Pickleball is a fast-growing racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It is played on a smaller court with a lower net, using wooden paddles and a plastic ball with holes. The game is relatively easy to learn, but it takes time and practice to become an advanced player.
If you’re an experienced pickleball player looking to take your game to the next level, here are some strategies and techniques to try out:
- Serve with spin: Adding spin to your serve can make it more difficult for your opponent to return. To serve with topspin, hit the ball with a downward motion, causing it to bounce higher on the other side of the net. To serve with backspin, hit the ball with an upward motion, causing it to slice down and bounce lower on the other side.
- Vary your serves: Mixing up your serves can keep your opponent guessing. Try serving different speeds, spins, and locations. For example, you could serve a fast, flat serve to the body, followed by a slow, spinning serve to the backhand.
- Use your feet: Good footwork is essential in pickleball. Be sure to position yourself properly to receive your opponent’s serve, and move quickly to get to the ball. Also, be sure to stay balanced, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight distributed evenly.
- Place your shots: Pickleball is a game of strategy and positioning. Instead of just hitting the ball as hard as you can, try to place your shots in areas that will be difficult for your opponent to get to. This might mean hitting a drop shot just over the net, or a lob that lands just inside the baseline.
- Use your forehand and backhand: It’s important to develop both a forehand and backhand stroke in pickleball. A forehand stroke is hit with the palm of your hand facing down, while a backhand stroke is hit with the palm facing up. Being able to hit shots with both your forehand and backhand will give you more options on the court and make you a more well-rounded player.
- Practice your volleys: Volleys are an important part of pickleball, as they allow you to control the pace of the game and keep the ball away from your opponent’s power shots. To improve your volleys, practice hitting soft, low volleys that just clear the net, as well as harder, deeper volleys that land closer to the back of the court.
- Use the non-volley zone: In pickleball, there is a non-volley zone (also known as the “kitchen”) on either side of the net that extends 7 feet from the net. Players are not allowed to volley the ball while they are standing in this zone. Knowing how to use this zone to your advantage can be a powerful weapon. For example, you can hit a soft shot into your opponent’s non-volley zone, forcing them to either let the ball bounce or hit it out of the air, which can be difficult to do accurately.
- Play doubles: In addition to singles play, pickleball is also played in doubles format. In doubles, there are two players on each side of the court. Playing doubles can help you improve your teamwork and communication skills, as well as your ability to cover the court.
- Work on your mental game: Pickleball is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. To become an advanced player, it’s important to have a positive attitude, stay focused, and manage your emotions. This also means learning how to deal with mistakes and setbacks, and being able to bounce back and refocus during a match.
- One way to improve your mental game is to visualize yourself successfully executing certain shots or strategies. This can help to build confidence and give you a clear idea of what you want to do on the court.
- Another important aspect of the mental game is being able to read your opponent and anticipate their next move. This might involve watching how they hold their paddle, the way they position themselves on the court, or the type of shots they tend to hit. By paying attention to these small details, you can get a better sense of what your opponent is likely to do next and adjust your strategy accordingly.
- Join a club or league: One of the best ways to become an advanced pickleball player is to play regularly with other experienced players. Joining a pickleball club or league can give you the opportunity to meet new people, improve your skills, and have fun. Many clubs and leagues offer organized play, clinics, and tournaments, which can provide valuable experience and help you measure your progress.
By incorporating these strategies and techniques into your pickleball game, you can take your skills to the next level and become a more advanced player. Remember to keep practicing, stay positive, and have fun, and you’ll be on your way to becoming a pickleball pro!
