Commonly, players find themselves in a mid-court position, squatting down on their heels. This stance makes it hard to move laterally, which can actually work to your advantage if your opponent adopts this position. From here, moving to either side becomes a challenge, and players often end up shuffling awkwardly, which limits their ability to quickly move forward.

When you’re in the mid-court, resist the urge to get low in a defensive posture. Instead, adopt a more flexible, staggered stance, similar to a sprinter at the start line. This position enables you to move forward more easily. For example, if the ball comes to your right, pivot on your left foot, turning your toes towards the ball. This allows your back leg to follow through, propelling you forward to meet the ball.

The direction of your toes is crucial; it not only positions your body correctly but also ensures your paddle is out in front, ready for action. Incorrect positioning can lead to your paddle dragging behind you, throwing off your balance and making it hard to move towards the ball effectively.

A simple tip for mid-court play: Use your paddle to protect your feet, almost like a shovel. This stance prepares you for forward movement. Avoid squatting too deeply, as this places your weight on your heels and may cause you to bend over excessively to hit the ball. Instead, focus on a stance that allows for quick, forward movement.

Remember, keep your movements simple and efficient. Point your right toe towards the ball when it’s on your right, and your left toe when the ball is on your left. This ensures you’re always ready to move forward and engage effectively with the ball.

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Instead of overthinking it, try thinking of it as a long dink. Yes, that’s right—a long dink! Keep it simple, folks. We’re talking about the same speed, the same motion, and the same low-to-high swing we use for a regular dink. Forget about aiming for specific spots on the net or worrying about apexes.

When I’m at the non-volley line, hitting a forehand dink, I’m using a low-to-high motion, transferring my weight, and keeping the tip of my paddle in front of me. The same principles apply when I’m farther back—it’s just a longer strike. So, here’s the key: aim for the same range and net clearance as you would for a normal dink.

One common mistake players make is stopping their motion or trying to pop the ball up with a big backswing. But here’s the beauty of the shot: my contact is in front of me, and the angle of the paddle naturally lifts the ball, generating topspin and net clearance. By focusing on that long dink motion and keeping things consistent, you’ll find yourself hitting successful third shot drops time and time again. So, forget the complexity, keep it simple, and watch your game improve!

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You and your partner both have a role and a job, if I’m hitting a 3rd shot my partners job is to make the court smaller and to look for the opportunity to take the the ball. My job is to set up that shot.

If my partner is taking the 3rd shot we now have different jobs. Remember the question you want to ask yourself isn’t “Where am I going?, it’s “What am I doing?”

What I am releasing today is Part 1 of a 5 part course that shows a Drill Lesson that will help you practice this approach so it comes naturally when you are in an actual game. For now you can check out the rest of the Course on my Members site free for a limited time…

Expanding Your Pickleball Game with Poaching

Poaching in pickleball is not just a skill but a strategic play that begins in the transition zone, a crucial area often misunderstood by many players. My latest guide aims to demystify this concept and provide you with a detailed drill to enhance your ability to poach effectively, transforming your game play.

Understanding the Role of the Transition Zone

The transition zone, the space between the baseline and the non-volley line, is pivotal in setting up poaching opportunities. Contrary to popular belief, this area, often referred to as “no man’s land,” is where the magic happens. It’s where you and your partner coordinate movements and positions to create openings for poaching. Your movement speed and positioning relative to your partner dictate your success in transitioning from defense to offense.

Partner Coordination and Roles

Successful poaching hinges on seamless partner coordination. When one player takes on the third shot, the other’s role is to compress the court, making it smaller and readying themselves to intercept the ball. The focus should not just be on “where” to move but on “what” your role is in that moment. Whether setting up the shot or looking for the poach, understanding and executing your role is crucial.

Drill Overview: Mastering Poaching through Practice

The drill I’m sharing today, part of a comprehensive 5-part course, is designed to ingrain these principles into your play style. It emphasizes working within the transition zone and understanding the dynamics of moving as a cohesive unit with your partner.

Drill Setup and Execution

• Objective: Learn to set up and execute a poach while utilizing the transition zone effectively.
• Starting Position: Use cones to mark the starting positions, making the court smaller to emphasize the transition zone.
• Gameplay: The server initiates the drill with a cross-court serve. Partners start approaching the net only after the second ball is in play, emphasizing the importance of timing and coordination.
• Key Focus: The server and their partner work on placing the ball strategically to create poaching opportunities for each other. The non-serving team focuses on intercepting and poaching using the transition zone.

Detailed Steps and Tips

1. Serve and Approach: Begin with a serve. The partner of the server moves forward, not immediately but after the return, highlighting the significance of the transition zone in setting up the poach.
2. Positioning for Poaching: As the rally progresses, focus on positioning. The goal is to move in a way that pressures opponents and creates opportunities for poaching. Use the transition zone to your advantage, moving forward with intent and timing.
3. Communication and Coordination: Continuously communicate with your partner. Establish who takes the lead on approaching shots and who sets up the poach. This clarity prevents confusion and enhances teamwork.
4. Practice Makes Perfect: Repeat the drill, alternating roles and sides. Each repetition will help reinforce movement patterns, positioning, and the strategic mindset required for effective poaching.

Study Notes from the Drill

• Transition Zone Mastery: Embrace the transition zone. Understand its role in allowing you to move forward with purpose, setting up poaching opportunities.
• Strategic Movement: Your movement isn’t just about getting to the net; it’s about creating advantageous positions for you and your partner.
• Role Awareness: Always be clear on your role during each shot of the rally. This clarity directly impacts your team’s ability to control the game and execute successful poaches.

This drill is a starting point for mastering poaching in pickleball. By practicing these movements and strategies, you’ll find yourself more confident in your ability to control the court and dictate the pace of the game. Remember, effective poaching is about understanding the space, your partner, and the opportunities that arise during play. Embrace these principles, and you’ll see a significant improvement in your game.

Stay tuned for the remaining parts of this course on my Members site, available for a limited time. Let’s elevate your game together!

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Well, I’m here to tell you that moving on from a bad shot is absolutely crucial for success on the court. Dwelling on the past, especially a single shot, won’t do you any favors. In fact, it can hinder your performance. Let’s face it, there’s no time to dwell on what’s already happened. Once a shot is in the past, it’s out of your control. The ability to shake it off and focus on the next point is a skill we all need to master.

I often incorporate rally scoring games in practice for this very reason. In these games, every point counts, and it keeps you fully engaged. Unlike traditional scoring, where you might not lose a point if you make an error, rally scoring keeps you accountable for every point. It’s an excellent way to train your mind to move forward and stay focused on each shot.

Another key aspect is trusting your shots. I’ve seen it time and time again—players attempt a shot, it doesn’t work out once, and they abandon it for the rest of the match. Just because something didn’t succeed once doesn’t mean it won’t in the future. It’s vital to have confidence in your abilities and trust your shots, even when you’re feeling the pressure.

So, when you’re in the heat of match play and things aren’t going your way, try to shake off the frustration. Tap your partner’s paddle, reset your focus, and think about your plan for the next point. Having a clear target in mind is essential. Instead of just hitting the ball, aim for a specific spot on the court. This keeps your mind in sync with your body and helps maintain your performance level.

Remember, don’t let past points haunt you. Your only option is to move forward and concentrate on what’s ahead.

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The fundamental distinction lies in how we handle our paddles when we’re catching the ball in the air. It’s crucial to keep your paddle movement minimal, ideally within one to two inches. What often happens is players tend to flick their paddles back and attempt to accelerate during an aerial dink. However, in reality, you’re catching the ball, absorbing its energy.

Now, consider dinking off the bounce. This involves a longer follow-through motion because the ball’s speed is slowing down due to the bounce. Let’s break it down: in the air, in the air, bounce, bounce, in the air. You can see that the motion differs when catching the ball mid-air compared to letting it bounce.

For successful in-the-air dinking, practice that subtle absorption of the ball’s energy. Ensure your weight is leaning slightly toward the direction of the shot, and remember to keep the paddle movement minimal – just one to two inches. This will help you avoid popping up the ball and maintain better control over the shot.

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Picture this: you find yourself in the mid-court, and your stance feels a bit squatty and compressed. It’s a common situation, but here’s the thing—it can make retrieving low shots quite challenging. Often, players in this stance get knocked off balance and struggle to move freely. So, what’s the game plan for success in the transition zone?

First and foremost, when a fast, low ball is headed your way, focus on your wrist position. Ensure your wrist is relaxed and dropped down. This wrist adjustment is crucial for absorbing the shock of the incoming ball effectively. Avoid cocking your wrist up or making unnecessary movements that could destabilize your shot.

Now, let’s talk footwork. Imagine your partner is holding down the center court, and you’re anticipating the play. It’s wise to adopt a staggered stance with your feet. Here’s how it works: if the ball comes toward you, position your right foot slightly toward the center. This setup grants you greater flexibility to move forward and cut off the ball. If the ball changes direction unexpectedly, you can smoothly push off and adjust your positioning.

But the beauty of this staggered stance shines when you want to seize an opportunity. Let’s say you plan to poach at the net. In this case, you can swiftly push off with your back foot and move forward. This staggered stance, with weight on your toes and slightly off your heels, not only aids in absorbing incoming balls but also allows for fluid movement out of the transition zone and toward the net.

So remember, the transition zone is not a dreaded no-man’s land—it’s a land of opportunities. By focusing on your wrist position and mastering the staggered footwork, you’ll find yourself not only handling low shots more efficiently but also setting yourself up for successful plays as you move closer to the net.

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Imagine this: you’re in the midst of a game, maybe feeling a bit anxious or tense. What can you do with your paddle to help? Well, just let it drop naturally and allow your entire hand to relax. You can even give it a gentle spin, feeling the easy, loose motion in your fingers. If you sense your palm pressing forcefully against the grip, it’s a sign you’re holding too tight.

Here’s the trick: in those brief moments between points, lower your shoulders, relax your neck, and let your paddle grip become almost weightless in your hands. It might feel like you’re barely holding onto it. This simple adjustment can work wonders in reducing tension, especially during competitive play.

The tighter you grip when you’re anxious or desperate, the more your shoulders tend to rise, affecting your control over that little plastic ball we’re all trying to master on the court.

The post What’s Your Paddle Doing? Elevate Your Pickleball Game with This Simple Paddle Grip Adjustment appeared first on Sarah Ansboury Pickleball.

Picture this: you’re out there on the court, engaged in a spirited rally, and then it happens. Your opponent dinks at the ball and squats down low to hit it. You’ve probably seen it before, and maybe you’ve even done it yourself. The ball connects beautifully with the paddle’s sweet spot, but here’s the kicker. At the very moment of impact, they’re descending into a squat. And that’s the number one reason why the ball doesn’t perform as expected. It either plummets into the net or barely makes it over. Frustrating, right?

So, let’s talk about how to remedy this issue. It all comes down to your weight distribution and timing. First and foremost, you want your weight to be properly distributed before making contact with the ball. Whether you’re receiving a shot or setting up for a powerful return, your weight should already be positioned correctly. This ensures that you have control over your shot and can seamlessly transition to your next move.

Now, I want you to pay attention the next time you’re on the court. You’ll likely notice this mistake happening all around you because it’s something that nearly every player grapples with at some point. The key fix here is to keep your weight down before striking the ball. When your weight is up and down in a dinking motion, it can seriously hinder your shot’s effectiveness.

Here’s another valuable tip: if the ball is coming at you and you find yourself in a position where you need to strike it in the air, try to let it bounce if it’s below your knees. Allowing the ball to bounce before you make contact can resolve a multitude of issues. When you do make contact in the air, remember to keep the ball’s height above your knees and maintain it out in front of you.

By adhering to these simple yet critical principles – proper weight distribution, letting the ball bounce if necessary, and keeping the ball at the right height – you can drastically improve your shots and prevent that frustrating net collision. So, the next time you step onto the court, keep these tips in mind, and watch your game reach new heights.

Remember, practice makes perfect, and with a few adjustments, you’ll be on your way to becoming a more skilled and consistent pickleball player.

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