GOLDEN RULES OF GOPHER SINGLES
1. If you hit a ball into the “textbook zone,” immediately get your heels on the
baseline before your opponent hits her shot, and try to take time away with
your next shot
2. First serve returns through the middle/crosscourt
3. When serving at 30-40 or ad-out, take pace off the first serve and make it
4. Always bouncing on our feet when waiting for the point to begin
5. When behind the baseline and pulled wide near the alley, clear the net and
go through the middle or crosscourt. Hit deep if opponent is at the baseline and
at the feet if opponent is at the net (for a two-shot passing shot)
6. If you’ve hit two hard balls in a row and you haven’t gained offensive
control of the point, mix it up
7. After an unforced error, say something in support of the team or a
teammate before your next point begins
8. If you’re frustrated or your opponent has the momentum, do something to
calm down and/or disturb their rhythm
GOLDEN RULES OF GOPHER DOUBLES
1. When 1 up 1 back never hit down the line unless you are trying to avoid
a poacher or unless your coaches have instructed you to do so for strategic
reasons
2. Middle solves the riddle when both opponents are at the net or baseline
3. Lifted volleys always go to the baseliner
4. When serving at 30-30, that point and every point thereafter – take pace off
the first serve and make it
5. When we’re both at the net and we get lobbed, one person yells “mine”
and tries to hit an overhead straight ahead. Her partner immediately goes
to the net strap and crouches. If the lob bounces the retriever must yell
“back!”
6. When we are 1 up 1 back and get lobbed, the baseliner has to yell an
instruction (“stay, switch, back”)
7. Two back on all 1st serve returns unless coaches have instructed you
differently. Non-returner slightly inside the baseline
8. Immediately come together at the T after every point and then cheer for
your teammates, encourage your partner or talk strategy
9. Always bouncing on our feet when waiting for the point to begin
10. Always attempt to hit a regular overhead instead of a high backhand
volley