take responsibility for shots from that side, while their teammate covers the opposite diagonal.
This strategy helps prevent confusion and ensures fair involvement for both players, especially in casual or recreational games. Tomassi clarified that “Respect The X” is ideal for beginner or non-competitive play but not suitable for tournament-level matches. His video is part of his daily instructional series for players of all levels.
ALSO READ: How to Cover Weak Returns in Pickleball Like a Professional with Tanner Tomassi’s Exclusive Tip
