Knowing the rules of Spikeball isn’t enough. You need to hone your skills, learn the tips and tricks that make you a better player. That way you make a stronger opponent.
On that note, here are the top 10 tips for playing Spikeball better;
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10 Tips for Playing Spikeball Better
Practice Using Both Hands
Most players rely on their primary hand. Therefore they use a single hand almost throughout the game. You can be ahead in the game by engaging the offhand too.
Yes, it might seem unfruitful and challenging at first, but press on it will pay off. Over time your offhand will also become useful as the dominant hand.
That way, you can strike or return a serve with a lot of force using any of your hands. You can then instill fear in your opponent.
Assume You Aren’t the Best in the Game
Don’t brag about how smart you are in the game. Instead, identify and play against other more experienced players than you. Aim at playing against more challenging opponents.
With time you’ll learn new skills and improve your Spikeball game. Besides, stronger players help you identify the particular areas in your game that you have to work on.
Master Deceptive Moves
It sounds simple, but it takes time to master. Never fall into your opponent’s trap. Strive to make unpredictable shots.
For example, your rival may possess strong smash skills. In such a case you can lure him into a trap by faking a drop shot. You stand a high chance of scoring points by being unpredictable.
Commit to Making Dives
A strong Spikeball player must not fear diving. Even if it means getting dirty or ruining that short, never give up on a ball even when it seems impossible to retrieve. Through diving, you can save even 20 percent of the balls. In other words, don’t shy off from soiling your body or clothing.
Practice Serve and Return
Like all other games, practice leads to perfection. However, you won’t always get rivals to play against. Instead of lying idle, consider playing against the wall.
You can begin by setting a target of 100 rebounds for every session. Aim to serve and return in time. The purpose of practicing serve and return is to boost power and accuracy.
Erect the net between you and the wall. Don’t let the ball touch the ground. Also, vary the force of hitting the ball and strive to take on the rebound. The practice also helps sharpen your lunging skills and ability to recover quickly.
Concentrate on Touch and Placement Rather Than Power
Some novice Spikeball players only focus on injecting more power into the ball. A more valuable skill is touch and placement of the ball.
Instead of hitting the ball high or hard, learn to command it to go to your desired location. You can then indirectly force your rival to play close and far off the net.
Furthermore, learn to hit and place the ball where the opponent finds it challenging to return it. Such a skill lets you tire your opponent or cause him to lose focus of the game easily.
Learn to Adapt Rather Than Outshine in One Skill Only
There are professional spike players that are known to shine in a particular skill. Don’t be contented with your outstanding serving or smashing shots. Instead, strive to build upon other areas (multitalented).
Learn New Strategies
Question pro players on bounces that you find demanding to handle. The elite players possess a broad range of skills. Let that skillful player guide you into grasping the nuances of the Spikeball game. Open up on the areas or skills of the game that you find challenging to master.
Learn to Play On a Variety of Surfaces
Play on a variety of surfaces and learn its good and bad sides. Each playground feels different and so you need to know the vital adjustments you have to make. Ideally, you should register an impressive game on all types of surfaces.
Focus on Ending the Game on a High Note
The winding moments of a game are more important than the beginning. Usually, players take a few minutes into the game learning about the strength and weaknesses of their rivals and how they can capitalize on that.
Your concentration and all other skills should be at optimum as you wind up Spikeball. Some players get tired towards the end, let lose their skills. Doing so gives an advantage to your opponent on scoring the winning points.
Conclusion
The outlined 10 tips for playing Spikeball better are vital for players at all levels. Remember, each of the skills requires patience and training to perfect. Further, prioritize the area where you feel weakest.
