Hello to all my passionate pickleball practitioners! As a pickleball coach and avid player, I feel a tremendous sense of joy when I see the glow of accomplishment on my students’ faces. Each victory, each well-placed shot, each surge of laughter, these are the moments that define the sport for me. I used to get so nervous when I played. I finally overcame that, but I still get just as nervous when one of my students is in the throes of a big match. I can’t seem to overcome this vicarious nervousness, but that’s okay because I don’t have to perform.
Allow me to take you on a little trip down memory lane. I remember a student of mine, let’s call her Sarah, a spirited woman in her mid-50s. Sarah initially hesitated to delve into singles pickleball; she had a great doubles partner and tended to let him take many shots, making her a cheerleader with a paddle. But with a little encouragement and a strategic approach, she blossomed into a formidable competitor, inspiring everyone around her. And today, my dear friends, I want to share the strategy playbook that made a champion out of Sarah!
Master The DeepPenetrating ServeUnleashing the Cannon
“The serve in pickleball isn’t just to initiate the point; it’s your first statement, your signature move.”
Servy McServerton
One of the first things I teach my students is the importance of a deep serve. I recall another student, Betty. She was consistent but lacked that killer instinct. I introduced her to the art of deep serving, and oh boy, did that unlock her potential! She started pushing her opponents back, gaining control right from the first stroke. Betty transformed into a real-life example of how a potent deep serve can change the game. So ladies, let’s dig deep and practice that serve! I highly suggest you read our article on the lob serve; putting that little bit of extra air under the ball will naturally make it land deeper and give you more margin for error.
The Deep Return ServeThe Art of Retaliation
Switching gears to return serves, I can’t help but bring up Linda. When she first started, Linda was reluctant to go for deep returns. I explained to her, a deep return is your counter-punch, your retaliation. It puts pressure on your opponent while buying you some extra time. Linda took this advice to heart, and the next time I saw her on the court, I could see a shift in her approach. She had become more assertive, more in control, making the deep return serve her staple move.
Service Placement MasteryThe Art of Deception
Next, we enter the territory of precision, serve placement. Serving deep is essential, but serving towards the “T” is a masterstroke. Not only do you reduce your steps for the next shot, but you also limit your opponent’s angles. Now, a word of caution here, becoming predictable is a crime in pickleball. Remember how Betty surprised her opponents? That’s right, mix up your serves, and keep your adversary on their toes. It might seem like a lot to jump into spin at this point but adding rotation to your serves opens up so many placement options. I like the article by Brenton Cashmore on spin serves.
Tracking Your ShotThe Hawk’s Eye
After you’ve executed your third shot or return of serve, the next crucial step is to track the ball’s trajectory. This isn’t merely about observing the ball; it’s about positioning yourself optimally on the court. Avoid the common mistake of rushing towards the Kitchen Line; instead, stay aligned with your shot. This tactic gives you better control and adds an element of uncertainty for your opponent.
The key to becoming a pickleball virtuoso lies in the tiny details. You would think that your mind would automatically track the ball, but oftentimes that’s not the case, and you have to make a conscious effort to keep your eye on the ball. The moment you hit your third shot or return serve, engage your inner hawk and keep your eyes on the flight of the pickleball. I cannot stress enough how important this is, as one of my top students, Alice, demonstrated. She’d meticulously follow her shot’s trajectory, positioning herself optimally on the court. Instead of rushing to the Kitchen Line, she stayed in line with her shot. This technique increased her control over the game, keeping her opponent on edge and always guessing Alice’s next move, and it gave Alice a sense of control and confidence, knowing where the ball was at all times.
Recovering from a Poor ReturnMistakes Happen, But That Doesn’t Mean The Point Is Over
Let’s be real, we’re all human, and mistakes are part of our game. But what separates the good from the great is how they respond to these mistakes. I had a student, Emma, who had a knack for coming back stronger after a poor return. Depending on the situation and her opponent, Emma would either hang back at the baseline, playing defensively, or she’d charge forward, halting just behind the Kitchen Line. She understood that each error was a new opportunity to learn and improve, and that’s the spirit we need!
She was so good at recovering from a poor return that I think she sometimes liked to put up meatball returns just to challenge herself. She was a little cocky but that’s a good thing! When it comes to singles the more you believe in yourself the more you win.
Embracing the Kitchen Line – The Game ChangerSrsly, Get There First and Own the Short Court
The Kitchen Line isn’t just another line on the court; it’s the line that can dictate the flow of the game. Venturing forward, closer to the net, you can cut off your opponent’s angles, putting them in difficult positions and forcing them to make errors. Yes, there will be instances when you might get caught out, but the advantage you gain makes it worth the risk.
“Ladies, the Kitchen Line isn’t just a line on the court; it’s the line that separates the ordinary from the extraordinary.”
Me, during an intesive camp.
Let me share a little anecdote about this. Susan, a charming lady in her late 50s, had a tendency to hang back on the court. She was hesitant to venture forward, closer to the net. But as she started practicing moving into the Kitchen Line, her game underwent a significant transformation. By cutting off her opponent’s angles, she put them in difficult positions, forcing them to make errors. Yes, there were times when she got caught out, but more often than not, she won the point!
Cardio Power-Up 🏃🏾♀️The Best Strategies in the World Don’t Matter if You’re not Fit Enough To Implement Them
Fitness plays a critical role in singles pickleball, as it demands continuous movement, swift footwork, and high endurance levels. Work on your cardiovascular health, involve yourself in activities like jogging, cross-training, or even hiking. These activities can substantially enhance your stamina and overall performance on the court. Be careful not to overdo it though, overuse injuries are real. This article can help you deal with recovery if you do happen to go too hard.
Singles pickleball is as demanding physically as it is mentally. Continuous movement, quick footwork, and stamina are essential. I remember Patricia, who was initially struggling to keep up with the game’s pace. Patricia took it upon herself to improve her cardio. She began jogging daily, did cross-training, and even took up hiking on the weekends. The change in her endurance levels was astonishing, and it reflected in her game, turning Patricia into a real powerhouse on the court.
The Soft GameSoft Hands and Short Ball Will Open up Endless Opportunities to Attack
Power play might appear thrilling, but mastering the soft game in pickleball can be just as crucial. This involves gentle, strategic shots that maintain control and can often force the opponents into errors. It’s a graceful dance, a different rhythm to the game, which can be surprisingly effective.
Many players, especially beginners, find themselves enticed by the thrill of power play, the crack of the paddle hitting the ball hard. However, the soft game in pickleball, the gentle dinking, can be just as lethal. I’ll never forget Mary, one of my first students, who struggled initially with the hard-hitting game. Instead, she found her strength in soft, strategic shots. Mary would calmly dink the ball back and forth over the net, maintaining control, and frustrating her opponents into errors. It was a joy to watch, akin to a graceful dance. She demonstrated that sometimes, slow and steady really does win the race!
While power shots make an impact, a well-executed drop shot can be a game-changer. This requires gently dropping the ball just over the net, bringing your opponent forward before hitting a deep shot that pushes them back. It’s a challenging shot to master but can be highly rewarding.
Momentum Over SpaceThe Great Chess Game of Leaning On Way Or The Other
Pickleball is not just about physical prowess; it’s a mind game, much like chess. You have to anticipate your opponent’s move and counteract it. Here’s where tracking your opponent’s momentum comes into play. This strategy reminds me of Helen, a sprightly 60-year-old, who would intelligently use her opponent’s momentum to her advantage. She’d observe, calculate, and place her shots in the opposite direction, forcing her opponents to change their path abruptly.
Footwork – The Dance of the CourtMany Little Steps Will Keep You Nimble
Efficient footwork is a fundamental component of pickleball. You might have the power, but without appropriate positioning and swift movement, the power might not translate into winning shots. Spend time on footwork drills, shadow practice, and enhance your overall mobility on the court.
Footwork is a crucial element that often gets overlooked by amateur players. Just ask Jennifer, a passionate student who was initially all about the power game. She was always eager to hit those smashing winners but found herself out of position more often than not. Jennifer soon learned that moving efficiently around the court is as vital as any shot in pickleball. After rigorous footwork drills and shadow practice, Jennifer’s game saw a tremendous improvement. She was quicker, more balanced, and reached balls she never could before. Remember, ladies, it’s often about being at the right place at the right time!
The Lob ShotReach for The Skies and Watch Your Opposition Crumble
A well-executed lob shot can disrupt an opponent’s game plan and offer you a breather. This involves sending the ball soaring over your opponents’ heads, forcing them to move back while you gain control of the net. It requires practice but can add a valuable dimension to your game.
One of the trickiest shots to master in pickleball is the lob. However, when executed correctly, it can be a game-changer. I remember George, a sprightly 60-year-old gentleman, who was struggling in his games due to his opponents’ net dominance. He came to me seeking advice, and together, we worked on perfecting his lob shot. Over time, he became proficient in sending the ball soaring over his opponents’ heads, forcing them to scamper back and giving him time to claim the net. This changed the dynamic of his game entirely. So don’t underestimate the power of a well-executed lob!
Patience is THE VirtueLetting Your Opponent Lose is the Same as Winning
Many of my students initially shared the urge to go for the big shot, trying to end the point quickly. But as any seasoned player would tell you, patience is often the key in pickleball. Rather than taking unnecessary risks, it’s better to apply consistent pressure on your opponent and let them make the mistakes. Cindy, a diligent student of mine, exemplified this approach beautifully in her games. She’d remain patient, stay consistent, and often emerge victorious, proving that in pickleball, the patient player gets the pickle!
The Power of Positivity
Finally, while strategies and skills are essential, one of the most important aspects of the game is your mindset. Positive thinking, a can-do attitude, and the ability to bounce back from mistakes are what make a great player. Always remember, every point is a new opportunity, and every game a new adventure!
In Conclusion – Embrace the Journey
So there you have it – a comprehensive strategy playbook to kickstart your journey into singles pickleball. Remember, the goal is not to rush but to learn and grow at your own pace. Each player has a unique style, so take these strategies and adapt them to suit your game. Experiment, learn from your mistakes, and, most importantly, enjoy every moment on the court.
Keep practicing, stay consistent, be patient, and don’t forget to relish the thrill of the game. Remember, in pickleball, as in life, it’s not just about reaching the destination, it’s about enjoying the journey. So ladies, let’s make the most of this wonderful journey. Happy playing!
However, about a year ago, I discovered the wonderful world of pickleball. I was hesitant at first, given my knee issues, but I was determined to find a fun way to get active and hopefully shed some pounds in the process. And boy, did I ever fall in love with pickleball!
Not only is it a great workout, but it's also so much fun. I've met so many amazing people through playing pickleball and I always look forward to my next game. I even joined a local league and have competed in a few tournaments – something I never thought I'd be able to do.
Pickleball has truly changed my life for the better. I'm more active than I've ever been before, and I've even managed to lose a few pounds along the way. And best of all, my knee issues haven't been much of a problem thanks to the low-impact nature of the sport.
If you're someone who, like me, has struggled with weight and/or physical limitations, I highly recommend giving pickleball a try. It's a wonderful way to get active, have fun, and meet some amazing people along the way. Who knows – you might just fall in love with it like I did!
