Week 22
March 23–March 29, 2026
This week was about getting intentional — drilling two-handed dinks with purpose, grinding counters, and finally putting one away in a game. Small win. Big momentum.
Brad Douglas
March 31, 2026
The Data This Week
Full Dashboard →7
Games Played
6W - 1L
Record
4.40
Avg Rating
86%
Win Rate
Return Quality
87% average
Reset Win Rate
24% average
Focus Areas
What I Worked On
This week was about getting intentional. I started with kitchen games, drilling with purpose instead of just going through the motions — because I've realized I win more when I get to the kitchen. Spent time on two-handed dinks, focusing on keeping the ball closer to the net with side spin so longer players can't attack. Then hit the instigator drill for 20 minutes, working counters while Dru sped things up. The two-handed counter still doesn't feel natural, but it's a focus area moving forward.
Wednesday's games felt more consistent all around. Patience at the kitchen line paid off, and I picked my spots for speed-ups — most of them worked. I've also been more deliberate about when to take a drop out of the air versus stepping back and doing something with the bounce. Drives felt good again — I'm able to target areas and keep opponents guessing.
Friday started rough but turned around. Drives still had good dip. Dinking was just okay — I was trying too much instead of getting back to neutral and waiting for a ball I could do something with. But here's the win: counters feel better. I'm sliding into the correct spots more often, and I hit a two-handed counter to end a point. Training is paying off.
What I Learned
Two-Handed Dinks
This was a big focus area this week.
- Worked on keeping the ball closer to the net with side spin — specifically to prevent longer players from attacking.
- I've realized I tend to hit a "longer" ball that sits slightly high and becomes attackable. Not floating, but just enough for opponents to jump on.
- The side spin lets me stay aggressive while keeping the ball out of reach.
It's a subtle adjustment, but it's already making a difference in kitchen exchanges.
Two-Handed Counter
This is the shot I'm chasing right now.
- Spent 20 minutes on the instigator drill — Dru speeding up, me working counters.
- The two-handed counter is the one two-handed shot that still doesn't feel natural. I want to add it to my arsenal.
- It's not there yet, but I hit one to end a point on Friday. Small win. Training is paying off.
This will be a focus area in the weeks ahead.
Dinks
Feeling better overall, but still inconsistent.
- Wednesday felt more consistent all around — patience at the kitchen line paid off.
- Friday was just okay. I was trying too much instead of getting back to neutral and waiting for a ball I could do something with.
- I've been more deliberate about when to take a drop out of the air versus stepping back, letting it bounce, and doing something with it — roll to feet or concede.
The lesson keeps repeating: patience wins at the kitchen.
Drives
This felt like a strength this week.
- Getting good dip on the ball — I feel like I can hit it where I want more times than not.
- Able to target areas to keep opponents guessing on where I'm going.
- Confidence is building here. This is becoming a weapon I can rely on.
Counters & Movement
This is where I saw real progress.
- Counters feel better. I'm sliding into the correct spots more and more.
- Hit a two-handed counter to end a point — that was the highlight of the week.
- The more reps I get, the more natural the movement feels. This is a repetition game.
What Still Needs Work
- Forehand Flicks: Missed a few I shouldn't have on Wednesday. Need to tighten this up — these are shots I should be putting away.
- Dinking Consistency: Friday's dinking was just okay. I was trying too much instead of getting back to neutral and waiting for a ball I could do something with. The lesson keeps repeating: patience wins at the kitchen.
- Two-Handed Counter: Still doesn't feel natural. Spent 20 minutes on the instigator drill working it, and hit one to end a point — but it's not there yet. This stays on the list.
- 4th Shot Decisions: Getting more deliberate about when to take a drop out of the air versus stepping back, letting it bounce, and doing something with it. Still refining the read.
Win of the Week
Finished a point during a game with a two-handed backhand counter. It wasn't the prettiest finish, but it got the job done. A step in the right direction.
I've been grinding on this shot for weeks — it's the one two-handed shot that still doesn't feel natural. But in that moment, I slid into the right spot, trusted the rep work, and put it away. Training is paying off.
Small win. Big momentum.
What's Next
Next week is all about transition zone resets and cleaning up my 4th shot decisions. The focus: sliding into proper spacing, reading when to take the ball out of the air versus letting it bounce, and building consistency under pressure. Still chasing that two-handed counter — it's not there yet, but the reps are adding up.