Introduction

In the pursuit of excellence, many players fall into a common trap: they obsess over fixing their weaknesses. While it’s natural to want to shore up vulnerabilities, this narrow focus often overshadows what truly sets players apart—their strengths.

Marcus Sjöberg, a coach with a track record of guiding players to national and international success, sees this all too often.

“Don’t get me wrong, working on weaknesses is important,” Marcus says.
“But if you ignore what you already do well, you’re missing a huge opportunity. Your strengths are your identity in the game, the shots and patterns that make you unique and dangerous.”

By working with Smash Coaching, you can receive personalized advice from Marcus on how to showcase your strengths and integrate them effectively into match play. Emphasizing what you do best isn’t about ignoring weaknesses—it’s about finding balance. This approach builds confidence, sharpens your game, and ultimately leads to more enjoyment and better results on the table.

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1. The Problem: Over-Fixation on Weaknesses

Marcus reflects on his coaching journey, admitting that earlier in his career, he placed too much emphasis on correcting what was wrong.

“I used to focus heavily on identifying and fixing faults,” he says.
“It wasn’t that I ignored strengths, but my approach sometimes leaned too far towards addressing weaknesses. Over time, I realized this could overshadow the unique qualities that make a player exceptional.”

This nuanced shift in perspective has shaped Marcus’s coaching philosophy today: striking a balance between improvement and refinement while ensuring players feel empowered by their strengths.

When players and coaches overemphasize weaknesses, it can lead to unintended challenges:

• Loss of Identity: Constantly fixing weaknesses leaves players unsure of what makes them unique.
• Low Confidence: Overemphasis on faults fosters insecurity, especially in high-pressure moments.
• Stunted Growth: Neglecting strengths prevents players from developing their “weapons” to dictate play.

Marcus adds:

“Players can start to feel like they’re always playing catch-up, which makes practice feel more like a chore than an opportunity to grow.”

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2. Why Focusing on Strengths Matters

“Your strengths are the shots you trust, the patterns that make you believe you can win,” Marcus explains.

Leaning into your strengths shifts the focus from patching holes to building on a solid foundation. It’s not just about improving technically—it’s about transforming your mindset.

Key Benefits of Playing to Your Strengths:

• Clear Identity: You develop a personal playing style that opponents recognize and struggle to counter.
• Confidence Under Pressure: In key moments, you trust your strongest tools to deliver.
• Joy in the Process: Focusing on what you excel at makes practice more engaging and fulfilling.

“By emphasizing strengths, you create a game plan where your best shots lead the way, turning matches into opportunities to shine rather than trials to endure.”

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3. Marcus’s Approach: Strengths Without Ignoring Weaknesses

Marcus advocates for balance. While it’s crucial to address weaknesses, they shouldn’t dominate your training. Instead, identify one or two key strengths and actively work to showcase them in matches.

Real-Life Example: Liam Pitchford

When Marcus began working with Liam Pitchford, the talented English player was stuck at a plateau.

“Everyone said Liam’s forehand needed to be better,” Marcus recalls.
“But I saw his backhand was world-class—truly special. Instead of trying to ‘fix’ his forehand, we made his backhand the centerpiece of his game.”

They created game plans and serve setups to force opponents into backhand exchanges. The results were remarkable. Liam’s confidence soared, and his ranking climbed as he defeated top players who couldn’t handle his skill in this area.

“We still worked on his forehand,” Marcus notes.
“But building his identity around his backhand gave him a clear focus, more confidence, and better results.”

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4. Practical Tips for Identifying and Using Your Strengths

Marcus offers actionable advice for players who want to lean into their strengths:

Reflect Honestly

Start by asking: What am I really good at?
Write down your strongest strokes, serves, or patterns. Whether it’s a killer forehand loop, a reliable short serve, or consistent returns, identifying your strengths is the first step.

Build Your Game Plan

Design strategies that highlight your strengths. For instance:

• If your forehand loop is dominant, practice serves and returns that funnel balls into that zone.
• If your backhand counter is a rock-solid weapon, position yourself to invite opponents to play into it.

Reinforce Strengths Through Drills

Practice drills that emphasize your best shots. For example:

• Work on sequences that repeatedly bring your strength into play, like third-ball attacks that lead to your favorite stroke.
• Focus on match-like scenarios that highlight your strengths in realistic situations.

Balance with Weakness Training

Allocate time to address weak areas, but always finish sessions on a high note.

“Ending practice with a focus on what you do well builds confidence and keeps you motivated,” Marcus advises.

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5. Training Ideas for a Strength-Centered Mindset

Marcus recommends these practical strategies to emphasize strengths during training:

Scenario-Based Practice

Set up drills that recreate game situations where your strengths shine. For example:

• Practice serves and returns that set up your forehand attack.
• Simulate rallies where your backhand counter becomes the focal point.

Video Analysis

Record matches or training sessions to identify moments when your strengths were most effective. Review these clips to build confidence and refine your tactics.

Positive Reinforcement

End every practice by reflecting on what went well. Marcus encourages players to ask:

“What did I execute successfully today? How did my strengths influence the rally?”

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6. Mindset: Accept Who You Are

“Some players think they need to play like someone else to succeed,” Marcus says.
“But you might never have a world-class forehand loop—and that’s okay. Focus on what you do best.”

This mindset fosters resilience. Instead of feeling inadequate, you focus on your assets, allowing you to grow with confidence and purpose.

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7. Long-Term Benefits of Playing to Your Strengths

Players who build their game around their strengths often experience:

• More Consistent Performances: You rely on what’s proven to work.
• Success Against Tougher Opponents: Well-honed strengths force even elite players to adapt.
• Greater Enjoyment: Confidence in your skills makes matches and training more fulfilling.

Marcus has seen this transformation repeatedly.

“Players go from tentative and hesitant to assertive and creative,” he says.
“Focusing on strengths gives them an identity that opponents fear and they feel proud of.”

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8. Work with Marcus Sjöberg to Unlock Your Strengths

If you’re unsure how to identify or integrate your strengths into your game, Smash Coaching can help. With Marcus’s guidance, you’ll analyze your game, highlight your best tools, and build a training plan that revolves around what makes you unique.

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Conclusion: Celebrate Your Strengths

Your strengths are more than just good shots—they’re the foundation of your playing identity. By emphasizing them in practice and matches, you’ll gain confidence, enjoy the game more, and see tangible improvements.

“Don’t be the player who only knows what they’re bad at. Celebrate what you’re great at. Build your game around it. That’s how you make real progress.”

Sign up for Smash Coaching today and start turning your strengths into match-winning assets.