Have you ever been on the pickleball court and found yourself frustratedly saying something like “Again? I always do that” or “Darn! That keeps happening.” It happens to the best of us.
This week’s pickleball tip may help.
Coach Mary’s Tip of the Week: Stop making these stubborn mistakes
We often get frustrated with our execution of shots during competition. Online instructor Coach Jess from Athena Pickleball spotlights some of the more common stubborn mistakes she sees often and offers some simple fixes.
1. “Serve and Stay” – the problem is that you move into the “Zone of Death” inside the baseline. You creep in and then a deep return handcuffs you. Serve and stay back.
2. Attacking crosscourt is not your best bet. Attack middle or right across from you. If you go crosscourt, your partner might get attacked.
3. After a speed-up, not expecting the ball to come back. As you move up a level, you need to prepare for the ball to come back at you! Get your paddle and your energy out in front, forward. Do not be complacent.
4. Do not back off when you are attacked at the NVZ! Hold your ground, be strong in your arms and stance. Do not retreat to the transition zone. Keep your paddle up, with force and courage. Punch, reset, keep it small and strong. Be fearless!
5. Too much movement, too fancy, with stepping and splitting. “Establish one step in any direction.” Contact in front, parallel, back, to the side, etc. Not Too Happy Feet! Take the ball out of the air when you can.
6. Slapping high put-a-ways! If it is high, do not point your paddle to the sky. Point it to the side, so it is in front of your power shoulder. Your paddle should not be behind your shoulder ever! Get out to the side so you can engage your upper body and your shoulder, rather than just your arm.
Join in on the fun
Next Indoor Round Robin is June 28 at Palm Desert Civic Center Park Gym. Email me at: mgbarsaleau@gmail.com for more information!
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Pickleball Tip of the Week: Stop making these stubborn mistakes
Reporting by Mary Barsaleau, Special to The Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
