10 Pickleball Tips To Never Forget

Elevate Your Pickleball Game: Mastering Topspin and Beyond

Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced Pickleball player, there’s always room for improvement. In a recent video by Enhance Pickleball, they shared 10 invaluable tips that every pickleball enthusiast should know. Let’s delve into these strategies and see how they can transform your game!

1. The Around-The-Post (ATP) Shot: Contrary to popular belief, the ATP shot isn’t as challenging as it seems. It’s a shot that goes around the net post, rather than over the net. The trick is to look for opportunities when your opponent sends a very angled dink that goes outside of the net post. With practice, this can become a game-changing shot!

2. Target the Backhand: When dinking, aim for your opponent’s backhand. Most players are stronger on their forehand, so directing your shots to their backhand can reduce their chances of aggressive returns and increase the likelihood of getting a pop-up.

3. Serving Strategy: The serve in pickleball can be a powerful weapon. Test out both hard serves and conservative serves early in the game. If your opponent struggles with your serve, go big! If not, opt for a more consistent serve.

4. Switching Play: A great strategy is to switch your play from one player to another. If you’re in a cross-court dinking rally, surprise your opponents by suddenly accelerating down the line. This can catch them off guard and give you an advantage.

5. Patience is Key: One of the most crucial tips is to be patient. In pickleball, the more patient player often comes out on top. However, when you get an easy shot, seize the opportunity and go big!

6. Poaching: If you’re at the kitchen and your partner is further back, anticipate that your opponents will target them. Use this to your advantage by intercepting the ball, a move known as ‘poaching’.

7. Expect Speed-Ups: Always be mentally prepared for a speed-up when you’re at the kitchen dinking. By expecting a faster shot, you can react quicker and position yourself better.

8. Drive the Third Shot: While many advise dropping every third shot, there are times when driving it is beneficial. Look for opportunities when the ball is higher, slower, and shorter. A deep and fast return, however, is best met with a drop to get into a better position.

9. Topspin Returns: Topspin can be a game-changer, especially when returning shots. The forward rotation of the ball makes it dip quickly, making it challenging for opponents to return. Mastering this can give you a significant edge in the game.

10. Continuous Learning: The world of pickleball is vast, and there’s always something new to learn. Platforms like YouTube offer a plethora of information. Dedicate time to study the game, practice regularly, and always be open to new strategies.

Conclusion: Pickleball is not just about hitting the ball; it’s about strategy, patience, and continuous learning. These 10 pickleball tips, as shared by Enhance Pickleball, can significantly improve your gameplay. Whether it’s mastering the topspin return or understanding when to drive your third shot, each tip offers a unique perspective to enhance your skills. So, gear up, implement these strategies, and watch as your pickleball game reaches new heights!

For a more detailed breakdown and visual demonstrations of these tips, check out the video “10 Pickleball Tips I WISH I Knew Earlier…” by Enhance Pickleball.

Note: This blog post is inspired by the video from Enhance Pickleball. All credits go to them for their insights and expertise.