Fitness Opportunities for Pickleball Players
Stephanie from HupSix has offered cross-training classes aimed at improving pickleball performance. These small, co-ed group classes will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays at 72205 Painters Path, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
These pickleball sessions provide a great opportunity for players to enhance their fitness while focusing on skills relevant to pickleball.
Senior Round Robin Event in the Coachella Valley
The Palm Desert Senior Games have been canceled for the past two years. However, Miles Pelkey, who runs Paradise Pickleball, is partnering with Coach Mary to organize a Senior Games round robin event.
The pickleball event will feature singles, rotating partners, men’s doubles, mixed doubles, and women’s doubles for players aged 70+. If there is insufficient interest, the event could be adjusted to include players aged 65+. The round robin is planned for late March, just before the snowbirds leave the area.
Coach Mary’s Tip of the Week: Two-Handed Backhand
This week’s tip focuses on the two-handed backhand, an important skill in pickleball. Ed Ju offers a comprehensive drill class with two professional coaches that focuses on the execution of the two-handed backhand. The following key elements are emphasized in the session:
- Two-Handed Dinking: Players are encouraged to focus on proper body positioning, particularly the engagement of the hips and shoulders during dinking.
- Progressions: Drills progress from tossing the ball, to bouncing it, and then hitting it in the air. These exercises help develop control and precision.
- Feedback: Coaches provide feedback on open and closed stances, the importance of following through with the arms, and ensuring that the hips drive the motion. The key is to allow the hips to follow through with the arms, finishing with the paddle over the shoulder.
- Low to High: Players are taught to start with the paddle pointing downward, and finish with the paddle coming up over the shoulder for an effective shot. Hips driving through the motion adds power and accuracy.
Focusing on these elements will improve dinking skills and help players gain more control over their shots during a match.
News in Brief: Coach Mary’s Tips for Pickleball Players
Coach Mary’s pickleball tip of the week highlights the two-handed backhand, focusing on body positioning and follow-through. Cross-training classes for pickleball players are available at HupSix in Palm Desert.
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