Training with Better or Worse

Do you think it is more beneficial to play with someone slightly better than yourself, or slightly worse?

On one hand, I feel like playing against someone not quite as good would give more opportunities to work on technique.

On the other, I feel like playing against someone slightly better would force you to be more focused and work harder for each point, which could also prove beneficial.

What are your thoughts on these points? and are there other points of interest worth noting for each of these types of players?

Hi Dakota,

I think it is always good to practice with a mixture of players if they are available.

Playing against better players will mean that you are getting better quality shots to deal with.  Playing against weaker players will give you the opportunity to experiment and also deal with slower or different types of balls.  It is all beneficial for your development.

If you are always getting beaten it can be discouraging.  Playing against weaker opponents is good for the ego sometimes as well.