Have you ever seen a shot so deceptive that it leaves your opponents scratching their heads? Enter the Kyle Yates Trick Shot, a crafty move that’s sure to add a touch of magic to your game. Named after Kyle Yates, a renowned pickleball pro known for his innovative and strategic play, this shot is a testament to his skill and creativity on the court.
Here’s what makes this shot special, who it’s best suited for, when to use it, and some pitfalls to avoid.
Who’s This Shot For?
This trick shot is perfect for intermediate to advanced players (3.5+). If you’ve got a solid grasp of the basics and are looking to elevate your game with some finesse, the Kyle Yates Shot is your next move.
Check out this awesome quick video on how to nail the Kyle Yates shot:
When to Use It
Use this shot when you want to catch your opponents off guard. It’s particularly effective during a rally when your opponents are expecting a calm, controlled dink.
The surprise element can force them into a weak return, giving you the upper hand.
How to Execute the Kyle Yates Shot
- Set Up for a Backhand Dink: Start by positioning yourself as if you’re about to perform a backhand dink. Bend your legs, get your paddle behind the ball early, and maintain the stance.
- Sell the Fake: The key to this shot’s effectiveness is making the fake dink look as realistic as possible. This involves convincing your opponents that a slow, cross-court dink is coming their way.
- Switch to Forehand Speed-Up: As the ball reaches its apex or starts to fall, purposefully miss the ball with your backhand and quickly roll your hand over to hit a forehand speed-up. Aim for just below your opponent’s shoulder—an awkward spot for them to handle.
The Biggest Issue with the Kyle Yates Shot (And How to Overcome It)
One of the biggest challenges with this shot is that good players are often ready for the speed-up. They expect it because a drop shot isn’t as surprising. To overcome this, you need to make your fake dink look incredibly convincing.
Focus on bending your knees, getting your paddle behind the ball, and selling the dink motion. Mix up your shots so your opponents can’t predict when the speed-up is coming.
Practice the transition from fake dink to forehand speed-up until it’s seamless. If executed flawlessly, even top players will find it hard to anticipate.
3 Key Pitfalls to Avoid
- Overdoing It: Using this shot too often can make it predictable. Mix it up with your regular dinks and other shots to keep your opponents guessing.
- Poor Execution: If your fake isn’t convincing, your opponents will see through it. Practice the shot until you can seamlessly transition from the fake backhand to the forehand speed-up.
- Lack of Follow-Up: Always be prepared for the next shot. The goal of the speed-up is to create a pop-up that you can put away. Stay alert and ready to either finish the point or reset the ball.
So, ready to give your opponents a run for their money? Master the Kyle Yates Trick Shot, and you’ll have a powerful new tool in your pickleball repertoire.
Happy playing!
