In pickleball, it’s often the little tweaks—the ones that seem almost insignificant—that end up making the biggest difference. Suddenly, you’ve leaped from a 3.5 to a 4.0, and it feels like it happened overnight!
We’ve put together a list of simple things to practice and pay attention to that have helped other players make that leap to the next level. Whether you’re aiming to level up or just fine-tune your skills, these tips could be the game-changers you need.
1. Master the Split Step
Stop moving when your opponent is about to swing by splitting your feet shoulder-width apart with knees bent and paddle ready. This simple adjustment can drastically improve your reaction time and positioning.
2. Anticipate and Read Your Opponent’s Body Language
One of the most valuable skills you can develop is the ability to anticipate your opponent’s next move by reading their body language. Watch for subtle cues, like their stance, grip, or paddle angle, which can hint at the type of shot they’re about to make.
Here’s what to watch for:
- Stance: An open stance usually signals a cross-court shot; a closed stance points to a down-the-line shot.
- Grip: A tight grip often means a powerful shot is coming, while a loose grip suggests a softer shot like a dink.
- Paddle Angle: An open paddle face hints at a lob or soft shot, while a closed face indicates a drive or hard shot.
3. Prioritize Soft Hands
A softer grip, especially during dinks and drops, gives you greater touch and control. Practice this technique to improve your accuracy and finesse around the net.
4. Watch the Ball All the Way
Keep your eyes on the ball until it meets your paddle. This simple focus can dramatically improve your serves, drops, and overall consistency.
But don’t keep your focus on the ball. Here are the other things to be aware of during a given point.
5. Use Footwork to Your Advantage
Footwork is crucial in all shots, especially when dealing with lobs. Get behind the ball, set your feet, and then take your shot to maintain control and balance.
6. Be Patient and Don’t Rush the Point
It’s tempting to go for the quick win, but patience is key. Focus on keeping the ball in play and waiting for your opponent to make a mistake, especially when the ball is low or tricky.
7. Embrace the Power of the Reset
When things get heated at the kitchen line, don’t be afraid to hit a reset shot. A soft, controlled shot back into your opponent’s non-volley zone can slow down the pace and allow you to regain control of the point.
8. Slow Down Low Shots
When the ball is low, take your time. Don’t rush the shot; instead, focus on placing the ball carefully and accurately.
9. Practice the Triangle Concept
Understand the ball path triangle: anticipate where the ball will go next to position yourself effectively:
- Down-the-Line: A shot down the line often leads to a cross-court return.
- Cross-Court: Cross-court shots tend to be returned down the line or cross-court again.
- Positioning: Anticipate these patterns to position yourself better. For example, if you see your opponent hitting down the line, prepare to move cross-court to cover the likely return.
10. Develop a Two-Handed Backhand
If you haven’t already, consider adding a two-handed backhand to your repertoire. It can offer more power and control, especially when playing at the kitchen line.
11. Gt Still Before Every Shot
Before you take any shot, ensure your feet are set, and your body is still. This helps maintain balance and control, leading to more accurate and powerful shots.
12. Observe Your Opponent
Take the first few points of a match to study your opponent. Observe their strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies, and use that knowledge to craft your strategy for the rest of the game:
- Shot Preference: Do they favor forehands or backhands? Target their weaker side.
- Movement: Are they quick or slow? Make them move if they struggle.
- Serve Style: Notice if they serve deep or short to prepare your return.
- Pressure Response: Do they play safe or take risks? Use this to your advantage.
13. Be Deliberate with Placement
Sometimes, less power and more precision is the way to go. Focus on placing your shots rather than smashing them. A well-placed shot with 70% power can be more effective than an all-out smash.
Give These Simple Tips a Try—You Might Be Surprised!
Some of these tips might seem trivial at first, but why not give them a shot and see if they’re really as minor as they seem? You might find that a small tweak, like keeping your paddle up or focusing on your footwork, makes a big difference in your game.
So, next time you’re on the court, remember these strategies—you never know which one could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.
Happy playing, and here’s to making your next match your best one yet!
