Whether you’re competing in the Olympics or just want to take your game to the next level, you’ll need the right equipment. You’ll also need to train regularly to improve your performance, and it’s important to recover properly after each game so that you’re ready for the next one.
You may be familiar with the concept of a scoring run where you get a certain number of points for reaching certain landmarks during a game. For example, in a tennis game the scoring run may be reaching a certain number of courts, or in a golf game it may be reaching a certain number of holes.
But what if your objective isn’t just to score as many points as possible during a game, but instead you want to score a specific amount of points?
This type of scoring is known as a “scoring triplet” and can be a little more complicated to achieve. To spot a scoring triplet, you’ll need to pay close attention to how the game is played. You’ll also need to train your eye to see these scoring opportunities, and finally, you’ll need to recover properly after each game.
Let’s say you’re playing in the Olympics and are tied 16-16 in your quarterfinal game. You’ll have to win by two points to advance to the semi-finals, and you have only one more chance to win. You need to start thinking about how you can possibly earn two points in this game. You have a few options:
Scoring Aces
An ace is defined as any of the following:
- A ball played with absolute precision that achieves exceptional distance
- A score of “30” or better in a game of golf
- A strike that completely covers the ball (in the case of a golfer)
The closer your average hand-eye coordination is to being perfect, the more aces you’ll be able to score. If you reach a certain level of expertise then your aces per hour will go through the roof. For example, the perfect backhand serves an ace every two hours—that is, if you’re playing tennis every two hours. If you achieve this level of efficiency then you can play for many hours without stopping to rest or drink.
But perfect hand-eye coordination isn’t easy, especially in a stressful situation. This is why scoring an ace isn’t as easy as it sounds. For example, if your opponent is playing well and is taking the game seriously, you’re going to have a much harder time scoring an ace. This is why you need to identify these types of games and eliminate them from your training regimen. Instead, play these types of games when you’re by yourself or slightly ill, and forget about trying to score an ace in a serious game.
Triple Ties
A triple tie is defined as any of the following:
- A game tied at three points each (i.e. nine-all) in the ninth inning of a professional baseball game
- A perfect game (i.e. 10-0 in baseball)
These ties are generally a result of a defensive blunder by one of the teams. For example, a pitcher gets hurt and the opposing team is forced to use a substitute. Or the opposing team plays dumb and allows the other team to get on base multiple times before the end of the game.
It’s very common for defensive blunders to result in triple ties during major league games. This is why you shouldn’t be afraid to lose a few games during practice as long as your team is still scoring. Just make sure you follow the correct warmup procedures so that your body’s ready for game action.
Scoring Two Unanswered Times
A double-double is defined as any of the following:
- A baseball game in which a pitcher gets two hits and two RBIs (in other words, he throws a perfect game, except for the one hit he allows)
- A scoring run in which you reach a certain number of courts in a tennis game
- A tie score (i.e. 19-19) in the final inning of a professional baseball game
- A golf game in which you shoot a 62 (i.e. you have an “8” score—eighteen inches under par for a hole-in-one)
Any time you score two unanswered times during a game it’s considered a double-double. You may score these types of doubles in a variety of ways. For example, you may hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning, or you may achieve the same goal by stringing together several singles during that same game.
This is one of the most difficult types of scores to achieve. The closer your average hand-eye coordination is to being perfect, the more doubles you’ll be able to score. If you’re aiming for this type of score then you may need to practice more than once per week.
Scoring One Unanswered Time
A single-double is defined as any of the following:
- A perfect game (i.e. 10-0 in baseball) in which you reach a certain number of holes in a golf game
- A scoring run in which you reach a certain number of courts in a tennis game
- A tie score (i.e. 19-19) in the final inning of a professional baseball game
- A golf game in which you shoot a 61 (i.e. you have an “8” score—eighteen inches under par for a hole-in-one)
Any time you score one unanswered time during a game it’s considered a single-double. You may score these types of singles in a variety of ways. For example, you may hit a solo home run in the ninth inning, or you may achieve the same goal by hitting a couple of bloopers or ground balls that don’t require a double play.
These are the five types of scores you need to look out for as you play. Just make sure you have all of your equipment and practice regularly with the right mindset. This will help you improve your game and reach the next level.