Zane Navratil Pickleball Strategies: Professional pickleball player Zane Navratil has shared new tips on how players can dominate the middle of the court using modern strategies. In a recent video, Navratil explained how today’s game has evolved and how players can stay ahead with smarter plays and the right gear.
Zane Navratil has been playing pickleball since 2013 and turned professional in 2020. In his video, he explains how offense from the left side has changed. One major shift is the increased use of two-handed backhands. Navratil focuses on how players can take control from the middle of the court by reading the game and making smart shot choices.
Breaking Down Shot Options from the Middle
Just like in his previous video on the aggressive right side, Zane Navratil breaks down shot choices and expected counterattacks. One key shot is speeding the ball up straight through the middle. But if opponents cover the middle, players can fake a speed-up and instead go for a powerful inside-out dink.
“I want to make it look like I’m going to speed the ball up. Then I can hit an aggressive inside out dink. The key here is to hit a push dink, meaning that it’s hit aggressively. Your opponent is likely going to be crashing towards the center and an aggressive dink can catch them out of position.”
After hitting this, Navratil says players should step towards the center and take the next ball early if it’s popped up. Another option is a speed-up to the opponent’s backhand, even crosscourt.
“You’re probably told not to speed up the ball crosscourt, right? While this can be a decent generalization for beginners, crosscourt speed ups are a huge part of modern pickle ball at higher levels.”
This move forces the opponent to reach and respond while off-balance. Navratil advises players to wait for the return in the middle if they force a stretch.
Understanding Counterattacks and Shot Placement
Navratil also warns against targeting the player directly across the court with a diagonal shot, as they can defend and counter easily. Instead, he suggests hitting near the opponent’s right hip, also called the “chicken wing.”
“Since they’re likely going to be sitting on their forehand, the objective is to jam them. This is a decent option. However, there’s no clear spot where the counter is going to tend to come.”
He adds that if players can hit hard enough, the return might come right back to them, giving a chance to control the next shot. When attacking the player directly ahead, Navratil says it’s best to aim across their body.
“If I’m going to take this ball at the person in front of me, I want to make sure that I can get across their body.”
Even if it’s unclear where the counter will go, it’s often slow enough for the attacker to handle. Navratil stresses that players must “earn” the right to go through the middle by hitting to other areas first.
“Once you’ve hit some of the other spots, you then have opened up the middle. If you speed up through the middle and the right side player hits it, they’ll most likely be late with their backhand and counter it through the middle or towards your partner. If the left side player gets the ball, they’ll often counter it back towards you or through the middle.”
He closes by stating how important it is to play strong from the middle and to make the most of all the available shot options.
Tools for the Modern Game
Zane Navratil also highlights the role of equipment. He points to ProXR paddles, known for their performance and innovation since launching in 2022.
“To play modern pickball, you need modern paddles, and ProxR has just that. Since they were founded in 2022, their goal has been innovation and elite performance. Playing modern pickball requires modern paddles, and my YouTube subscribers can get 10% off and free shipping by following the link in the description.”
He links smart play with smart gear, suggesting that both are needed to win in today’s fast-paced game.
What It Means for Players
Zane Navratil’s strategy guide shows how much pickleball has changed in recent years. His advice helps players not just react, but control the game from the middle of the court. By mixing up shots and using the right paddle, players at all levels can improve their skills and stay competitive.
News in Brief: Zane Navratil Pickleball Strategies
Zane Navratil, a professional pickleball player, shared expert tips on how to dominate the middle of the court using smart shot choices and modern strategy. He explained different shot options, common counterattacks, and the importance of ProXR paddles for top-level play in today’s fast-changing game.
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