I’d like to say that we always go for the all out win but what I’ve found is that in this sort of match we have a tendency to get dragged down to the lower level of play. I found that the best way me and my partner could deal with these matches was to set a target of not letting your opponents get to 10 points.
Wood

Woody is spot on with his reply. Lack of focus and concentration very often play a big part in loosing.

Rather than trying to do fancy shots, put it to your partner that you will be practising focus and concentration along the lines that Woody has advocated. 

Not taking games seriously, even against lesser opposition, is counter productive. Remember that the mental attitude of the game is just as important as the technical and physical.

Roger

I agree with a few points above – I play on 2 club nights each week.  On Wednesday the level is very mixed, and I really struggle to have a good time as I find myself not trying, or pulling my shots to avoid making it too hard for people I am playing against.

This then makes me grumpy, and in turn play worse, and me being grumpy I am sure makes me no fun to play with / against.

Last night in fact at the end of the evening 2 good players were knocking up at the end of the hall, and I and somebody else in the league team were going to join them for a mixed game, when we were cornered by some people who are really just there for the fun of it.  I am not sure how to say I was hoping to play over there, thanks for the offer, and the other person I was with had the same problem.

So we played the game split up, and both played badly, and if my face was anything like the face on the other person who wanted to be playing elsewhere, it sort of showed our hearts weren't in it – and this wasn't a conscious thing,  just frustration coming through I think.

On Sundays the level is much higher, and as a result I get a good warmup, and my standard of play and error % is way lower, despite playing arguably more difficult shots, and being pushed around the court more.

I think the best approach is to always go for it in a competitive match, say a league game etc.  This avoids any frustration and means your game can improve.  If you hold back, or mess about, you tend to take less from it.