Tanner Tomassi’s Proven Pickleball Tips: Professional pickleball player Tanner Tomassi recently shared an insightful video on Instagram, offering a concise yet detailed guide on how to master one of the sport’s most critical skills: covering the middle of the court. With a step-by-step breakdown, Tomassi explained the fundamentals of positioning, paddle control, and anticipation—key elements that even experienced players sometimes overlook.
Step Parallel to the Kitchen Line for Precision
Tomassi began by addressing a common mistake players make when covering the middle: stepping back and leaving space open near the net. According to Tomassi, the correct approach is to step parallel across the kitchen line, ensuring stability and minimizing the risk of hitting into the net.
“Players often step backward, which creates unnecessary distance and makes it difficult to execute a clean shot.” – (Tanner Tomassi)
By staying parallel, players maintain proper alignment and reduce errors, making this adjustment a cornerstone of effective middle coverage.
Keep the Paddle in the Peripheral Vision
Another key tip shared by Tanner Tomassi was maintaining paddle control. He emphasized the importance of keeping the paddle within the player’s peripheral vision. This technique promotes a short, compact swing, which is vital for maintaining control over the ball.
“Most players tend to over-swing, trying to generate power. But the element of surprise is already on your side. A softer, controlled shot is often more effective and less likely to result in an error.” – (Tanner Tomassi)
This reminder highlights the importance of precision over power in tight exchanges at the net.
Anticipate the Return and Stay Ready
In his final point, Tanner Tomassi stressed the importance of readiness after the initial shot. Players should finish their swings with their paddles extended out in front, expecting the ball to come back. This mindset prepares them for a follow-up shot, ensuring they stay in the rally rather than assuming they’ve already won the point.
“Anticipation is everything. By staying ready for the next ball, you’re positioning yourself to clean up the play and maintain control of the point.” – (Tanner Tomassi)
News in Brief: Tanner Tomassi’s Proven Pickleball Tips
Professional pickleball player Tanner Tomassi shared an Instagram video breaking down how to master covering the middle of the court. He highlighted three key tips: stepping parallel to the kitchen line for precision, maintaining paddle control within peripheral vision to prioritize accuracy over power, and staying ready to anticipate follow-up shots.
By focusing on footwork, compact swings, and mental readiness, Tanner Tomassi’s concise guidance provides actionable advice for players of all levels looking to improve their performance on the court.
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