Essential Pickleball Tips: In the sport of pickleball, it’s easy to get caught up in the more glamorous aspects of the game, such as executing Ernes, performing around-the-post shots, or delivering blistering speedups. However, focusing on fundamental techniques can significantly enhance the overall game. Here are three essential strategies to help you level up the pickleball skills.
Understanding Misses: The Net Is Your Enemy
In pickleball, players encounter three main types of misses:
- Long or Out of Bounds: The ball goes beyond the court’s boundaries.
- High: The ball is hit too high, allowing opponents to capitalize with a downward shot.
- Low: The ball fails to clear the net and lands in the net.
Among these, hitting the ball low into the net is the most detrimental, as it guarantees losing the rally. While high or out-of-bounds shots might still provide an opportunity for your opponent to make an error, a shot into the net ends the point immediately.
Regardless of the preferred shots—whether drops or drives—the primary goal should be to clear the net. If players struggle with drops, aim higher rather than perfecting the shot. If drives are an issue, reduce the power to maintain accuracy.
Always Anticipate the Return in Pickleball
The game of pickleball has evolved beyond the era when a powerful shot could secure a point. Today’s players are adept at countering speedups, particularly the first one. However, many players falter when the ball comes back for the second, third, or fourth time. This is often due to a common mistake: lowering the paddle after the first counter, expecting the rally to end.
This poor paddle position can lead to overcompensated or delayed swings. By adopting the mindset that the ball will always return, players must ensure that they’re prepared for every shot. This approach helps keep their paddle in the right position, shortens their swings, and improves their volley performance.
Master Early Preparation for Better Play
Effective play in pickleball relies heavily on early preparation. Here’s how you can improve:
- Paddle Positioning: Prepare the paddle where players expect the ball to be, instead of waiting for the ball to reach them before reacting. This proactive approach allows for a more effective response.
- Footwork: Maintain an athletic stance with slightly bent knees and weight on the balls of the feet. This posture enhances mobility, whether players need to move forward, backward, or side-to-side.
- Purposeful Shot Placement: Before a match, mentally plan where players aim their shots. Common targets include the opponent’s backhand or the inside foot of the right-side player. Even if players don’t know their opponent’s strengths or weaknesses, focusing on these areas will improve their chances of success. Adjust the strategy as players learn more about their opponent during the match.
Simplify the Pickleball Techniques for Success
Topspin has become a popular topic among pickleball players for its potential to add complexity to shots and challenge opponents. However, if trying to incorporate topspin complicates the swing or leads to inconsistent results, it’s better to return to simpler techniques.
A short, controlled swing often yields better results than a complex, spin-heavy approach. Focus on perfecting basic shots and techniques before adding advanced elements to the game.
News in Brief: Essential Pickleball Tips
To elevate the pickleball game, focus on these key strategies: 1) Prioritize avoiding low net misses, which always end the rally. 2) Always anticipate the ball’s return to stay prepared and improve shot accuracy. 3) Master early preparation with proper paddle positioning and athletic footwork.
Keep the techniques simple; avoid overly complex swings to maintain consistency and effectiveness in the game.
ALSO READ: Tanner Tomassi’s Essential Tips for Paddle Tracking in Pickleball
