Funplay — keeping it up together
Technique · Beginner
Explanation
openFunplay — also called freestyle — is the cooperative way of playing: the aim is to keep the speeder going together for as long as possible instead of scoring points. No court, no scoring, no opposition. Two people play to each other and try to keep the speeder playable.
Precisely because the speeder is meant to be kept up rather than forced into the opposing square, control comes before power. That makes funplay the ideal practice form for touch and consistency — and a low-threshold way in, because no mistake costs you a point. It is also the natural route into the shared rhythm people call flow.
Exercise
openKeeping it up together
Goal
As many contacts in a row as possible — control instead of power.
How to do it
- Stand opposite each other at medium distance, without a court.
- Play the speeder back and forth, flat and calm.
- Keep it playable and feed your partner well — winning is not the aim here.
- Count the contacts in a row together.
- Once it runs steadily, increase the distance or play deliberately flatter.
Self-check
How many contacts do you manage without the speeder touching the ground? Does the flight stay flat and calm, or does it get hectic over time?
Wrap-up
You keep the speeder flat and in play for several rallies in a row without it touching the ground.
Classification
- Playing goals
- Consistency under repetition, Pace and power control
- Prerequisites
- The forehand drive