Pickleball
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Pickleball Tips To Improve Your Game
If you're a pickleball enthusiast looking to improve your game, you've come to the right place. Pickleball is a fun and exciting sport that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels. However, as with any sport, there are always ways to improve your game and take your skills to the next level. In this article, we'll be discussing some key tips and strategies to help you improve your pickleball game. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, these tips will help you enhance your technique, increase your consistency, and elevate your overall performance on the court. So, let's dive in and take a closer look at how you can improve your pickleball game.
FOCUS
One of the most neglected aspects of pickleball is the focus. Maintaining a strong ready position and being in the right position on the court is crucial. A strong ready position involves having your paddle up and ready between shots, with a wide base and slightly bent knees for quick movement. Standing tall like a building is not advisable, as it reduces your mobility. Remember to always maintain a strong ready position, especially when you're at the kitchen.
POSITION ON COURT
Positioning is an essential aspect of pickleball. One common mistake is not moving forward on a good drop or moving forward on a bad drop. After hitting a drop, immediately identify whether it's good, bad, or okay. Move forward to the kitchen for good drops, transition to the transition zone for okay drops, and stay back to defend against bad drops. Another mistake is being too close to the kitchen, particularly when you're about to get killed or you're in a firefight. Give yourself a little more space to maneuver. Additionally, get to the kitchen quickly off your returns when appropriate.
FOOTWORK
Proper footwork is crucial to beat higher-level players. Focus on your footwork, especially at the back of the court. Avoid reaching or being too close to the ball to remain in the right position to move forward and use your body weight to hit the shot. In a point, prioritize footwork over technique, as it is impossible to hit the shot without being in the correct position.
GAME PLAN
Avoid being predictable and deviate from your core strategy occasionally to keep your opponents on their toes. Try not to use the same strategy at every point, as it makes it easy for your opponents to get used to playing you that way. Identify your opponent's weaknesses and develop a custom plan to mix up your strategy. Mix up shots such as drives, lobs, and drop shots, based on your strengths and weaknesses and your opponent's strengths and weaknesses. Remember to go for the shots when you have the right opportunity.
PATIENCE
Patience is essential in pickleball. Avoid going for big shots too early or at the wrong times. Patiently wait for the right opportunity to accelerate on the ball. Prioritize patience when you're at the kitchen, as it's tempting to go for a speed-up. Wait for the right shot instead of going for a shot that's out of the ordinary.
MARGIN
To improve your consistency in pickleball, it's essential to give yourself some margin for error. This applies to all shots, from serves to overheads. Even the most skilled players need some room for error when aiming for their target. Instead of aiming for the line or corner of the court, aim for a spot that's a little bit closer to the center of the court. This way, if you're off by a bit, your ball will still land in bounds. By allowing yourself some margin for error, you can improve your consistency and minimize unforced errors in your game. Remember, it's better to hit a safe shot that lands in the court than to go for a risky shot that ends up out of bounds.
BALL BELOW KNEES
Avoid attacking the ball from below your knees. This is a common mistake that players of all levels make, but it's important to avoid it whenever possible. When the ball is below your knees, it's best to hit a soft dink shot or a neutral shot to keep the ball in play. Attacking the ball from below your knees means you're hitting it on a low-to-high trajectory, which makes it easier for your opponent to counterattack with a downward shot. This is just one of the many reasons why you should avoid attacking the ball when it's below your knees. So, remember, always be cautious of attacking low balls, and instead try to play a more controlled shot to keep the rally going.
Watch the video on how to neutralize the point when attacked .
OPPONENTS' FEET
Use your opponent's feet as a target when you're not sure where to hit the ball. Hitting down at your opponent's feet forces them to reach down for the ball and hit it with an upward trajectory, giving you the opportunity to hit the next ball down.
WORK ON YOUR WEAKNESSES
As much as we love to play to our strengths, avoiding our weaknesses can be a major flaw in our game. We all have areas in our game that require improvement and ignoring them can hinder our progress. The first step is acknowledging your weaknesses and then addressing them.
To improve your game, you need to put in the effort and work to turn those weaknesses into strengths. Identify the specific areas of your game that need improvement, such as backhand shots or overheads. Once you have identified them, focus on practicing those specific shots and develop a plan to strengthen those areas of your game.
Remember, you are not alone in having weaknesses in your game. Even the most skilled players have areas they need to work on. Embrace the challenge of improving and developing your weaknesses into strengths. In the end, it will pay off and make you a more well-rounded player on the court.
NON-VOLLEY ZONE (THE KITCHEN)
To dominate the game of pickleball, it is essential to understand the importance of the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ), or the kitchen. By being positioned up at the NVZ line, you give yourself and your partner the best opportunities to attack your opponent's weak shots. After your return, focus on getting to the NVZ line as quickly as possible. If you find yourself struggling to make it up there, consider using a high float return or a lob return to give yourself more time before your opponent hits the third shot. This will enable you to get in position and dominate the game from the NVZ line. Remember that the NVZ is a key part of the game, and mastering your position in this zone can give you a significant advantage over your opponents.
YOUR SERVE
If you're new to pickleball, focusing on getting your serve in is crucial to establish a solid foundation. However, as you progress and aim to improve, it's important to make your serve a weapon. Don't settle for just getting it in - work on adding spin, pace, and placement to your serve. Practice and perfect your serve to the point where you can consistently use it to your advantage and gain control of the game. So, while getting your serve in is important, strive to turn it into a powerful tool that can give you a competitive edge.
Improve your serve strategy video
THIRD SHOT
While third-shot drops may not be as important in lower levels of play, they become crucial as you face more advanced players. Developing a consistent and strong third-shot drop will allow you and your partner to advance to the non-volley zone line and gain control of the game.
Watch our video about the third shot drop
ANALYZE YOUR OPPONENTS' STRENGTHS
One important strategy in pickleball is to avoid hitting your opponents' strengths. If you find that your opponents have a particularly strong shot, such as a powerful forehand, it's best to steer clear of that side of the court and try to force them to hit their weaker shot. By avoiding your opponents' strengths and targeting their weaknesses, you can gain a significant advantage in the game and make it easier for yourself to win points. So, be strategic and try to stay away from your opponents' strengths.
HIGH BALLS
Seize the opportunity when high balls come your way in pickleball, regardless of your skill level. If you get a ball that you can hit with a downward trajectory, aim for your opponent's feet, or hit it away from their body. Avoid hitting straight at their body because they can easily counterattack or reset the ball. When you get a high ball, capitalize on it and try to aim low below the net. This will increase your chances of winning the point and putting your opponent on the defensive.
