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[Using the reach technique to volley in pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/using-the-reach-technique-to-volley-in-pickleball/) - [Best technique for executing effective pickleball volleys](https://theartofpickleball.net/best-technique-for-executing-effective-pickleball-volleys/) - [The benefits of good communication and teamwork in pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/the-benefits-of-good-communication-and-teamwork-in-pickleball/) - [When to Poach in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/when-to-poach-in-pickleball/) - [Three keys to hitting a drive shot in pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/three-keys-to-hitting-a-drive-shot-in-pickleball/) - [Using volleys to score and defend in pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/using-volleys-to-score-and-defend-in-pickleball/) - [Using lobs to set up your attack in pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/using-lobs-to-set-up-your-attack-in-pickleball-2/) - [Techniques for Hitting Forehand and Backhand Shots in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/techniques-for-hitting-forehand-and-backhand-shots-in-pickleball-2/) - [Embracing Compression: Enhancing Pickleball Recovery with Dr. Cynthia Boccara](https://theartofpickleball.net/embracing-compression-enhancing-pickleball-recovery-with-dr-cynthia-boccara/) - [Hot vs. Cold: Balancing Temperature Therapies for Optimal Pickleball Recovery](https://theartofpickleball.net/hot-vs-cold-balancing-temperature-therapies-for-optimal-pickleball-recovery/) - [Foam Rolling Hacks for Pickleball Players](https://theartofpickleball.net/foam-rolling-hacks-for-pickleball-players/) - [Enhancing Pickleball Performance: Flexibility and Mobility](https://theartofpickleball.net/enhancing-pickleball-performance-the-power-of-flexibility-and-mobility/) - [Fuel Your Pickleball Performance: The Importance of Hydration and Nutrition](https://theartofpickleball.net/fuel-your-pickleball-performance-the-importance-of-hydration-and-nutrition/) - [Key Techniques for Proper Stance and Paddle Position](https://theartofpickleball.net/key-techniques-for-proper-stance-and-paddle-position/) - [Create Attacking Opportunities by Moving Dinks Around in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/create-attacking-opportunities-by-moving-dinks-around-in-pickleball/) - [Learn the Best Way to Defend a Lob in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/learn-the-best-way-to-defend-a-lob-in-pickleball/) - [The Benefits of Keeping Opponents Deep in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/the-benefits-of-keeping-opponents-deep-in-pickleball/) - [Hitting an Offensive Fourth Shot in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/hitting-an-offensive-fourth-shot-in-pickleball/) - [Using the Third Shot Drop to Control a Pickleball Rally](https://theartofpickleball.net/using-the-third-shot-drop-to-control-a-pickleball-rally/) - [Neutralize the Attack with a Reset Shot in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/neutralize-the-attack-with-a-reset-shot-in-pickleball/) - [Executing the Erne in pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/executing-the-erne-in-pickleball/) - [The Advantages of Attacking the Player in Front of you in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/the-advantages-of-attacking-the-player-in-front-of-you-in-pickleball/) - [Playing a Third Shot Drive to Set up an Easy Fifth Shot Drop in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/playing-a-third-shot-drive-to-set-up-an-easy-fifth-shot-drop-in-pickleball/) - [Go on the Pickleball Attack with the “Shake and Bake”](https://theartofpickleball.net/go-on-the-pickleball-attack-with-the-shake-and-bake/) - [Using lobs to set up your attack in pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/using-lobs-to-set-up-your-attack-in-pickleball/) - [Keys to Hitting an ATP (Around the Post) Shot in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/keys-to-hitting-an-atp-shot-in-pickleball/) - [Attacking with a Counterpunch in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/attacking-with-a-counterpunch-in-pickleball/) - [Keys to Returning a Serve in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/returning-a-service-in-pickleball/) - [How to Advance to the Kitchen when Hitting a Slice-Return in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/hot-to-advance-to-the-net-when-hitting-a-slice-return-in-pickleball/) - [Proper Technique for Hitting a Slice Forehand in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/proper-technique-for-hitting-a-slice-forehand-in-pickleball/) - [Hit Better Pickleball Shots with Proper Footwork and Positioning](https://theartofpickleball.net/hit-better-pickleball-shots-with-proper-footwork-and-positioning/) - [Practice your Short Game with the Forehand / Backhand Drill](https://theartofpickleball.net/practice-your-short-game-with-the-forehand-backhand-drill/) - [Tips for Dinking in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/https-theartofpickleball-net-tips-for-dinking-in-pickleball/) - [Dinking Game Drill: Learning the Dink Technique in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/https-theartofpickleball-net-dinking-game-drill-learning-the-dink-technique-in-pickleball/) - [The Strategy Behind Hitting a Forehand Slice in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/https-theartofpickleball-net-the-strategy-behind-hitting-a-forehand-slice-in-pickleball/) - [The Advantages of Hitting a Driving Slice in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/the-advantages-of-hitting-a-driving-slice-in-pickleball/) - [Techniques for Hitting Forehand and Backhand Shots in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/techniques-for-hitting-forehand-and-backhand-shots-in-pickleball/) - [Four Tips for Perfecting the Dink Shot in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/four-tips-for-perfecting-the-dink-shot-in-pickleball/) - [The Advantages of the Continental Grip in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/the-advantages-of-the-continental-grip-in-pickleball/) - [Tips for Hitting an Effective Punch Volley in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/tips-for-hitting-an-effective-punch-volley-in-pickleball/) - [When and How to Hit a Punch Volley in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/when-and-how-to-hit-a-punch-volley-in-pickleball/) - [Tips for Hitting Reflex Volleys in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/tips-for-hitting-reflex-volleys-in-pickleball/) - [An Overview of the Continental Grip in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/an-overview-of-the-continental-grip-in-pickleball/) - [Technique Overview of the Sidespin and Topspin Serves in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/technique-overview-of-the-sidespin-and-topspin-serves-in-pickleball/) - [How to Handle Lob Shots on Offense and Defense in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/how-to-handle-lob-shots-on-offense-and-defense-in-pickleball/) - [Technique Overview for Hitting a Drop Shot in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/technique-overview-for-hitting-a-drop-shot-in-pickleball/) - [Pickleball Drop Shots: The Importance of the Follow-through](https://theartofpickleball.net/pickleball-drop-shots-the-importance-of-the-follow-through/) - [When to Hit Volleys with a Forehand vs. a Backhand in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/when-to-hit-volleys-with-a-forehand-vs-a-backhand-in-pickleball/) - [How to Hit a Sidespin Serve in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/how-to-hit-a-sidespin-serve-in-pickleball/) - [Serves, Returns and Drops](https://theartofpickleball.net/serves-returns-and-drops/) - [Transition Shots and Mid Court Strategy](https://theartofpickleball.net/transition-shots-and-mid-court-strategy/) - [Three Player Drill Plans](https://theartofpickleball.net/three-player-drill-plans/) - [Four Player Drill Plans](https://theartofpickleball.net/four-player-drill-plans/) - [<strong>Short game: Dinking technique and strategy</strong>](https://theartofpickleball.net/short-game-dinking-technique-and-strategy/) - [Technique Overview of the Block Volley in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/technique-overview-of-the-block-volley-in-pickleball/) - [Executing Block and Punch Volleys in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/executing-block-and-punch-volleys-in-pickleball/) - [Overview of the Continental Grip and Spin Serve in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/overview-of-the-continental-grip-and-spin-serve-in-pickleball/) - [Technique Overview of the Underspin and Sidespin Serves in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/technique-overview-of-the-underspin-and-sidespin-serves-in-pickleball/) - [Drop Shot Technique for Left-Handed Players in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/drop-shot-technique-for-left-handed-players-in-pickleball/) - [Playing Shots from Mid-Court (No Man’s Land) in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/playing-shots-from-mid-court-no-mans-land-in-pickleball/) - [Ground Stroke Forehand Technique in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/ground-stroke-forehand-technique-in-pickleball/) - [The Best Shot to Make When Running Down a Lob in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/the-best-shot-to-make-when-running-down-a-lob-in-pickleball/) - [Deciding When to Hit a Drive Shot vs. a Drop Shot in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/deciding-when-to-hit-a-drive-shot-vs-a-drop-shot-in-pickleball/) - [Pickleball Strategies for Playing a Drop Shot While Retreating](https://theartofpickleball.net/pickleball-strategies-for-playing-a-drop-shot-while-retreating/) - [8 Keys to Getting the Most out of Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/8-keys-to-getting-the-most-out-of-pickleball/) - [Pickleball Cardio](https://theartofpickleball.net/pickleball-cardio/) - [Lobbing](https://theartofpickleball.net/lobbing/) - [Third Shot Options](https://theartofpickleball.net/third-shot-options/) - [Kitchen Speed Ups](https://theartofpickleball.net/kitchen-speed-ups/) - [Mastering Dinks](https://theartofpickleball.net/mastering-dinks/) - [How to Hit a Backhand Slice Shot in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/how-to-hit-a-backhand-slice-shot-in-pickleball/) - [Hitting a Backhand Slice Drive in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/hitting-a-backhand-slice-drive-in-pickleball/) - [The Basics of Hitting a Dink Shot in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/the-basics-of-hitting-a-dink-shot-in-pickleball/) - [Steps to Hitting a Dink Shot in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/steps-to-hitting-a-dink-shot-in-pickleball/) - [Strategies for Hitting Dink Shots in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/strategies-for-hitting-dink-shots-in-pickleball/) - [Where to Hit a Dink Shot in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/where-to-hit-a-dink-shot-in-pickleball/) - [When to Hit a Volley or Topspin Shot in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/when-to-hit-a-volley-or-topspin-shot-in-pickleball/) - [Using a Defensive Block Shot on a Volley in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/using-a-defensive-block-shot-on-a-volley-in-pickleball/) - [How to Hit a Volley off of a low shot in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/how-to-hit-a-volley-off-of-a-low-shot-in-pickleball/) - [A Beginner's Guide to Returning a Serve in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/a-beginners-guide-to-returning-a-serve-in-pickleball/) - [The Best Techniques for Hitting a Serve Return in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/the-best-techniques-for-hitting-a-serve-return-in-pickleball/) - [Advancing to the Kitchen after a Serve Return in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/advancing-to-the-kitchen-after-a-serve-return-in-pickleball/) - [Using the Continental Grip to Hit a Volley Shot in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/using-the-continental-grip-to-hit-a-volley-shot-in-pickleball/) - [Step-by-Step Hitting a Forehand Volley in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/step-by-step-hitting-a-forehand-volley-in-pickleball/) - [The Best Techniques for Hitting a Backhand Volley in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/the-best-techniques-for-hitting-a-backhand-volley-in-pickleball/) - [Pickleball Drill for Hitting Cross Court and Straight Ahead Dinks](https://theartofpickleball.net/pickleball-drill-for-hitting-cross-court-and-straight-ahead-dinks/) - [Kitchen Drill for Advanced Pickleball Players](https://theartofpickleball.net/kitchen-drill-for-advanced-pickleball-players/) - [Top Drill for Hitting Fourth Shots in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/top-drill-for-hitting-fourth-shots-in-pickleball/) - [Pickleball Strategy: 5 Keys to Adjusting to Your Opponent](https://theartofpickleball.net/pickleball-strategy-5-keys-to-adjusting-to-your-opponent/) - [The Basics of an Overhead Shot in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/the-basics-of-an-overhead-shot-in-pickleball/) - [Effective Techniques of an Overhead Shot in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/effective-techniques-of-an-overhead-shot-in-pickleball/) - [The Essential Beginner's Pickleball Serve](https://theartofpickleball.net/the-essential-beginners-pickleball-serve/) - [Learn a Left-Handed Pickleball Serve](https://theartofpickleball.net/learn-a-left-handed-pickleball-serve/) - [How to Serve Right-Handed in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/how-to-serve-right-handed-in-pickleball/) - [Steps to an Effective Backhand Slice in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/steps-to-an-effective-backhand-slice-in-pickleball/) - [How to Hit a Forehand Return in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/how-to-hit-a-forehand-return-in-pickleball/) - [Best Techniques for a Forehand Serve Return in Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/best-techniques-for-a-forehand-serve-return-in-pickleball/) - [Learn a Backhand Serve Return for Pickleball](https://theartofpickleball.net/learn-a-backhand-serve-return-for-pickleball/) ## Products # # Detailed Content ## Pages Please wait while the policy is loaded. If it does not load, please click here. Please wait while the policy is loaded. If it does not load, please click here. Please wait while the policy is loaded. If it does not load, please click here. Enter for a chance to win a ProKennex paddle. Yes! Keep me up-to-date with everything The Art of Pickleball with a free digital newsletter! Submit The Art of Pickleball is your home for instructional videos, classes, and one-on-one virtual coaching. Regardless of skill or experience, The Art of Pickleball can help you elevate your game. Learn More LIMITED TIME OFFER. Purchase an Annual Pro Membership and receive a $20 gift card from Pickleball Superstore. Learn More. Learn an Advanced Pickleball Ball Control Drill Exclusive Free Video Go Pro and Unlock Every Video Purchase an Annual Pro Membership for $79 and receive a $20 gift card from Pickleball Superstore. The Art of Pickleball is proud to partner with Pickleball Superstore. 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Unlock Pro *Offer Expires 6/15/2023* Elevate Your Pickleball Game Explore our comprehensive library of pickleball videos, practice plans and articles with expert instruction for both players and coaches - new content published weekly. Expert-led video resources Learn from the pros in our specialized pickleball video courses, teaching you everything from basic strokes and beyond.   Comprehensive material Browse... LIMITED TIME OFFER. 30 day free Pro Membership. Start Now. (expires 6/15/2023) MASTER THE ART OF PICKLEBALL The Art of Pickleball is proud to partner with National Pickleball. As a special benefit, you are able to receive a complimentary 30-day Pro Membership and access to all of the resources available on The Art of Pickleball! Start 30 Day Free Membership *Offer Expires 6/15/2023* Learn from seasoned pros 150+ video library Practice plans Every skill level The Art of Pickleball is the top source for online pickleball videos, classes, and one-on-one virtual coaching. Explore over 150+ pickleball videos from beginner instruction to pro-level drills and practice plans from expert pickleball coaches. Our roster of pro-level pickleball coaches boast over 80 Open, National, and International championships, multiple Triple Crown titles and more than ten Tournament of Champions trophies. The Art of Pickleball coaching team features multiple PPA and APP Tour players who are also IPTPA, PPR and IFP certified instructors. Pickleball Pro 30 Days $19. 99 Free Get Great Features Like: Unlimited access to all expert-led videos Detailed practice plans created by top pros Comprehensive training and drill library Free 30-day trial. No credit card required Start 30 Day Free Trial *Offer Expires 6/15/2023* Elevate Your Pickleball Game Explore our comprehensive library of pickleball videos, practice plans and articles with expert instruction for both players and coaches - new content published weekly. Expert-led video resources Learn from the pros in our specialized pickleball video courses, teaching you everything from basic strokes and... The Art of Pickleball Accessibility Statement Updated: February 2024 General The Art of Pickleball strives to ensure that its services are accessible to people with disabilities. The Art of Pickleball has invested a significant amount of resources to help ensure that this website is made easier to use and more accessible for people with disabilities, with the strong belief that every person has the right to live with dignity, equality, comfort and independence. Accessibility on theartofpickleball. net The software in use on this site allows The Art of Pickleball to improve its compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2. 0). Enabling the Accessibility Menu The accessibility menu on theartofpickleball. net can be enabled by clicking the accessibility menu icon that appears in the lower right corner of any page. 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Become a Pickleball Pro with a Free 7-Day Trial Pickleball Pro Membership Pricing Frequently Asked Questions Pickleball Resource Catalog View All Resources Learn pickleball strategies from the pros - whether you're looking to understand the basics as a beginner or to improve your game as an advanced player, our extensive catalog of pickleball resources was created by top experts in the game. Choose from instructional video lessons, practice plans, how-to articles, drills and more. Our resource library gives you direct access to some of the best coaches in the country, with play-by-play direction on every aspect of the game, from serving and shot option basics to advanced tips on defending and hitting quality dink shots. Some resources are free - become a Pro member to get full access! Pickleball Categories Popular Resources Browse our extensive catalog of pickleball videos and articles regarding every aspect of the game from technical know-how to advanced pickleball strategies. Whether you're looking for detailed video lessons on the basics of the game for beginners or specialized instruction on specific shots for advanced players or coaches, you'll find everything you need to take your pickleball game to the next level. Full Pickleball Catalog Live Coaching by Pickleball Pros Get expert live virtual pickleball coaching from a pro online with personalized feedback on your game. Schedule as many one-on-one private pickleball lessons as you want to take your game to the next level! Schedule a Session One-hour virtual pickleball coaching lesson sessions Our virtual pickleball coaching offering connects you with some of the top pickleball coaches in the country so that you can improve your game no matter your skill level or experience. Spend an hour getting valuable, direct, results-driven insight or work with them to create a personalized training program - you get to choose how to use the time in this private, one-on-one online session. 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About The Art of Pickleball The Art of Pickleball is the most extensive online training, playing and coaching resource available for the country's fastest growing sport. The platform was created to help players of all levels, from beginners to seasoned experts, improve their pickleball game with instruction from top pickleball coaches. With online pickleball classes with our seasoned pickleball coaches all offering their personal perspectives, teaching methods and areas of specialization, there are tools tailor made for you, no matter your playing style or skill level. About the Company The Art of Pickleball was created by the team at The Art of Coaching and a collection of the most respected, accomplished names in the sport. Founded in 2011, The Art of Coaching is the leading provider of online coaching and training resources, with in-person and virtual coaching clinics and workshops in the United States, Europe and the Middle East. 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Expert-led pickleball videos Learn from the pros in our specialized pickleball video courses, teaching you everything from basic strokes and beyond. Comprehensive material Browse our extensive library of pickleball lessons and get access to dozens of top coaches around the country. Practice plans Download pro-level practice plans made by our pros. All levels of play From learning how to grip a paddle to... Privacy Policy Please wait while the policy is loaded. If it does not load, please click here. ## Posts When playing pickleball, it’s important to understand how outdoor elements can affect your game. The sun, wind and rain can cause the ball to fly in unexpected ways, making it more difficult to win points. Here are a few examples:  If you’re hitting lobs on a breezy day, they’re more likely to fly out when going with the wind versus going against the wind. When hitting a serve or drive in the same direction as the wind, you’ll need to put topspin on it to keep it in bounds. If the sun is in your opponent’s eyes, you may want to purposely hit lobs to make it harder for them to track the ball.   Learning how to adjust your game based on weather conditions is another strategy you can use to find more success on the pickleball court. Once you master the volley, you can use it to play a poach by crossing over to your partner’s side of the court to make the play. This strategic shot often catches your opponent off guard and can help you win the rally. There are several scenarios where a poach is a smart option. Check a few of them out below, then watch the video to learn more! Scenario 1 Your opponent is picking on your partner by sending shot after shot to her side of the court. Playing a poach can disrupt this attacking strategy so you can regain control of the rally or, better yet, end it outright. Scenario 2 Your partner hits a good return to the middle of your opponent’s back court. Since the opposing players are pushed back against their baseline, it will be difficult for them to hit a drop shot into your kitchen. At this point, stepping toward the centerline puts you in a good position to play a poach on any floating return shot. If your opponent sends over a good shot to your right that you can’t get to, your partner is next to you and ready to support. Since you’re at the centerline in this case, be aware that you’ll be leaving your sideline open. This is okay because it’s unlikely your opponent will be able to successfully hit such a sharp angle. Even if they do, you can recover by taking one step toward the sideline and playing a... Poaching in pickleball occurs when you cross the centerline to play a ball on your partner’s side of the court. This offensive strategy is generally most effective on high, floating balls because it allows you to speed up play or execute a rally-ending shot. When used effectively, the poach can help you win more points because it cuts off your opponent’s angles and shortens their reaction time. Some tips for successful poaching include:  Poach using a forehand stroke. From this position, you’ll have greater reach, power and mobility. Look for a low paddle position from your opponent. This means a high ball is coming, and it may be a good opportunity to hit a poach shot.   When running a poach, instruct your partner to switch sides with you to ensure the entire court is covered.   Playing a volley requires you to contact the pickleball with an extended arm. This movement is similar to the way a first baseman catches an incoming throw. You’ll raise your shoulder and reach out with your arm to hit the volley. As you become more comfortable with this shot, you can add elements to make it more difficult to return. For example, you may want to snap through using your shoulder to generate power or roll over the top of the ball to add topspin. Listen in as Art of Pickleball Pro Jerry Jaffee discusses ways to execute the volley. When hitting a forehand or backhand volley, good technique will help you keep the rally going. On the forehand volley, the goal is to keep the paddle out in front of your body, so you can strike it cleanly with a firm arm. It’s the same with the backhand volley. When you extend your arm out, you’ll be in a stronger position to return your opponent’s shot. If your arm gets too close to your body, you’ll be forced to bend your elbow and you’ll lose strength and support in that position. To excel with volleys, always assume the ball is coming to you so you can be poised and ready to move. If you relax and allow your paddle to drop, you won’t be able to respond as quickly when a volley crosses the net. Keeping your paddle up in front of your body will allow you to react in an instant. Another crucial aspect is to remain as still as possible. Keep your head quiet with your hands out in front of your body. Minimize your footwork so you can remain balanced and in control of your movement.   When needed, take an extra step to move toward a volley so you’re not reaching across your body. Work on taking short slides from side to side, not huge steps. You may have to lunge from time to time to play a ball, but generally you want to avoid reaching across your body so you can maintain a strong... Achieving success in pickleball requires more than using good form to execute the essential skills. Partners also need to develop good teamwork and communicate clearly with each other. Listen in as Art of Pickleball Pro Jerry Jaffee shares his thoughts on ways to do this, including: Talking to your partner so they know what you plan to do Deciding who will take middle shots (Tip: The player hitting a forehand is often the best bet. ) Keeping your partner engaged in the game and in a positive frame of mind Discussing strategies that give you an advantage against your opponent Poaching is a smart strategy for throwing your opponents off their game. While it can help you win more points when executed successfully, you may want to poach sparingly since it can backfire if communication or coverage errors occur. If you plan to add poaching to your arsenal, it’s helpful to learn the best times to poach. Some scenarios to look for include: Your opponent hits up on the ball, sending a high ball to your side. The ball flies toward the middle of your court, giving you a chance to hit an aggressive forehand shot. Your partner hits a deep shot to your opponent that results in a floating return. It’s important to let your partner know when you plan to poach, so he or she can be ready to cover the open court created by your movement. To communicate with your partner without revealing your intentions to your opponent, you may want to use hand signals, such as those listed below: Fist: You plan to play from your side of the court. Hand flat: You plan to poach and play from your partner’s side of the court. Watch the video to learn more about poaching from Art of Pickleball Coach Jerry Jaffee. Once you understand the basics of the short game, the next step is learning to hit a drive. The good news is that many of the same techniques are used when hitting longer shots, so developing proper footwork and swing technique isn’t that difficult. A drive can be broken down into these three points:  Rotate your body the ball as you pull your paddle back. A short backswing is key, so be sure to keep it short. As you pivot, the movement loads up your forehand side, allowing you to transfer the weight from your back to your front leg. Step forward with your left leg (if you're right-handed). Contact the ball out in front of your body, extending the paddle toward your target using a long follow-through. As you swing, imagine that you’re hitting through five or six balls in a row. This helps you direct the paddle to your target. The ball will go where your paddle goes, so the longer you can extend the paddle out to your target, the better your chances are of hitting a good, solid shot.   Practice your shot making in this simple drill from Art of Pickleball Coach Jerry Jaffee. Players on the near side start at their back line while players on the far side set up at their kitchen line. As the ball is played back and forth, the near-side team works on driving the ball. Meanwhile, the far-side team responds by hitting volleys while working on good footwork, stroke technique, court coverage and communication. Tune in as Coach Jaffee describes various playing scenarios, such as the ones below, and provides suggestions for handling them.   Defending a sideline shot  To defend a shot that the opposing player in the right service area hits from the sideline, the left service area player on your side should cover the line and the right service area player should shift toward the midline to cover the angle.   Driving the ball deep If you’ve got your opponent stuck deep in their backcourt, consider hitting a long volley that keeps them from advancing toward the net. To execute this, angle your paddle up slightly to lift the ball as you make contact. This allows the ball to drop at your opponent’s feet, making it difficult to return and advance to the kitchen.   Watch as AOP Pro Instructor, Kyle Whatnall, takes you through ways of adding the lob to your shot arsenal. Lobs are effective when you want to put your opponents on their heels and force them to retreat. You can execute this shot off a dink, sending the ball over your opponent’s head into the back court. Another approach is to hit a lob out of the air. This can catch your opponent by surprise because it looks like you’re going to hit a dink volley. Since it happens so quickly and the ball doesn’t bounce, your opponent is forced into defensive mode. It’s also smart to place the lob in a location that requires your opponent’s partner to play a back hand shot. This helps prevent them from hitting an overhead smash in case you leave the lob a little short. Check out the examples below to learn how to incorporate lobs into your game. Then watch the video to see clips from the pros! Example 1 The right-side player on the near-side team receives a dink, then decides to hit a lob over his opponent’s head. This forces the far-side team to retreat and go on the defensive. Though the near-side team doesn’t end up winning the point, the lob shot allows them to remain on the offensive. Example 2 In this example, the near-side team plays a lob over the head of their opponent. This puts the far-side team on the defensive and gives the near-side team a... To successfully hit a forehand or backhand shot in pickleball, using the following techniques will help you execute your desired shot. Check them out below! 1 – Driving the ball When you want to hit the ball with pace, stroke the paddle over the top of the ball using a low to high movement to produce topspin. This forces the ball to drop down toward the ground, allowing you to hit hard while keeping the ball in play. It’s much easier to do this with a forehand than a backhand.   2 – Rotating the upper body There are two ways to hit a shot: stepping toward the ball or hitting with an open stance. The key is getting adequate upper body rotation, so you can create the room you need to get the paddle behind the ball for proper contact. 3 — Controlling your swing As you contact the ball, make sure you don’t overrotate. Use your paddle as a guide to ensure you rotate no more than 180° around your body. When your body is turned, the tip of your paddle should aim behind you while the butt should aim toward the net. As you uncoil, the key is to accelerate forward and hit through the ball. The longer you extend the paddle to the target after contact, the more consistent you’ll be on the shot. 4 — Slicing the ball Remember when hitting a slice that it’s not a chop. While a chop goes from high to... Hello Pickleball Players! In our ongoing exploration of effective recovery techniques, today we delve into the world of compression therapy. Thanks to Dr. Cynthia Boccara's expert guidance in the "TPD Recovery Guide," let's discover how compression can play a crucial role in your pickleball recovery. The Wonder of Compression Boots Compression boots are a standout in recovery technology. As Dr. Boccara explains, "Compression boots use dynamic pressure to enhance blood flow and speed up recovery. " This can be incredibly beneficial after long pickleball sessions, helping to reduce muscle fatigue and soreness. They are an excellent tool for quickly rejuvenating tired legs . The Benefits of Compression Wear Beyond boots, general compression wear, like sleeves, socks, and shorts, can also be highly effective. "Compression wear gently squeezes your muscles, which can aid in reducing swelling and improving circulation," says Dr. C. This form of therapy is not only helpful post-game but can also be used during play to support muscles and improve performance . Why Compression Matters for Pickleball Players Pickleball demands a lot from your muscles. Compression therapy offers a proactive way to address muscle recovery. By enhancing blood flow and supporting your muscles, compression can help you recover faster, perform better, and reduce the risk of injury. Compression therapy, as highlighted by Dr. Cynthia Boccara, is an invaluable addition to any pickleball player's recovery arsenal. It's a simple, yet effective way to care for your body, ensuring you're always ready for the next match. Embrace the squeeze and... Hello, Pickleball Enthusiasts! In the quest for the best recovery practices, we often find ourselves choosing between heat and cold therapies. Thanks to Dr. Cynthia Boccara's insights, let's explore how both hot and cold exposures can benefit pickleball players and when to use each. The Magic of Cold Plunging and Cryotherapy Cold exposure, including cold plunging and cryotherapy, is excellent for reducing inflammation and accelerating recovery. Dr. Boccara explains, "Cold therapy is especially beneficial after intense physical activity, as it helps to reduce muscle soreness and inflammation. " Techniques like ice baths, cold showers, and cryotherapy sessions can significantly enhance your recovery process . The Therapeutic Power of Heat On the other end of the spectrum, heat therapy can be equally beneficial. "The warmth of a hot water bath or a Jacuzzi session can soothe sore muscles and improve blood circulation. However, don’t go over 10 minutes and be sure to close down the dilated blood vessels in a cool shower or pool to avoid stiffness the next day. Always end with cold" says Dr. C. This can be particularly helpful for relaxing tight muscles and aiding in muscle recovery. Heat exposure also helps in reducing stiffness and improving flexibility . When to Use Cold vs. Heat Therapy The choice between hot and cold therapy depends on your specific needs. Dr. Boccara advises, "Cold therapy is best utilized immediately after intense play to reduce acute inflammation. It can also be done in a regulate basis outside of pickleball to enhance... Today, we're exploring the world of DIY foam rolling, guided by the expertise of Dr. Cynthia Boccara. While traditional foam rollers are effective, Dr. C shares some creative hacks that you can use for muscle recovery, especially when a foam roller isn't handy. Tennis, Lacrosse or “Pinky” balls for Targeted Pressure "A tennis, lacrosse or Pinky ball can be used for a deep pressure massage on specific areas," Dr. Boccara explains. These balls are perfect for targeting your shoulders, hips, and feet, providing focused relief where you need it most. Place the ball under the targeted area and gently roll to alleviate tension. PVC Pipe: A Sturdy Foam Roller Alternative Dr. Boccara suggests using a PVC pipe for a firmer rolling experience. "A PVC pipe is excellent for deeper muscle penetration, especially for larger muscle groups that require more pressure. " Its rigidity makes it effective for breaking down tight knots and enhancing muscle recovery. Be gentle and don’t bruise yourself! Rolled-Up Towels for Gentle Relief For those who need a softer touch, Dr. Boccara recommends rolled-up towels. "Towels can be adjusted for thickness and softness, providing a customizable rolling experience. " This approach is particularly beneficial for sensitive areas like the neck and lower back. Dr. Boccara emphasizes the importance of being creative and resourceful in recovery practices. Whether using a tennis ball, a PVC pipe, or a towel, these DIY solutions ensure you can maintain your muscle health and flexibility effectively. With these affordable and accessible alternatives, your... Let's focus on a crucial but often overlooked aspect of pickleball performance: flexibility and mobility. The ability to move freely and easily is not just beneficial; it's essential in a dynamic sport like pickleball. The Role of Flexibility in Pickleball Flexibility isn't just about preventing injuries; it's a key factor in improving your game. As you enhance your flexibility, you'll notice an improvement in your reach, a decrease in the risk of injuries, and an overall better performance on the court. "Flexibility allows for a greater range of motion, making those challenging shots easier to reach. " says Dr. Cynthia Boccara. This aspect of physical fitness can significantly contribute to your effectiveness during play . Dynamic Stretching for Peak Performance Dynamic stretching is a game-changer for pickleball players. Unlike static stretches, dynamic stretching involves movement and is ideally performed before a game to prepare your muscles. This not only warms up your muscles but also improves your range of motion. "Doing Dynamic stretches that mimic the movements of pickleball, prepares your body for the specific physical demands of the game," according to Dr. C. This type of stretching can also increase your muscle awareness and performance during a match . Yoga for Pickleballers: A Synergistic Approach Incorporating yoga into your training routine can be highly beneficial. Yoga focuses on both flexibility and mental focus, two crucial components in pickleball. "Yoga for Pickleballers can bring a sense of balance and inner strength, enhancing both physical and mental focus," Dr. C recommends.... As you hone your pickleball skills, it's crucial to remember the role of proper hydration and nutrition in your performance. Hydration: Your Secret WeaponStaying well-hydrated is essential for peak physical and mental performance. We can lose between . 5 and 3 liters of water every hour of hard play. Adding a little sea salt or electrolytes to your water can also enhance absorption. Proper hydration keeps every part of your body functioning optimally, a must in a fast-paced sport like pickleball where agility and concentration are key. Specifically, it helps decrease the likelihood of cramping, as well as helps maintain stamina and focus, both crucial for winning your game . The Right Diet: More Than Just FoodYour diet is a critical component of your performance and recovery. A good diet for pickleball players is about balance – carbohydrates for energy, proteins for muscle repair, and fats for endurance. This combination supports energy levels, speeds up recovery, and ensures overall health. What you eat directly impacts how you play and recover. Snacking Smart: Quick Energy BoostsDon't underestimate the power of snacking. Healthy snacks provide quick energy boosts and keep your body fueled throughout your matches. Opt for snacks that are both nutritious and delicious to get the best of both worlds . Why This MattersPickleball demands a lot from your body. To meet these demands, your body needs proper nutrition and hydration. Adequate nutrition and hydration can significantly improve your reaction time, endurance, and overall performance. It's not just about playing... April Ross, a 3 time Olympic medalist, alongside pickleball coach Kyle Whatnall, discuss the fundamentals of improving body position. Whatnall and Ross focus on mastering the proper stance and paddle position at the kitchen line to improve pickleball mechanics.   A key element in pickleball is maintaining a proper stance. Whatnall suggests holding the paddle slightly above waist level, in front of your chest, to be ready for quick counter attacks or blocks. This position is important for reacting effectively to incoming shots. Having a low, athletic stance enhances agility, essential for quick reaction time.   Paddle orientation plays a significant role in pickleball. Tilting the paddle slightly towards the backhand side is advised by Whatnall. This tilt provides greater coverage of your body, especially the hips and shoulders, and allows easier transitions to forehand shots.   Coach Whatnall explains to Ross that the extent of foot movement in pickleball is largely a matter of personal preference. Some playersers choose to limit their movement, focusing on holding a central position at the kitchen line, while others prefer constantly adjusting their position. Given Ross’s exceptional athletic background, Whatnall suggests she embraces constant movement.   If you liked this video, check out these other drills that help improve pickleball mechanics: Tips for Dinking in Pickleball Steps to Hitting a Dink Shot in Pickleball An Overview of the Continental Grip in Pickleball Patience is critical in the game of pickleball, particularly at the kitchen line: It allows you to wait for the right opportunity to capitilize on a mistake made by your opponent and attack. Usually the mistake is a dink hit a little too high that you can punch or drive aggressively. Hitting dinks to different areas of the kitchen forces your opponent to move and can help create these attacking situations. Once you advance to the kitchen line, focus on hitting your dinks low over the net and wait for your opponent to make a mistake that you can capitalize on. You can do this by placing your shots in a variety of locations and making your opponents hit different types of dinks: forehand dinks, backhand dinks, out-of-the-air dinks, and so on. Another key is to add angle to your game. Push your opponents wide, dink them down the middle, and play the lines. Cross-court dinks are especially effective because they increase your opponent’s margin for error. In fact, pro-level players dink cross-court on a regular basis for this reason. You can improve your scoring chances by adding it to your game as well.   When you play with patience and use angles, you can force your opponents to make a mistake that produces a chance for you to attack and win the rally.   A lob is an offensive shot that can be hard to defend. It can take you by surprise and forces you to backtrack to make the play. Thus, it’s important to use good footwork to turn and retreat as you track down the ball and play it back to your opponent. Recognizing a lob and being able to react quickly can put you in a positon to hit an overhead attack and put your opponent on the defensive. Other times, particulary when your opponent disguises their lob well or simply hits a really well-placed shot, a good option is to let the ball bounce before returning the lob. This gives you a little more time to retreat and make a quality return. After the lob bounces, you can hit a drop to get back in the point. Since you’re already scrambling, it’s best to slow down the game so your team can regain a good court position. Review the scenarios that follow to gain an understanding of how to defend a lob, then watch the video for a demonstration. Example 1 In this example, the far-side player on the left sends a lob to the near-side team. The near-side player on the left recognizes that his opponent has to play a low ball, so the return can only go high. Using good footwork along with anticipating the high shot , he retreats backward and is able to hit an overhead shot to stay in the point. The near-side team is... Keeping opponents deep is a smart offensive strategy because it forces your opponent to hit drops and drives from a further distance. This gives you and your partner more time to react and puts you in the most advantageous position to win the point. It also puts pressure on your opponents to hit longer, more difficult returns. Watch this video to learn from instructor and tourning pro Kyle Whatnall on how you can win rallies using this approach. Example 1 In this example, the players on the near side keep the far-side player on the left pinned in the back court. By forcing him to hit several shots in a row, he can’t work his way to the kitchen line, and he eventually hits the ball into the net. Example 2 The far-side team in this example gets stuck in a split formation with one player at the kitchen line and the other a few feet back. The near-side team takes advantage of this, keeping up pressure by repeatedly sending shots deep to the player at midcourt until he hits into the net. Example 3 In this next example, the far-side player on the left gets stuck halfway to the kitchen line. He keeps trying to land a drop shot so he can move forward, but the near-side team keeps him deep. The play finally ends when the far-side team hits the ball out to lose the rally. Example 4 The near-side team tries to work their way up to... You can gain a big advantage by playing more offensively with your fourth shot when returning your opponent’s third shot drive or drop. Playing a shot like this is all about defending your kitchen line and keeping your opponents deep. Check out the examples below for strategies to use in various scenarios, then watch the video to see how they play out on the court. Example 1 In this first example, the opponent attempts a third shot drop that is high and flies beyond the kitchen line. This allows the other team to hit a deep drive that keeps the opponent pinned in their back court. Example 2 In this scenario, the left-side player on the serving team advances too quickly. As a result, the returning team gains an opportunity to end the point with a ball out of the air that splits the deep court. Example 3 In this instance, the opponent sends over a third shot drop that flies too high, so the receiving team seizes the opportunity and drives a shot deep. Example 4 This scenario shows the serving team hitting a loopy drop on their third shot. In this case, the receiving left-side player simply waits for the bounce, then plays an aggressive fourth shot to the back court. This also is a great example of recognizing when a drop shot is a little high and seizing the opportunity to hit an attack and stay on the offensive. Example 5 You also can be aggressive when... Mastering the third shot drop in pickleball is critical for two reasons: 1) It allows the serving team to slow down the game so both players can get to the kitchen line, and 2) It often results in a dink return from the opponent rather than a drive or smash, giving the serving team a better chance to win the rally. Check out the examples below and watch the video to learn three ways you can use the third shot drop to improve your scoring opportunities. Example 1 To begin the rally, the serve-return comes back cross-court to the server who plays a third shot drop into the kitchen , allowing him and his partner to advance to the Non-Volley Zone. Because the third shot drop is low and slow, the opponent must return with a dink, giving the server the opportunity to hit a hard drive and win the point. Example 2 The deep serve hit with good pace forces the opponent to hit the return from behind the baseline. Because the serve returner had to play the ball from deep, he’s late getting to the kitchen line. Recognizing this, the server hits the third shot drop to the serve returner who is slightly out of position. The opponent makes a poor return and pays for it as his opponent seizes the opportunity to put it away. Pro tip: it's often a good play to hit your third shot drop cross court back to the returner. This gives you... When your opponent is on the offensive, playing a reset can help you slow down the point and move forward so you can get in a better position to score. To play a reset, hit the ball out of the air back into your opponent’s kitchen instead of counterpunching or counterattacking. This approach allows you to neutralize the point and get back on even ground with your opponent. Watch the examples in the video to see how it’s done. Example 1 The far-side team is under attack. Instead of going on the offensive, the left-side player on the far side chooses to reset the ball by sending a dink into his opponent’s kitchen. This restarts the dink rally and gets his team back on a level playing field with the near-side team. Example 2 In the second example, the right-side player on the near side reacts to a high drop by playing a ball into his opponent’s kitchen. As he moves forward into midcourt, he decides to send the next ball into the opposing kitchen again to give him and his partner time to move closer to the net. By playing two resets, his team is able to move all the way up to the kitchen line where they have a better chance of scoring. The erne is an aggressive shot made from the kitchen line. To execute it, you’ll hit a volley out of the air as you jump over a corner of the kitchen and land outside the court (and outside the kitchen, making it a legal play). This attack allows you to hit the ball earlier and gives you a better angle to put away the shot. Watch the video for analysis and to see how the following scenarios play out. Example 1 In this clip, the far-side player on the right sees the opponent pop up the ball. He slides across and jumps over the kitchen line to execute the erne and terminate the rally. Example 2 A similar pop-up situation happens in the next example. The left-side player on the near side executes a cross-court erne after the opponent sends a high ball over the net. The return goes straight to his partner who puts it away for the rally ender. Example 3 In the final example, the far-side player on the right recognizes that a dink is coming, so he sets up in an athletic position, makes the jump over the kitchen line, and sends a hard, fast erne down the line to win the point. When thinking about which players to attack in a dink rally, consider your angles and the distance between you and your opponents. Attacking the person straight across from you is often the best choice because he or she has less time to react to your shot than the player in the cross-court position. Check out the video to see professional player and AOP instructor, Kyle Whatnall, take you through examples in real time.   Example 1 In this scenario, all four players are at the kitchen line in a dink rally. The far side hits a dink that stays a little too high to the cross-court player who attacks the player directly across from him. Although the opponent does manage to play the ball back, it’s not a very well-placed shot and the attacking team puts it away on their next play.   Example 2 In the midst of a rally, the left-side player on the serving team puts up a high dink to the cross-court player. Rather than send the ball back cross-court, the right-side player on the receiving team sends the ball straight across to his opponent on the right side at head height, forcing him to play the ball into the net. Example 3 As the serving team approaches the kitchen line, the left-side player on the receiving team attacks the ball out of the air to the player directly across from him. This forces the left-side player on the serving team to pop up the ball,... Hitting a third shot drop can be a smart play because it allows you and your partner to move toward the kitchen line. However, advanced players often mix in drives to their third shots. Doing so can help set up an easier drop on the fifth shot so your side can advance to the net. It also keeps your opponents guessing, making it harder for them to anticipate your next shot. Watch the video to see scenarios where this strategy is put into action. Example 1 In the first example, watch how the left-side player on the near side plays a third shot drive to set up an easy drop on the fifth shot. This strategy gives him and his partner time to advance to the kitchen line and set up a rally-ending volley a few shots later.   Example 2 Tune in to the second scenario as the serve return comes to the left-side player who hits a third shot drive straight back to the returner. The next shot comes short to the right-side player who places a slow, easy drop shot in the opponent’s kitchen. This gives the left-side player a chance to move forward and join his partner at the net. Instead of trying to hit a third shot drop from the baseline, which is a long way from the net, this strategy allows you to put pressure on your opponent with a drive and set up a much shorter drop on the fifth shot, which is... Take your offense to a new level with the “shake and bake”. In this play, one player drives the third shot (the Shake! ) and the other crashes the net for a put-away volley on the fifth shot (the Bake! ). Touring pro and AOP Pro Instructor Kyle Whatnall walks through three examples of using this play to attack the opponent. To see how it’s done, watch the video! Example 1 In this example, the right-side player on the near side hits a return to the far side. The left-side player on the far side drives a shot across, which is returned using a high shot. The right-side player on the far side comes crashing in with a hard volley. The near side defends it well, but the far side continues to attack and eventually win the point. Example 2 A similar situation plays out in the second example. The near-side team sends a ball over, giving the far side a chance to hit a drive followed by a hard volley on their next shot to end the rally.   Example 3 In the final example, the far side attacks the near side with a drive from the player on the right, followed on the next shot by a hard volley from the player on the left. While the near-side team keeps the play going with a return volley, the far-side team’s attack is too much to handle, and they finish the rally with a pressure volley on the next... Watch as AOP Pro Instructor, Kyle Whatnall, takes you through ways of adding the lob to your shot arsenal. Lobs are effective when you want to put your opponents on their heels and force them to retreat. You can execute this shot off a dink, sending the ball over your opponent’s head into the back court. Another approach is to hit a lob out of the air. This can catch your opponent by surprise because it looks like you’re going to hit a dink volley. Since it happens so quickly and the ball doesn’t bounce, your opponent is forced into defensive mode. It’s also smart to place the lob in a location that requires your opponent’s partner to play a back hand shot. This helps prevent them from hitting an overhead smash in case you leave the lob a little short. Check out the examples below to learn how to incorporate lobs into your game. Then watch the video to see clips from the pros! Example 1 The right-side player on the near-side team receives a dink, then decides to hit a lob over his opponent’s head. This forces the far-side team to retreat and go on the defensive. Though the near-side team doesn’t end up winning the point, the lob shot allows them to remain on the offensive. Example 2 In this example, the near-side team plays a lob over the head of their opponent. This puts the far-side team on the defensive and gives the near-side team a... Pulling off an around-the-post shot can often win the rally or at least move your opponents off of the kitchen and back on the defensive. Also known as an ATP, this shot relies on your ability to judge when there’s enough height and angle on your opponent’s dink that the ball has time to travel out wide. This creates the perfect opportunity for you to hit an ATP down the line. It’s a tough shot to defend because your opponent doesn’t have much time to react to a ball that’s coming low at their feet, and it forces them to defend within a short distance to keep the point going. Watch as AOP Pro Instructor Kyle Whatnall analyzes match footage to identify how to set up and execute the ATP. Even for more experienced pickleball players, hard shots hit directly at you while playing at the kitchen can be intimidating. However, with correct body position and set up, being able to hit an effective counterpunch adds a great dynamic to your game. The compact stroke of a counterpunch allows you to set up quickly and hit quality, controlled returns even though your reaction time is limited. To execute the counterpunch, start in a balanced ready position with your paddle centered in front of your body. Keep your knees bent and use efficient footwork that gets you in the correct position quickly. You’ll need to react quickly, contacting the ball in front of your body with a short, quick punch to hit a return with pace. Watch AOP Pro Instructor walk through examples of how it's done! It’s important to get comfortable transitioning from the baseline to the kitchen during a pickleball rally. For more experienced players, one approach is learning to play the ball while you’re on the move so you can get in position to return your opponent’s serve. When the serve comes at you, a common play is to return it using a forehand slice. Ideally, you’ll want to move toward the ball, opening your paddle and positioning it in front of your body as you advance. Then allow your weight to carry you forward as you contact the ball with a balanced movement. Keep in mind that deeper serves are harder to return because you can get pinned back and must take the ball on the rise. Try the drill below to practice transitioning from defense to offense.   When trying to advance to the net on a serve return, the goal is to contact the ball early, moving through the shot and coming in balanced as you continue moving towards the kitchen line. Coach Jerry Jaffe believes it’s best to get into position, execute the shot and then advance. If you try to move forward as you’re hitting the ball, you’re more likely to hit a poor shot. Be sure to execute a full shoulder turn before you swing, so you have room to make a long stroke. If you must play a ball that is flying wide, extend your outside leg. This allows you to get your body behind the ball, so you have greater support and can execute a solid shot. The slice forehand is a great shot to use when returning your opponent’s serve. You can hit this shot on the move as you advance to the frontcourt. The key is to make solid contact in front of your body with an open paddle, then follow through as you extend your arm toward the target. Try to position your elbow so it’s in front of your ribcage at contact. Avoid hitting this shot as a drive since it tends to rise and could fly out of bounds.   When hitting a shot in pickleball, it’s important to play the ball in front of your body. This helps you make solid contact so you can hit consistent shots. If the ball goes outside your body, avoid reaching out with the paddle to make the play. Instead, shuffle your feet to get behind the ball before contacting it. This allows your entire body to support your shot, from your legs and hips to your arms and shoulders.   Successful players can hit forehand and backhand shots with ease. To get comfortable with these shots, it’s important to practice them regularly. Take time to work on your short game using the drill demonstrated in this video.   Forehand / backhand drill Purpose: To practice hitting forehand and backhand shots from the kitchen line.   How it works: Player 1 sets up across the net from two opponents at the kitchen line. Player 2 starts in the right service area and Player 3 starts in the left service area. Player 1 dinks the ball over the net to Player 2 four times in a row, who then returns the ball to Player 1 using either a forehand or backhand shot. When her turn ends, Player 2 goes to the back of the opposite line as the next person (Player 4) steps up to take her place. As this transition is happening, Player 1 shifts to hitting four shots to Player 3 who then swaps with the next person (Player 5) after his turn is over. The drill repeats until Player 1 ends it. You can also run this drill with three or four players who take turns hitting dinks to the opponent on the other side of the net.   When dinking at the net, you can take a shot out of the air as long as you’re behind the kitchen line. Doing this shortens your opponents’ reaction time, which may force them to make an error and give you an advantage. Just remember that you cannot hit a ball out of the air if you step into the kitchen area.   As you play dink shots at the kitchen line, you’ll want to maintain your position and avoid moving backward. To stay near the kitchen line as long as possible, you’ll either want to play the ball off a bounce or play it out of the air depending on your opponent’s shot. The best return option is the one that enables you to keep your position without stepping or retreating backward. When playing a dink to your opponent, the best location for your shot depends on what you hope to accomplish. For example, if you want to open up the middle on your opponent’s side for your next shot, you may want to send the ball toward the sideline. This forces your opponent away from the middle, allowing you to target the open area on your next play. If you want to open up your opponent’s court behind the kitchen line, you may opt to short-hop a ball close to your opponent’s side of the net so they have to move in to make the play. This leaves the area behind them exposed. The goal of an effective dink... The dink is a critical component of your short game. To help you practice this important shot, improve your footwork and work on court coverage, try the drill demonstrated in this video. Dinking game drill Purpose: To work on court coverage and practice hitting dink shots to varying locations. How it works: To start this four-person drill, opposing teams set up on the pickleball court. The ball is played back and forth in the kitchen area twice, then the game begins with both teams executing dinks only. If any team hits the ball beyond the kitchen line, the opposite team wins a point. The team with the most points after the designated time period wins! If a shot forces a player to move toward the sideline to play the ball, that player’s partner should shift toward the center of the court to help with coverage. If the ball goes back to the opponent and it’s wide, that player should shift toward the sideline to make the play. The defensive team then adjusts accordingly so they can cover the next shot.   Returning your opponent’s shot with a forehand slice is a smart strategy. When the ball is slicing, it moves through the air slower. This gives you more time to get to the Non-Volley Zone where you can join your partner and help defend your side.   If you remain in the backcourt when the ball is returned, you’ll give your opponent more room to drop the ball at your feet. This will make it difficult for you to play a strong offensive shot. If you hit a return that’s not deep enough, you won’t have sufficient time to get set before your opponent makes contact. If you hit up on the ball, your opponent is likely going to hurt you with an aggressive return shot.   Thus, the main advantage of hitting a forehand slice is to join your partner so you can join forces and protect the kitchen area.   Learning to hit a driving slice offers two advantages. First, it allows you to hit a deep shot that pins the opposing players against their baseline, giving you more time to get ready for the return shot. If your opponent tries to hit a drop or drive return, you’ll have more time to handle the shot coming at you since they’re hitting from their deep court.   Second, it’s hard for your opponent to hit a drop shot off a slice. That’s because the ball will tend to die on the paddle. When moving in from the back court to the kitchen line, allow your momentum to carry you forward, and use an open paddle to get the ball up and over the net. An important point to remember is that it’s not about the pace of your shot; it’s about the depth. Hitting a deep shot gives you more time to advance to the front of your court.   The goal when hitting a slice is not to win the shot on the return. It’s about setting yourself up to play the rest of the point. As a result, you don’t need to hit the ball hard. You just need to hit it deep and keep it in bounds.   To successfully hit a forehand or backhand shot in pickleball, using the following techniques will help you execute your desired shot. Check them out below! 1 – Driving the ball When you want to hit the ball with pace, stroke the paddle over the top of the ball using a low to high movement to produce topspin. This forces the ball to drop down toward the ground, allowing you to hit hard while keeping the ball in play. It’s much easier to do this with a forehand than a backhand.   2 – Rotating the upper body There are two ways to hit a shot: stepping toward the ball or hitting with an open stance. The key is getting adequate upper body rotation, so you can create the room you need to get the paddle behind the ball for proper contact. 3 — Controlling your swing As you contact the ball, make sure you don’t overrotate. Use your paddle as a guide to ensure you rotate no more than 180° around your body. When your body is turned, the tip of your paddle should aim behind you while the butt should aim toward the net. As you uncoil, the key is to accelerate forward and hit through the ball. The longer you extend the paddle to the target after contact, the more consistent you’ll be on the shot. 4 — Slicing the ball Remember when hitting a slice that it’s not a chop. While a chop goes from high to... Learning to execute a dink is critical to your success in pickleball. Since your opponent must allow the ball to bounce before returning it, this soft shot slows the pace of the game. This gives you a chance to move into position close to the net, so you’re ready to handle your opponent’s next shot. Using the following four tips will help you perfect your dinking skills.   Paddle position When preparing to dink, hold the paddle in front of your body. This position allows you to squat down and lift the ball up and over the net with either a forehand or backhand shot. For higher shots that force you to volley, keeping your paddle at the 10 or 11 o’clock position enables you to shift from backhand to forehand quickly.   Body position Begin in an athletic position with your weight balanced on both feet and your paddle in front of your face. This allows you to react quickly and contact the pickleball in front of your body. Shoulder lift Hitting a short shot is similar to executing an underhand toss. Lift your arm using your shoulder, contact the ball with an underhand stroke, and finish with a full follow-through. This takes the wrist and elbow out of the movement, allowing you to hit the pickleball more consistently.   Leg movement Along with your shoulders, your legs can help you create lift to get the ball up and over the net. Flexing your legs helps you get low,... Good pickleball players use a variety of grips. The grip that Coach Jerry Jaffee prefers is the continental grip, mainly because it’s so versatile. It allows you to get under the pickleball so you can lift it up easily. This grip also allows you to switch between forehand and backhand quicker. When executing volleys, the continental grip tends to lock the paddle into the proper position so you don’t need to change your grip before a hit. Punch volleys are offensive shots, which gives you a distinct advantage over your opponent and puts them on the defensive. Typically, you’ll have time to get into a neutral body position so you can hit the pickleball effectively. You’ll also have more shot options because the ball will usually be above the net. When hitting the high ball, however, be cautious of trying to do too much. Simply focus on making a solid contact with your paddle in the correct position that will allow you to keep the ball in play, even if you don't hit the perfect shot. In pickleball, it’s common for the fourth ball to be a volley. If your opponent hits a drive shot from their baseline while you’re at the kitchen line, you likely won’t have time to hit a forehand or backhand. In this instance, a punch volley is a smart play. Hitting a punch volley is similar to giving someone a high five. You’ll assume a neutral body position with your paddle up in front of your body. As the pickleball crosses the net to your side, you’ll simply “pop” it back to your opponent’s court with a short, compact swing that uses little to no backswing and a minimal amount of follow-through. When hitting reflex volleys, avoid pushing the pickleball over the net. This causes it to rise, giving your opponent a chance to attack. Instead, use your paddle to absorb the pace and keep the ball low, so you can reset the ball into your opponent’s kitchen. To practice this technique, stand at the kitchen line as another player hits drive balls at you. Use proper blocking technique to return the ball to the Non-Volley Zone on the other side of the net. Hitting a successful forehand shot in pickleball starts with a proper grip. As you hold the paddle’s face perpendicular to the ground, its edge should line up with the space between your thumb and index finger. Most players hold the base of the handle, but it’s okay if it feels more comfortable to hold the paddle close to its face. In fact, players coming from table tennis may tend to choke up on the handle, and some may even place their pointer finger on the back of the paddle for greater control. Using either approach is fine, but there are some pros and cons to be aware of. When your hand is closer to the face of the paddle, you’ll have better control. In this position, your hand will feel like an extension of the paddle, and you’ll have better hand-eye coordination. The downside is that you’ll lose power. Conversely, when your hand is farther from the base of the handle, you’ll generate more power but have less control. Ultimately, the grip you choose should be the one that feels most comfortable to you. Learning how to put spin on the pickleball can make you more dangerous from the serving line. This video explains how to execute sidespin and topspin serves. Your swing path is what helps you create sidespin when serving. Swing using your shoulder, not your wrist, and contact the ball on the bottom and side as you swing through it. This causes the ball to curve as it travels forward into your opponent’s court. To maintain control and keep the ball from going out, you’ll need to reduce the pace on the ball. Hitting a sidespin serve requires more finesse than other types of serves, but as you practice over time you’ll develop the right motion and feel. At higher competition levels, you’ll see more players serving with topspin. That’s because advanced players tend to prefer hitting the ball hard rather than imparting sidespin on the ball when serving. To do this, contact the ball above the midline and follow-through over the top. The ball will leave the paddle at a higher arc but will dive downward at the end of its flight. Running down a lob shot to the backcourt requires quick movement as well as clear communication between partners. When a lob shot is placed over the head of the player in the left service area, it’s often easier for the player in the right service area to cut across and play the pickleball. To ensure both players know who will take the shot, the left service area player should yell “Yours! ” and cut across to the forward part of the right service area. This gives the player’s partner a clear angle to the ball and prevents collisions. Once the ball is played, both players stay in their new positions through the end of the rally.  When playing a lob on offense, right-handed players should send the ball cross-court from their right kitchen line to their opponent’s right backcourt. This forces the opponent to use a backhand shot to play the ball, which is typically more difficult to execute than a forehand shot. Left-handed players, on the other hand, will have greater success when playing from their left kitchen line to their opponent’s left backcourt.   When executing a pickleball drop shot, using a loose grip with relaxed hands with allow you to play a soft shot deftly into your opponent’s Non-Volley Zone (also known as the kitchen). Here are a few key techniques to remember:1 - Lift with the shoulder. Eliminate as much wrist and elbow movement as possible to ensure maximum control. Too much movement can make it hard to control the paddle, leading to inconsistent shots. 2 – Hit the underside of the ball. If you hit the back of the ball with your paddle, you’ll send the ball deeper into the court. Hitting under the ball produces a higher trajectory, which is desirable for a drop shot. This allows you to lift the ball over the net and drop it into the Non-Volley Zone. 3 - Step in to contact the ball. When you step into the ball, it allows your legs and hips to help the shoulder when lifting the ball upward. This provides more support and better balance for hitting a controlled shot. The most common mistake players make when executing a drop shot is worrying that they’ll hit the pickleball too hard. They believe that if they complete their follow-through the ball will fly too high and too far into their opponent’s court. Because of this thinking, they omit the follow-though, stopping their arm motion once they contact the ball. However, this action makes it difficult to control the ball and often leads to hitting the ball short into the net. The proper technique when hitting a drop shot is to step in toward the ball, contact it in front of the body while lifting the shoulder, and finish with a complete follow-through. When hitting a volley, many players default to using a backhand shot because it allows them to cover a larger area than they could with a forehand. For high backhand volleys, however, some players will instead opt for a forehand grip since it can be awkward using a backhand at that angle. While it’s okay to do this, coaches generally recommend that right-handed players use a backhand to hit balls on the left side of the body and a forehand to hit balls on the right side of the body. Left-handed players will do the reverse, using a backhand to hit balls on the right side of the body and a forehand to hit balls on the left side of the body. Understanding the mechanics of volleys allows you to decide which grip approach is best for your game. Some players use an open stance or semi-closed stance when serving. Regardless of your stance preference, it’s important to contact the pickleball in front of your body to maximize power and control. To hit a sidespin serve, you’ll use a low to high stroke that slices under and across the side of the ball. This movement produces underspin and sidespin, causing the ball to travel up over the net as it curves to the side. Depending on the amount of side spin you create, you may need to adjust your starting location when serving the ball. If you produce a good amount of sidespin, you might hit the ball wide and out of bounds. To remedy this, take into account the amount of curvature you produce with side spin, and adjust your court position accordingly. For a right-handed player, side spin curves the ball left-to-right. Therefore, right-handed players should serve from a position closer to the left side of their service area. This makes it more likely that the ball will land in bounds as the side spin curves the ball toward the right sideline. Serves, returns and consistent drops are vital for a well rounded pickleball game. Players need a consistent serve and service return to begin every point. After starting the point, most players choose to either drive or drop the next shot. The following drills focus on improving this area of your game. As well as how to handle a fourth shot. Session Duration 60 minutes Table of Contents Suggested practice times. The serve, return and drop drill for pickleball - 15 minutes Top drill for hitting fourth shots in pickleball - 15 minutes Master the two-shot drill pickleball drill - 15 minutes Improving your pickleball dropshots with a partner - 15 minutes The serve, return and drop drill for pickleball 15 minutes - suggested practice time Top drill for hitting fourth shots in pickleball 15 minutes - suggested practice time Master the two-shot drill pickleball drill 15 minutes - suggested practice time Improving your pickleball dropshots with a partner 15 minutes - suggested practice time Transition shots are some of the most important, yet least practiced shots in pickleball. Understanding transition strategy and executing the proper shots will help you raise your game to the next level. Conventional wisdom in pickleball is that at higher levels, the game is won at the “kitchen” or Non-volley Zone. Practice the following drills with a purpose and watch yourgame leap to the next level. Session Duration 60 minutes Table of Contents Suggested practice times. Two shot drop shot pickleball sequence after the serve - 20 minutes Two-person baseline drill for pickleball - 20 minutes Improving your pickleball dropshots with a partner. - 20 minutes Two shot drop shot pickleball sequence after the serve 20 minutes - suggested practice time Two-person baseline drill for pickleball 20 minutes - suggested practice time Improving your pickleball dropshots with a partner 20 minutes - suggested practice time In pickleball, occasionally you may find yourself with only three players. The following three player drills are a great way to make the most of your court time. As always, practice with a purpose, use good technique and stay focused! Session Duration 60 minutes Table of Contents Suggested practice times. 2-on-1 pickleball drill with 3 players - 20 minutes Pickleball drill for hitting cross court and straight ahead dinks - 20 minutes Kitchen drill for Advanced players - 20 minutes 2-on-1 pickleball drill with 3 players 20 minutes - suggested practice time Pickleball drill for hitting cross court and straight ahead dinks 20 minutes - suggested practice time Kitchen drill for Advanced players 20 minutes - suggested practice time Sometimes you have 4 players on a court, but you may decide to do some drilling. The following are drills that can be done instead of playing or perhaps before you play. As always, practice with a purpose and focus on using proper technique. Session Duration 60 minutes Table of Contents Suggested practice times. Four player drive drill for pickleball - 20 minutes Doubles warm-up practice with 4 players - 20 minutes Pickle pass drill for 4 players - 20 minutes Four player drive drill for pickleball 20 minutes - suggested practice time Doubles warm-up practice with 4 players 20 minutes - suggested practice time Pickle pass drill for 4 players 20 minutes - suggested practice time Mastering or improving your short game is essential to playing Pickleball at a higher level. Most players do not spend enough time drilling or practicing the skills necessary to consistently execute a solid short game. Having a consistent short game allows you to compete at a very high level. Focus on footwork, contact point and using your shoulder to improve your dinks and short game. Practice the following drills with a purpose and you will soon see a major improvement in your pickleball game. Session Duration 60 minutes Table of Contents Suggested practice times. How to hit backhand dinks in pickleball - 15 minutes Romanian doubles drill - 15 minutes Mini cross court drill for pickleball - 15 minutes How to vary your pickleball spins - 15 minutes How to hit backhand dinks in pickleball 15 minutes - suggested practice time Romanian doubles drill 15 minutes - suggested practice time Mini cross court drill for pickleball 15 minutes - suggested practice time How to vary your pickleball spins 15 minutes - suggested practice time The goal of defensive blocking is to absorb the pace of the pickleball so you can reset it into your opponent’s kitchen. When you see your opponent about to drive the ball at you, get into blocking position by assuming a split-step stance with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders. Raise the paddle up in front of your body, keeping it tucked in close. You may even want to position your non-dominant hand on the backside of the paddle to help cushion some of the impending impact. Upon contact with the ball, avoid swinging. This can cause you to whiff or mishit the ball. Instead, angle the paddle up slightly to increase the ball’s arc and ensure it clears the net. Blocking in this manner also adds backspin to the ball, which helps it land softer and prevents your opponent from hitting an aggressive shot back to you. Once you’ve mastered the upward angle, you may want to try angling your paddle to the left or right to make it more difficult for your opponent to return your shot. Two of the most common types of volleys in pickleball are the block volley and the punch volley. The block volley is a defensive play used to defend against an aggressive hit from your opponent. To execute this shot, position your paddle in front of your body. As you contact the ball, use your paddle to absorb its pace and attempt to reset the ball into your opponent’s kitchen. The punch volley is an offensive shot used to hit the ball at your opponent’s feet or into a gap. Use your elbow as a hinge to produce a short “pop” motion that generates pace. Be sure to keep your wrist firm to maintain control of the shot. When hitting volleys, it’s important to keep the paddle up in front of your body. Position the paddle head perpendicular to the ground and above net height. If your paddle gets too high, especially at head level or above, you’re more likely to return attack shots from your opponent that otherwise would land out of bounds beyond the baseline. Keeping it centered in front of your sternum will help you maintain the control you need to successfully execute the shot. As you start to develop your serve, it’s important to learn how to hold the paddle properly. Most players use a continental or “conti” grip. It’s also called the handshake or hammer grip because you hold the paddle as if you’re shaking someone’s hand or holding a hammer. Begin by holding the paddle out in front of you. With the face perpendicular to the ground, ensure that the outside edge is centered in the space between your thumb and index finger. Once your grip is set, you can begin to practice your serve technique. The spin serve is a popular one with novice players because its signature curve can be difficult to return. It’s a common belief that the best way to create spin is through wrist movement. However, this can lead to injury and is not recommended. A more effective way to produce spin is by contacting the ball with your paddle at an angle and using your shoulder muscles to swing at the ball. Ultimately, the best solution for consistent serving without injury is to use proper technique. When learning to serve the pickleball, it’s important to understand the difference between underspin (also known as backspin) and sidespin. With underspin, the ball rotates backward as it moves toward a target, whereas sidespin causes the ball to curve as it flies through the air. To create underspin, contact the ball near the bottom of the ball with the flat face of your paddle. The ball will fly at a high trajectory over the net and bounce higher off the court. To create sidespin, you’ll want to “carve” the ball. This means contacting the ball with your paddle at an angle so you cut across it. This causes the ball to curve as it moves forward over the net. Typically, a spin serve flies at a lower trajectory than an underspin serve.  Pace can also affect the height of the ball’s trajectory. In other words, the harder you hit the ball, the higher it will fly. If your goal is to hit a low-trajectory serve, you can accomplish this by reducing the pace, adding spin to the ball, or both. If you notice your trajectory is too high, you’re likely putting too much underspin on the ball and not enough sidespin. Keep in mind that adding spin can cause you to serve less consistently. Taking some pace off the ball as you learn the spin serve technique will help you keep the ball in bounds. The key is finding a balance between underspin and sidespin to create the trajectory and... If you’re a left-handed pickleball player, follow these steps when executing a backhand shot. Step toward the pickleball using your left foot and swing the paddle from low to high. It’s important to use your shoulder, rather than your wrist or elbow, so you can hit the ball with greater control and consistency. This arm position also allows you to contact the ball in front of your body so you can easily lift the ball and drop it into your opponent’s kitchen.  To practice this technique, get a coach or partner to hit shots to your backhand. Step toward the ball with your left leg and, using a down to upward path with the paddle, work on hitting drop shots into your opponent’s kitchen.  Right-handed players will use the reverse approach, stepping with their right foot and swinging with their right arm.   No Man’s Land is a dangerous area because it’s the place on the court where your opponent can hit the ball down at your feet. To return the ball, you’ll be forced to get low and hit up on the ball to clear the net, giving your opponent an opportunity to play an overhead smash. To avoid this scenario, it’s important to learn how to handle shots in No Man’s Land (also called the Transition Area). When preparing to return a shot, be sure to stop before hitting the ball. If you run through it, your body may pass the ball and you won’t have as much control in that position. Instead, get to the spot where you want to play the ball, stop, then hit your shot. This approach gives you the best opportunity to hit an accurate shot. Use the two drills shown in the video for tips on practicing drop and ground stroke shots. When hitting a forehand ground stroke in pickleball, proper technique is crucial for hitting a shot that has the proper speed, direction and trajectory. Start with a backswing that gets the paddle all the way behind your body. The paddle head should be angled down lower than your hand. Next, step forward with the foot that is opposite your swinging arm as you shift your weight forward. Swing through with your paddle parallel to the ground from low to high using a long extension, opening your hips as you turn. Your arm should wrap all the way around your head on the follow through, finishing with your elbow bent and facing forward away from your body. To practice the forehand technique, hit ground strokes to a partner across the net as you focus on using the proper footwork, arm work and body movement. When running down a lob, what’s your best shot option? Trying to hit a drive shot past opponents in the forecourt will likely get blocked. Hitting a lob from your backcourt to theirs will give them time to respond with an overhead shot that could end the rally. When your opponents are in position to block your shot and keep you pushed back, your best option is to try hitting the pickleball back into their kitchen. This will give you a chance to move forward to the non-Volley Zone on your side, which is key since you’ll win most of your points from there.  When playing doubles, be sure that you and your partner move together. If one of you ends up in the backcourt and one in the forecourt, it creates a big hole in the middle that your opponent can take advantage of. To avoid this, watch each other and talk to make sure you’re always moving in unison. When should you hit a drive shot versus a drop shot? If the pickleball is coming at you on a plane above the net, hitting a hard drive to the backcourt can put pressure on your opponent. This can be especially effective if your opponent has difficulty handling shots hit with more pace. If the ball is below the net, you’ll want to lower your paddle and swing up on the ball to hit a drop shot. In either case, it’s important to get your body behind the ball in a ready stance, so you’ll be in an ideal position to return the ball. To practice drive shots and drop shots — and learn the best time to hit them — grab a partner and try this drill. Hit a deep ground stroke to your partner on the other side of the court, followed by a shorter shot into No Man’s Land (also known as the Transition Area). With each play, your partner must decide whether to hit a drive shot or a drop shot. After a few rounds, switch so you also get a chance to practice these shots and develop your decision-making skills. When your opponents are in an advantageous position at the kitchen line as you’re dropping back, you’ll need to carefully consider which shot to play next. One option is to play the pickleball to their centerline. By doing this, you’ll cut down your opponent’s angles, making it harder for them to hurt you with their return shot. Another option is to play the ball cross-court. In this scenario, you’ll have a longer area in which to hit the ball and keep it in the kitchen. A third option is to hit down the line. However, this requires greater control and could give your opponent an opportunity to attack the ball if it comes in high. Thus, your best options are to go middle or cross-court. As you work on developing these shots, here are a few tips to remember. 1 - Step into the ball with the appropriate foot. When hitting a forehand shot, step with your left foot if you’re a right-handed player. If you’re left-handed, do the opposite: step with your right foot and swing with your left. When hitting a backhand shot, use the arm and foot on the same side. For righties, this means stepping with your right foot. For lefties, step with your left foot. This allows you to contact the ball in front of your body and lift with the shoulder as you make your shot. 2 - Use your shoulder to lift the ball. It’s important to keep your paddle as quiet and... I think of pickleball as a great metaphor for life. No matter how much we play, there’s always more we can learn. We continue to grow our games, just like we hopefully continue to grow in life. Pickleball is also an excellent way to meet new people. It’s very social. That’s one of its major advantages over other activities. To help you get even more enjoyment from the game and give yourself the best chance to improve, I have compiled eight tips from my experience as a player. Hope you find them useful! Do more drills. Most people love to play but rarely spend time drilling. They hit for 5 minutes, take a few volleys and drops and say, “Let’s play! ” Then they wonder why their game is not improving at the rate they’d hoped. Practice with purpose. I include drilling and social games in this category. Every time you hit a pickleball, it’s an opportunity to refine your technique and shot selection. Make your time on the court count. Have a plan. Decide what you want to work on. Worry less about the score and more about your game. If you keep improving, your results will follow. Players who are obsessed with winning every practice game will probably never reach their full potential. Remember this: It’s the journey, not the destination. If you enjoy and embrace the journey, you’ll have a better chance of reaching your destination. Remember why you play this game. Most people play games to... In higher levels of pickleball play, especially in tournaments, points last longer, and therefore matches last longer. Having good fitness and cardio ability is critical to success. Pickleball can be exhausting, and touch shots in pickleball (drops and dinks) tend to be the first to be affected by tired players. Working on fitness with high-intensity pickleball drills can be extremely beneficial to resolve this issue. Push yourself in these drills, but always prioritize your safety and take steps to reduce injury risk including stretching, warming up, and recovering after intense sessions. Session Duration 60 minutes Table of Contents Suggested practice times. How to Play a Cross Court Switch Drill in Pickleball - 15 minutes Romanian Doubles Drill in Pickleball - 15 minutes Two Shot Drop Shot Pickleball Sequence After the Serve - 15 minutes The All Court Advanced Pickleball Drill - 15 minutes How to Play a Cross Court Switch Drill in Pickleball 15 minutes - suggested practice time This drill is a great way to warm up touch shots (dinks) while also getting your feet moving. Start with long cross-court rallies, and incorporate more switches as time goes on. Romanian Doubles Drill in Pickleball 15 minutes - suggested practice time Similar to the first drill, this drill encourages consistent dinks but with more movement required. Dinking while on the move is an advanced but crucial skill in advanced pickleball. Learn an Aggressive Pickleball Lob Drill 15 minutes - suggested practice time When chasing down lobs, remember to turn and... A lob is an offensive weapon to retreat your opponents back to the baseline, as well as to force them to hit a shot on the move. Hitting an effective lob consistently is a difficult skill as one must hit it high enough to not be struck with an overhead while also soft enough to land within the baseline. As an advanced shot, learning an effective lob takes time and will not be mastered on the first day. Session Duration 60 minutes Table of Contents Suggested practice times. A Simple Warm Up Pickleball Drill for Footwork - 15 minutes Practice Pickleball Dinks With This Avoidance Drill - 15 minutes When to Use the Lob Shot in Pickleball - 15 minutes Learn an Aggressive Pickleball Lob Drill - 15 minutes A Simple Warm Up Pickleball Drill for Footwork 15 minutes - suggested practice time Begin the session with this warm-up dinking drill. Practice Pickleball Dinks With This Avoidance Drill 15 minutes - suggested practice time Move your dinks around the kitchen to set yourself up with a ball to attack. When to Use the Lob Shot in Pickleball 15 minutes - suggested practice time Utilize this drill to recognize which airborne balls are attackable with a lob versus which are attackable with a speed up straight ahead. Learn an Aggressive Pickleball Lob Drill 15 minutes - suggested practice time This drill works on both executing an offensive lob, as well as how to defensively recover when you have been lobbed. Known as the most important shot in pickleball, the third shot provides a limited number of options, therefore mastering those options is essential. Mastering an effective third shot can take time for beginners because it can be frustrating to miss and end a point early. Overhitting a third shot is better than under-hitting it into the net because there is a chance your opponents will hit back and continue the rally. Hitting into the net is the only guaranteed scenario for a point to be over immediately. Session Duration 60 minutes Table of Contents Suggested practice times. Learn the Around the Horn Pickleball Drill - 15 minutes Master the Two Shot Pickleball Drill - 15 minutes How to Hit a Third Shot Topspin Lob in Pickleball - 15 minutes Skinny Singles - 15 minutes Learn the Around the Horn Pickleball Drill 15 minutes - suggested practice time This drill will help you to master third shot drops from all distances and angles. Master the Two Shot Pickleball Drill 15 minutes - suggested practice time Master the selection between a third shot drop and drive, as well as how to switch to a touch shot immediately after a powerful drive. How to Hit a Third Shot Topspin Lob in Pickleball 15 minutes - suggested practice time An advanced shot, the third shot lob can surprise your opponents after utilizing many consistent drops and drives in a match. Skinny Singles (no video) 15 minutes - suggested practice time Incorporate all third shot... Once in a dink rally at the kitchen, it is critical to recognize which balls are attackable in order to have success creating offense. If uncomfortable dinking consistently in long rallies, beginners often attack too early. Focus on patience and resetting your paddle to the ready position quickly between every shot. Session Duration 60 minutes Table of Contents Suggested practice times. How to Do a Pickleball Mini Figure Eight Drill - 15 minutes How to Follow Up Your Attack in Pickleball - 15 minutes Learn the Scorpion Drill for Pickleball - 15 minutes Skinny Singles - Kitchen Only - 15 minutes How to Do a Pickleball Mini Figure Eight Drill 15 minutes - suggested practice time Warm up your feet and dinks with this drill to begin the session. How to Follow Up Your Attack in Pickleball 15 minutes - suggested practice time Remember that not all attacks are intended to finish the point. Attacks are better described as an intention to put you ahead in the rally. Learn the Scorpion Drill for Pickleball 15 minutes - suggested practice time Utilize this drill to recognize which airborne balls are attackable with a lob versus which are attackable with a speed up straight ahead. Skinny Singles - Kitchen Only 15 minutes - suggested practice time Play a game of skinny singles, but begin all points from the kitchen line. The "serve" is a cooperative dink to begin each point. Dinking consistently and with intention is very important when it comes to prolonging the point and forcing a mistake out of your opponent. Rallying so close to your opponent and fearing making an error by popping the ball up can be stressful at first. Focus on keeping your knees bent and hitting the middle of your paddle with each dink. Session Duration 60 minutes Table of Contents Suggested practice times. How to Do a Pickleball Mini Figure Eight Drill - 15 minutes Mastering the Switch Drill in Pickleball - 15 minutes Romanian Doubles Drill in Pickleball - 15 minutes Full Court Kitchen Versus Half Court Kitchen Pickleball Drill - 15 minutes How to Do a Pickleball Mini Figure Eight Drill 15 minutes - suggested practice time Warm up your feet and dinks with this drill to begin the session. Mastering the Switch Drill in Pickleball 15 minutes - suggested practice time Incorporate switches to master cross court dinking from both directions. Romanian Doubles Drill in Pickleball 15 minutes - suggested practice time Dinking while on the move is important in both singles and doubles pickleball play. full Full Court Kitchen Versus Half Court Kitchen Pickleball Drill 15 minutes - suggested practice time Remember to incorporate dink volleys when applicable, to give your opponent less time to set up their next dink shot. This video demonstrates the biggest keys to remember on the slice backhand. First, you've got to turn your shoulders. As soon as you know you’re going to hit a slice backhand, you want to turn so the back side of your shoulder is facing the net. As you go to hit the ball, you want to be able to step in and transfer your weight. By turning your shoulder, you will have your paddle back and from there you’ll want to move your shoulder and the bottom edge of your paddle out to the target. The problem most players have is that they open up and their body is facing forward. When you finish your shot, you’re going to be completely sideways. In this video, coach Jerry Jaffee observes players as they practice their slice backhand technique and gives them instructions on how to improve their skills. Dinking is when you softly hit the ball into your opponent’s kitchen or non-volley zone. The reason this shot is hit so often is to reset those balls. You do this because you don't want to pop those balls up and have your opponent slam them down. So if you can reset every ball into the kitchen, you're going to be golden. You can eventually find ways to be on the offensive, but you've got to start with the ability to reset balls into the kitchen. Your goal is to be up at that kitchen line holding your ground and not shifting back. Here you want to be in the ready position with your paddle up.   In the video, coach Jerry Jayapal observes players as they practice dinking and offers feedback on how to improve their skills. In the video, coach Jerry Jayapal offers feedback to players as they practice their dinking skills. This video reviews strategies on where you want to hit the ball when dinking. In pickleball, there’s a circle of space around you in which you don’t have to move to hit the ball. This space is known as the Golden Circle.   Your goal is to hit balls outside of your opponent’s Golden Circle. You want to get your opponent moving, getting them out of position or off-balance. Doing this will open up the court when you're playing soft court and will make you think more strategically about ball placement.   This video reviews when you should block your volleys versus when you should swing and hit hard topspin volleys. When the ball is coming hard at you, you want to make very small movements with your paddle. You want your paddle out in front of you blocking those shots back. But when the ball is hit to you a little bit softer and a little bit higher, then you can swing and hit those hard.   When the ball is up in the air, you can practice topspin, or swinging, volleys. For this swing, you want to turn your shoulders, catch that ball out in front of you, and essentially do a big windshield wiper motion as you swing to hit the ball. The lower the ball is, the softer you should hit it, but with more spin. Putting a lot of spin on the ball will help dive that ball down.   When a ball is coming at you hard and fast, you want to have your paddle out in front of you ready to block that ball back. But when the ball is hit to you a little bit softer and slower, then you have time to wind up and have a good swing on that ball. Make sure you put a little bit of topspin on the ball so you can make sure that ball dives down. When the ball is hit to you lower, you can still do a swing, or topspin, volley. If you have enough topspin, you can actually catch the ball a little bit below the net. But when the ball is lower, you can't hit it quite as hard. Instead, you're going to roll the ball up and try to get it deep.   So when your opponent is back and you've got the volley, you want to hit the ball nice and deep with some topspin, having it diving down at the baseline. This is going to make it harder for your opponent to move forward. You want to control the net and keep them back. On the return of serve, there are a couple of keys to remember. Since the other team has to let the ball bounce, the key is to try to get good depth and give yourself enough time to get to the non-volley zone. So what you’ll see a lot of professionals trying to do is either hit the ball cross-court or back in the middle where you've got the longest part of the court, or the easiest area in the middle, where if you're off a few inches one way or the other with your serve, it doesn't necessarily matter. Serving the ball to these areas also cuts down the angles the other team is going to have. The second part of that is trying to give yourself enough time to get to the non-volley zone and getting it deep is the best way to do so.   Where people stand on the return will vary. Some players like to stand very close to the baseline. The problem with this is that a person that's able to serve a good, deep serve is going to force you to have to take that ball right off the bounce. And it's difficult to take that ball and do a whole lot with it.   Standing further back from the line allows you to see what your opponent is doing and gives you a chance to react by moving one way or the other with your weight moving forward. You want to avoid having to shift your weight backward and then trying to move forward. So standing a little bit back behind the baseline, you’ll want to keep your paddle in front of you, so as you hit the ball, you’re going to rotate and hit through the ball with a little underspin and move forward. Or if you hit it with your backhand, you can slice the ball and move forward. In this video, coach Jerry Jaffee gives one-on-one instructions on the return of serve, further explaining proper body and paddle positioning during gameplay.   In this video, coach Jerry Jaffee reviews the volley. A volley is basically taking any ball out of the air. In pickleball, you’re not allowed to touch the kitchen line or go into the kitchen area or the non-volley zone and take the ball out of the air. What you’re allowed to do is step in and hit the ball if it bounces, then step back out so that somebody doesn't tag you with a ball while you’re still in there. You can also reach in and hit a volley that way. The easiest grip to use on the volley is the continental grip. The reason for using this grip is that you can hit a forehand and you can turn the paddle to the other side and hit a backhand with a strong wrist. When preparing to hit a volley, you want to think of that ball coming at your chest and have your paddle out in front of you. With the continental grip, you’ll take the paddle head and turn it up a little bit so your wrist is locked. Then when the ball is coming at you, you're going to reach out and basically block the ball with the paddle. The last part of the volley technique that you want to think about is making sure that you squeeze the paddle tighter on impact. When you're doing the short ball or dinks, you should have a more relaxed hand. On the volley, you want to avoid the... In this video, coach Jerry Jaffee helps players refine their skills as they practice working on their volleys. In this video, coach Jerry Jaffee explains how to utilize the backhand on a volley and helps players refine their techniques as they practice for the first time. The backhand is similar to the forehand when volleying. You want to keep your paddle out in front of you, but flip it over to use the other side. You’re going to rotate your upper torso a little bit, keeping the paddle out in front of your eyes, and block it using your shoulder. You want to make sure you keep your arm and wrist firm, allowing your shoulder to do the work.   This video shows a tactical drill designed for a solo player to be able to move the ball around to different opponents within each rally. Too often in pickleball, players get stuck in endless cross-court rallies which doesn't move the other team around enough. So it’s important that you change directions so that you don’t get prolonged points to the same person. Every single person on the court needs to be involved and in order to keep each player honest, the solo player should go cross-court on some dinks and then straight ahead for others. This keeps every opponent on the court ready for any ball at all times.   The drill in this video is an advanced kitchen drill in which the goal is to change the tempo and rhythm of a dink point within each point. Your distance from the kitchen line can change within a rally in an attempt to throw the tempo off for your opponent. You don’t want to be in the same place all the time. Doing this in a match can potentially lead to a pop up to win the point. The drill in this video is a fourth shot drill. The fourth shot in pickleball is oftentimes not talked about and that's the shot you hit after you return serve. The rule you need to know is if the third shot dropped by your opponent is high or is taken out of the air, you can do something aggressive with it. If the server has a great third shot drop, your best choice is a fourth shot drop shot. The fourth shot drop will never let your opponents poach on you.   By Steve Dawson In pickleball or any competitive setting, it’s tempting to try to identify one aspect of the game that will swing the outcome in your favor. There’s an element of delight, and even superiority, in saying that you cracked the code and defeated an opponent because you were smart enough to make good adjustments. As an 18-time winner of major pickleball tournaments, I've developed strategic approach to making adjustments that has worked well for me. Here are five key points: Stick to your strengths – Rather than panicking if you drop the first game of a match, stay the course. If I play a poor first game, I’m not going to say ‘Oh, I need to change my game. I just knuckle down harder on what I do to make sure the second game is better than the first. Know your opponent but play your game – I'm a strong believer in not making adjustments unless they are absolutely necessary. Many pickleball players, or athletes in general, watch their competition before they square off so they know what to expect. This is fine; it never hurts to gather information. But I don't believe that a pre-game strategy, or one developed mid-game, should be a player’s primary focus. Lack of confidence is often the impetus for an adjustment. I encourage players to believe in themselves and to not overthink a specific matchup. I prefer to use my shots ... regardless of the opponent. Let my opponents do the adjusting... In this video, you’ll learn how to hit an overhead. This shot is the best way to get your opponents to hit a pop up. It’s not a volley or a lob, it's a high ball. It’s when you extend your arm, reach up, and hit a ball that’s in front of you. The main key is to go from the ready position, turn sideways, get your paddle up on your shoulder, point up at the ball (which gets your eyes focused on the ball), step while reaching with full extension, and hit the ball out in front. You do not want to make contact with the ball when it is above your body or with your arm extended behind you, as this will cause the ball to fly high. You want to keep it up in front of you, hit it, and then come down, finishing your swing on the opposite side of your body.   This video demonstrates additional technique tips when hitting an overhead. The most important tip is to get into a sideways body position, point your paddle toward the ball, and follow through completely while maintaining your sideways positioning. When you see the ball coming up in the air, you’ll want to go from the ready position, turn, step, and hit. If it's windy, you’ll want to move your feet to keep your body in position. Remember, when you go to hit the ball, you don't want to rotate too much because then you’ll pull it wide. You want to just hit it straight up. It’s also important to relax. If you start to get tense, you won’t be able to hit the ball as far and as fast. This video reviews the ‘toss to target’, a technique you can use to practice your serve. As with many skills you’re trying to master, repetition is key. Repetition helps with muscle memory and allows you to get in a groove. When it comes to a serve, you definitely want to have a way of hitting the ball that you can rely on all the time. One way to practice your serve motion is to toss a ball without paddles. The motions to remember are – turn, step, and toss. You want to turn towards your target, step forward to shift your weight to your front foot, and toss the ball. Because a serve is similar to an underhand toss, you’ll want to toss the ball from low to high using your shoulder. Once you have this motion down, you can add a paddle and practice hitting a ball. Mastering this technique will give you a reliable serve every time.   In this video, coach Jerry Jaffee gives one-on-one instructions to left-handed players on the proper fundamentals of serving, offering advice on stance, body positioning and mechanics. Proper mechanics and positioning enables you to set your paddle on a full swing path extending towards your target. It is also important to limit excess hand and wrist movements and, instead, use your core, shoulders and arm to create the proper swing. By practicing the correct fundamentals, you can execute a consistent, repeatable serving technique that gives you more control on ball placement and avoids service errors. Unlike other racquet sports such as tennis, the goal of the pickleball serve is not to ace your opponent. Rather, pickleball players of all levels should focus on taking the net out of play, serving the ball deep past the kitchen line and "pinning" the returner back near the baseline. This makes it more difficult for your opponent to advance to the kitchen line on their return of serve. In this video, coach Jerry Jaffee gives one-on-one instructions to right-handed players as they practice their serves, offering advice on positioning and body mechanics. This video reviews return techniques for beginners. On the return, your goal is to get the ball as deep in your opponent’s side of the court as you can to keep them back. Doing this will give you more time to get to the kitchen line. If a ball is served to your backhand, one technique to return it is to chip it. To do this you're going to bring your paddle back to your shoulder, step with your front foot, push through the ball, and slice it. If the ball comes to your forehand, you’re going to handle it the same way. You want to make sure you don’t wind your paddle back too far because if you hit it too hard, it's going to fly. Once you finish the hit, then you're going to follow it into the kitchen. Hitting the ball too hard may also cause it to be a line drive, which won’t give you enough time to get to the kitchen. The object is to slice it and have it loft deep. This video reviews return techniques utilizing your forehand. There are actually two techniques you can choose to use on a forehand return. You can either hit a flat shot or you can chip it. It's up to your preference and how comfortable you feel.   Similar to a backhand return, you're going to take the paddle back as far as your shoulder, step with your front foot, slice through the ball, and follow through on the shot toward your target. If you decide to go with a flat shot, you're going to hit it flatter at contact and you're going to bring your paddle up and over to lift the ball up and over the net. You want to have the ball go as deep as you can, but power is not the objective. Hitting the ball with too much power won’t give you enough time to get to the kitchen line. Your goal is to chip the return and start running to the kitchen as fast as you can. This puts the pressure on the serving team.   In this video, coach Gee Gee Garvin gives one-on-one instructions to players as they practice their forehand returns. In this video, coach Gee Gee Garvin gives one-on-one instructions to players as they practice their backhand returns. ## Products