John Cincola’s Bold Pickleball Strategy: Pickleball pro John Cincola shared detailed strategy and analysis from his recent match at the PPA North Carolina event. Competing in the round of 16 with partner Blaine Hovenier, Cincola faced Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio and offered viewers a close look into their pre-match plan and gameplay decisions.
Attacking Early to Stay Ahead
Before the match, Cincola and Hovenier studied their opponents’ strengths. They knew Johns and Tardio were skilled attackers. To match their intensity, Cincola said they planned to “adopt an aggressive approach, focusing on offense from the outset.” Their goal was to keep rallies short and control the match tempo.
Strong Start and Early Pressure
The match began with Blaine serving. Cincola noted that Gabe made “an early unforced error,” which helped them regain possession quickly. He pointed out that Blaine’s “powerful serves and drives” played a key role in keeping their opponents on defence. Throughout the match, Cincola commented on moments where they found success by being fast and forceful.
Smart Plays and Quick Transitions
Much of Cincola’s scoring came from strong transition plays. He recalled one rally where he dropped the ball near Ben to create a good angle: “I take advantage of Ben’s positioning.”
He stressed how they “avoided lengthy dinking rallies” and instead used aggressive shots to stay on the attack.
Adjusting Tactics Mid-Game
As the game went on, Cincola faced tough moments. He pointed to “unforced errors” and spoke about the need for fast decisions based on how their opponents played.
In one key moment, he told Blaine to help cover the middle: “I communicate with Blaine about covering the middle of the court.”
He also described making choices about when to “speed up shots” and how to position himself to defend against attacks.
Final Thoughts and Lessons Learned
Looking back at the match, Cincola said they stayed competitive despite the challenges. “We were able to demonstrate effective strategies,” he said. He also appreciated the crowd and competition, calling it “a valuable opportunity for learning and growth.” He hopes viewers gain helpful tips from his breakdown of the match.
News in Brief: John Cincola’s Bold Pickleball Strategy
John Cincola reviewed his PPA North Carolina match against Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio, sharing key strategies. He explained how aggressive play, smart positioning, and quick transitions helped his team stay competitive. The video offers insights for players hoping to improve against strong opponents through smart planning and fast decision-making.
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