Pickleball isn’t just about having the right gear or mastering the basic rules—it’s also about the wisdom shared between players that shapes strategies and refines skills. Whether you’re playing against an eight-year-old prodigy or seasoned pros, there are certain maxims that can elevate your game.
Here’s my list of some essential rules of thumbs that all pickleball players should keep in mind:
- Serve and Stay; Return and Run: Always move into a strategic position after serving or returning.
- Never Drop to the Forehand: Avoid giving your opponent an easy forehand drop shot.
- Low and Go, High and Die: Keep your shots low to make it difficult for opponents to attack; high shots can be easily smashed back.
- Down the Middle Solves the Riddle: Hitting towards the center can disrupt your opponents’ coordination.
- Watch Your Opponent, Not the Ball: Focus on your opponent’s position and body language to anticipate their next move.
- Dink with Purpose: Use dinks not just to keep the ball in play, but to set up offensive opportunities.
- 3rd Shot Drive, 5th Shot Drop: Develop a rhythm in your play to mix up your shots and keep opponents guessing.
- I’ve Got Line, You’ve Got Middle: Clear communication in doubles is crucial to cover all areas effectively.
- Practice Makes Permanent: What you practice is what you will perform, so focus on quality and consistency.
- When in Doubt, Play it Out: If you’re unsure whether a ball is going out, play it to maintain the rally.
- Toes, Not Noes: Targeting the toes makes it more difficult for your opponent to return the shot because it forces them to hit upward.
- Precision Over Power, Strategy Over Speed: A well-placed shot can be more effective and harder to return than a powerful one.
- Control the Pace, Control the Game: This tactic is particularly effective against players who thrive under a different speed of play—whether faster or slower—since it can disrupt their timing and game plan.
Should You Be Sharing ‘Pickleball Wisdom’ During Game Play?
Sharing pickleball wisdom during gameplay can be a bit tricky. On one hand, offering tips and advice can be helpful, especially if you’re playing with beginners or less experienced players who genuinely want to improve. It can contribute to a positive and supportive atmosphere on the court.
However, it’s essential to gauge the situation and be mindful of your fellow players’ preferences. Some people might not appreciate unsolicited advice during gameplay, as it can be seen as distracting or even condescending.
If you’re unsure whether to share pickleball wisdom during a game, it’s usually best to err on the side of caution. You can always offer guidance and insights during breaks or after the game if the other players seem receptive. And if someone specifically asks for advice, then by all means, share your wisdom freely!
What to Do If You’re Tired of Getting Advice?
If you’re tired of smack talk or getting advice you didn’t ask for:
- Say thanks but focus on your own game: You can acknowledge the advice with a simple “Thank you for the tip.” This response acknowledges the advice without necessarily committing to following it.
- Politely tell them you’re figuring things out: You can say something like, “I appreciate your advice, but I’m trying to figure things out on my own right now.”
- Change the subject: You can ask them about their own experiences or interests, shifting the focus away from your gameplay.
- Use a signal to show you’re not interested: This could be a simple hand gesture or nod that communicates your preference without interrupting the game.
- Have a friendly talk about your boundaries: Consider having a one-on-one conversation with the person outside of gameplay. Be polite but firm in expressing how you feel and ask them to respect your boundaries.
Remember, Pickleball is Fun First
You know, one of the coolest things about pickleball is how it brings people together for a good time. It’s not just about the game; it’s about the laughs, the chats, and the shared moments on the court.
Sure, we all want to improve our skills, but at the end of the day, it’s more about enjoying each other’s company than winning every point. So, when we’re out there playing, let’s keep in mind that pickleball is a social game meant for fun. Let’s cheer each other on, share a few jokes, words of wisdom and soak in the joy of playing together. That’s what makes this sport truly special.
