Player Profiles: Matt Warner and Mark Johnson

You two recently paired up as a team. How did you find each other and was it an instant gelling?

Warner: “Mark was my junior tennis coach during my high school years. A few years after attending SIUE, Mark and I began corresponding again and soon began to practice on the paddle court. It wasn’t until this year that we seriously discussed pairing up. We are good friends off the court, and we were curious to see how our strengths would complement each other on the court.”

What about each of your styles of play do you think make your team strong?

Warner: “Through the use of spin on both serves and overheads, we try to keep our opponents neutralized from attacking from the backcourt; as a righty/lefty combo, we find sometimes we can create more pressure on the net team with our forehand drives and blitzes from the middle of the court.”

Where do you see yourselves having to work out weaknesses?

Warner: “At times, we have to remind ourselves that you can’t always bring the ‘full court press.’ This game was built on patience, good shot selection, and minimal errors.”

What is your practice routine/frequency?

Warner: “We try to drill at least once or twice a week in a one-on-one or two-on-one setting to focus on specific situational patterns.”

If either of you has migrated to platform from tennis, are there any advantages/disadvantages that your style brings to the game?

Warner: “With a few minor adjustments, I feel my serve has made a good transition from tennis to platform tennis. I still feel I am able to consistently hit a spin serve that, for the most part, is able to neutralize most opponents from consistently driving on the return of serve.”

As partners, you obviously are unified on the court, but what do you think you do to challenge each other as well?

Warner: “The mental game – strategy, discipline and focus – is what differentiates the good from the great players. Each and every point is a battle. As the game grows, talent continues to migrate into this game so it’s imperative to play within ourselves and play disciplined in order to win matches against the top teams.”

What racquet are you playing with and do you feel it gives you any particular advantage as far as your play style?

Warner: “The Wilson Blitz Low. I have had elbow issues in the past and this paddle plays a bit softer on my arm.”

Johnson: “I play with the Viking O-Zone paddle. With my style of play, I feel it is a little more of a forgiving paddle. I like the feel of the ball staying longer on the paddle.”

What advice would you give to fledgling teams trying to find success on the court?

Warner: “To newer players, play as much as you can – tournaments, etc., seek insight from more experienced players, determine and discuss what your strengths are individually so that you can play as a team towards those strengths.”

Johnson: “My advice for players trying to make success on the court, is that the game of paddle takes time to get familiar with the smaller court screens, etc. Be patient with this game. Give yourself time to learn and don’t give up. Lastly, you always learn from the best. Watch the great players, take notes and ask questions about game.”

Have you identified any teams that you think will be your toughest challenges this season?

Warner: “There are many, many teams that offer different types of challenges. We don’t expect to have any easy matches in tournament play.”

Johnson: “The game of paddle has changed dramatically. There are so many great players and teams out in the paddle world now. In my opinion, every match is a tough challenge.”

Source:Platform Tennis Magazine, Vol. 13, Issue 2, December, 2011