Linda Thompson Pickleball Training Tips: Pickleball coach and senior pro player Linda Thompson has launched a training video on Selkirk TV to teach players how to master the disguised speed-up shot in doubles pickleball. The lesson helps players improve their strategy, skills, and court positioning by showing exactly where and when to attack.
Linda Thompson, who lives in Florida and spent many years in Columbus, Ohio, said many players struggle to understand where to hit the ball and how to be ready for fast attacks.
“One of the biggest topics I get asked about from students when I teach is they say to me, ‘Can you just do a clinic on strategy? We’re playing. We don’t really know what we should be doing. We don’t know if we’re standing in the right place. We don’t know if we’re hitting the ball in the right place.’”
Teaching the Right Target
Linda Thompson explained that many players try to attack down the middle, thinking it is the best choice. But she said this is often a mistake because it is easy to defend.
“They think that looks open and that looks like the shot they want to hit, but in reality, it’s the easiest shot to defend if people are moving correctly on the court,” she said.
Instead, players should attack the opponent directly across from them since that person is closest and more likely to be caught off guard.
Staying Ready and Focused
Linda Thompson reminded players never to assume the ball won’t be attacked.
“You could be hitting a ball at somebody’s feet. They might try to attack it. So consider yourself in the hot seat when you’re in front of the person with the ball,” she explained.
She advised players to stay ready and expect an attack every time.
“If they don’t attack you, fine. You’ve got plenty of time to adjust. But if they do attack you, you’re ready and you’re not surprised,” she said.
Practicing with the Figure Eight Drill
To help players learn this skill, Linda Thompson demonstrated the figure eight drill. In this drill, only the players standing straight ahead are allowed to attack. Players have to wait for the right ball to attack and try to disguise their shot.
“It could go 12 times before there’s an attackable ball, but when you get that, attack it. Try to disguise it,” she said.
During the drill, Linda Thompson pointed out examples of good attacks and defensive moves.
“That was a good one. He took it right out of the air. He didn’t take his paddle back. He disguised it straight at her right side. Were you surprised?” she asked with a laugh.
Rotating Positions
Linda Thompson said players should rotate through all four spots on the court to practice attacking and defending from every angle.
“So the purpose of this drill is really just to get it into your head. You want to attack straight ahead. You don’t want to attack that down the middle,” she said.
She explained that if opponents don’t move correctly, hitting down the middle can still work, but against skilled players, the straight-ahead attack is stronger.
“If you’re playing people all your same level, people are moving as they should be on the court, this person straight ahead should be your target,” she said.
Linda Thompson ended the lesson by inviting players to subscribe to Selkirk TV to learn more drills, watch videos, and listen to podcasts.
News in Brief: Linda Thompson Pickleball Training Tips
Linda Thompson shared a training video teaching pickleball players how to master the disguised speed-up shot. She explained that attacking the opponent in front is better than aiming for the middle. Her figure eight drill helps players practice staying ready and choosing the right ball to attack.
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