Tanner Tomassi’s Defensive Pickleball Technique: Pickleball player Tanner Tomassi recently shared an insightful tutorial on handling opponents’ speed-ups, an advanced tactic often used to catch players off guard. In his concise but impactful video, Tomassi broke down the essential positioning and strategies needed to neutralize this aggressive move, offering players a methodical approach to stay in control.
Understanding the Threat of Speed-Ups
Speed-ups are a hallmark of competitive pickleball, designed to increase tempo and force quick reactions. Tomassi acknowledged the difficulty players face in countering this tactic, especially when unprepared for the sudden shift in pace.
“The key is to position your body in a way that takes away your opponent’s angles, forcing them to attack directly through you.” – (Tanner Tomassi)
By mastering this positioning, players can effectively nullify the power behind a speed-up and stay ahead in rallies.
Body Positioning Is Key
Tanner Tomassi emphasized the importance of aligning the center of the body with the ball’s expected trajectory.
“Wherever you dink the ball, you want to get the center of your chest in front of where it bounces on their side.” – (Tanner Tomassi)
This subtle adjustment allows players to anticipate the direction of the opponent’s shot while cutting off potential angles. For example, if the ball is dinked toward the sideline, stepping into alignment with the bounce ensures that an opponent’s attempt to exploit the sideline will either hit the player or go out of bounds. Tanner Tomassi highlighted that failing to position correctly often leaves players vulnerable to attacks down the line.
Anticipating the Middle Game
When dinking toward the middle of the court, Tanner Tomassi advised players to anticipate a speed-up aimed at their weaker spots. By stepping strategically, players can intercept these shots while ensuring that any ball hit wide is likely to land out of bounds.
“This positioning removes the need to guess where the speed-up is coming from,” he explained, making it easier to handle fast-paced shots without sacrificing control or accuracy.
News in Brief: Tanner Tomassi’s Defensive Pickleball Technique
Pickleball player Tanner Tomassi recently shared a tutorial on countering opponents’ speed-ups, focusing on strategic positioning to neutralize aggressive plays. He advised aligning the center of the body with the ball’s expected trajectory to cut off angles and force opponents to attack directly.
By positioning effectively after dinking, players can anticipate shots without guessing and maintain control during fast-paced rallies. Tomassi’s step-by-step demonstration highlights the importance of efficient footwork, making his method an essential tool for improving defensive play.