Disciplined Choices in Pickleball: Kyle Koszuta, a popular pickleball coach and content creator, recently shared advice for players looking to improve their game. Speaking directly to recreational players, he explained that flashy, high-difficulty shots do not win more points. Instead, he emphasized that smart, disciplined play is key to winning more matches.
High-Difficulty Shots Don’t Guarantee Wins
In a video message aimed at the pickleball community, Kyle Koszuta addressed a common mistake made by many players—believing that harder, riskier shots lead to more points. He explained that this belief is wrong and often causes players to lose games.
“Someone in your pickleball group needs to hear this. I don’t know who but somebody in your friend group needs to hear this high DOD equals more points is not true. You know what DOD stands for—degree of difficulty. A higher degree of difficulty does not lead to more points scored.”(Kyle Koszuta)
He used an example of players going for highlight-worthy shots like tweeners (hitting the ball between the legs) while off balance. Koszuta pointed out that while these shots might look impressive, they are rarely effective if used often.
Discipline Over Occasional Brilliance
Kyle Koszuta offered a simple rule for those who want to win more games: focus on making smart, consistent choices rather than trying to be impressive.
“If it’s about winning, here’s the phrase to remember—disciplined choices beat occasional brilliance.If you stay disciplined over the course of a game, over the course of a match, and you try to take the right shot at the right time as often as possible, you’re going to win more.”-(Kyle Koszuta)
He acknowledged that trying exciting shots is fun and may work from time to time. But he warned players not to get tricked into thinking those lucky moments mean they should do it again.
“Well, that was an ATP so that was good, but you know what I’m talking about. If that’s you, it’s okay. It’s fun. But when it comes to winning, that will work occasionally—and often times it does work occasionally—and so in our heads we’re like ‘Oh that worked, I should do it again.’ No, you shouldn’t do it again. You should acknowledge it did work, it was awesome, but let me get back to being more disciplined when I’m playing so that I can actually try to win this match.”-(Kyle Koszuta)
Playing for Fun vs. Playing to Win
While Kyle Koszuta recognized that pickleball should be enjoyable, he reminded players to know their goals.
“I mean if—if you want to win. I mean it’s—if you want to win. People are going to comment and be like ‘Yeah but it was you, you.’ No, if you want to win a lot—you know, if you don’t want to win, do whatever.”-(Kyle Koszuta)
He admitted that he, too, sometimes goes for flashy shots just for fun.
“It’s fun to do it. I do it sometimes too. It’s fun. I don’t know if I do that a lot right now. I’m not going to win. Maybe I didn’t win last weekend. Now I’m mad” -(Kyle Koszuta)
Why Koszuta’s Message Matters
Kyle Koszuta’s message is important for both casual and competitive players. His advice reminds players that winning often comes from smart decisions, not risky moves. By focusing on discipline and choosing the right shot at the right time, players can improve their overall performance and enjoy more wins.
News in Brief: Disciplined Choices in Pickleball
Kyle Koszuta shared key advice for pickleball players: winning comes from smart, consistent shots, not flashy moves. He warned against chasing highlight plays and instead urged players to focus on disciplined decision-making throughout the game to improve their chances of winning.
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