Pickleball Tips Every Beginner Needs: Zach Grabovic, a professional pickleball player and former college tennis star, has rediscovered his love for the sport through pickleball. In partnership with Ahm Health Insurance, Grabovic shares essential tips to help players hone their skills and enjoy the game.
Grabovic began his journey into pickleball while coaching tennis in the U.S. A client requested a pickleball lesson, and although he had only seen the sport on Instagram, he took the opportunity to learn. He soon found that pickleball offered a refreshing change from the stresses of college tennis.
“I was a little burnt out from tennis after college, and pickleball was a rejuvenating sport that allowed me to compete again. It basically contained everything that I really loved about tennis.” – (Zach Grabovic)
The Appeal of Pickleball
Pickleball’s popularity is rapidly growing, particularly in Australia, due to its fun and approachable style.
“It’s just so universally adaptable. It doesn’t really matter what level you’re at. It’s a very social game, and it’s also a very competitive game, and because it starts with a low floor, anyone can pick up a paddle and basically start enjoying it straight away.” – (Zach Grabovic)
Essential Tips for Players
To help newcomers to the sport, Grabovic offers the following tips:
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Keep Your Eye on the Ball: Grabovic emphasizes the importance of maintaining eye contact with the ball. “This is a skill that pros do very well, but when we’re starting out, eye contact is the most important part. We want to make sure we’re keeping our eye on the ball throughout contact.”
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Take Short Swings: Unlike tennis, pickleball requires shorter swings. “Pickleball is a very fast-paced sport, so I think it’s important to keep your swings nice and short,” he advises. He notes that players coming from other racquet sports often take larger back swings, which are less effective in pickleball.
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“Dink” with Your Shoulders: Dinking is a crucial technique in pickleball. “We call it our short game, and it’s where you’re just trying to hit the ball from your kitchen line to bounce into your opponent’s kitchen,” Grabovic explains. He suggests using the shoulders for better control instead of relying solely on the wrists.
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Be Prepared for the Ball to Come Back: Grabovic warns against assuming every shot will be a winner. “Because pickleball involves such close proximity…if we’re not ready for that ball to come back, we’re often out of position or too late,” he says. Being prepared for a quick return improves overall performance.
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Have Fun: Grabovic encourages players to remember the joy of the game. “Like any sport, just have a lot of fun with it,” he says. He believes pickleball is incredibly inclusive, allowing people of all ages and skill levels to enjoy the sport.
Looking Ahead
Zach Grabovic’s journey from college tennis to pickleball illustrates the sport’s inclusive nature and growing appeal. With its accessible style and emphasis on enjoyment, pickleball continues to attract new players, making it a fantastic way to stay active and meet new people.
News in Brief: Pickleball Tips Every Beginner Needs
Zach Grabovic, a former college tennis star, shares tips for improving pickleball skills. He emphasizes the importance of keeping eye contact with the ball, taking short swings, and having fun. Grabovic believes pickleball is an inclusive sport, appealing to players of all ages and skill levels.
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