Let me share a little secret with you that might just change your game: the elusive third shot drop. We all know the stress it brings, but what if I told you it’s not as complicated as it seems?  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, transferr ..read more

One common problem we all face on the court is hitting the ball into the net. It’s frustrating, right?  But here’s the thing—it’s often a simple fix. Picture this scenario: you’re hitting a ball that’s up high, say, around shoulder height. What’s crucial is how you finish your shot. If your paddle ends up below the net level, there’s a good chance the ball will follow suit. So, what’s the solution? It’s all about your paddle’s finishing position, and your non-dominant hand plays a key role. Keep both hands on the same plane to ensure your paddle finishes above the net. This simple adjust ..read more

Let’s break down something that might seem simple but is actually quite nuanced: your body position on the pickleball court. Often, we hear about the importance of an “athletic stance.” However, what many interpret as an athletic stance turns into something resembling a squat, and I can’t help but feel like I’m about to be tackled when I see this.  Here’s the thing, though. This squatting stance is not agile at all. When you squat, your weight naturally shifts to your heels, and your body gets compressed. To compensate for this, players do strange things to create forward motion. Imagine ..read more

In today’s mini-lesson, I want to tackle a common issue we all encounter on the pickleball court. You know the scenario: you’re in a match, and you lose a point, maybe even after hitting what you thought was a great shot. Suddenly, you’re hesitant to attempt that shot again because it resulted in a point against you.  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 h ..read more

Today, let’s delve into the world of dinking – specifically, dinking in the air versus dinking off the bounce. Many players find dinking in the air quite challenging. The common pitfall is treating it like a punch shot, especially with backhand dinks. 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 ..read more

Today, I’d like to delve into an area of pickleball that often perplexes players—the transition zone. Some see it as a no-man’s land, but I’m here to tell you it’s an opportunity zone filled with potential. The key lies in how we position ourselves during this critical phase of the game.    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 ..read more

I’ve got a simple yet incredibly effective tip for you this week. It’s all about what you do with your paddle when you’re on the move around the pickleball court. I’ve noticed something quite common among players, and it’s gripping their paddle tightly while walking between points. I want to emphasize the importance of letting go and relaxing your grip, check this out…  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 s ..read more

Today I want to dive into a fundamental aspect of pickleball that can greatly impact your game: paddle angle. It might seem like a small detail, but trust me, it plays a significant role in your performance. Whether you’re hitting the ball low, high, or somewhere in between, the angle of your paddle is your secret weapon. It influences your spin, shot placement, net clearance, and more. So let’s break it down. Imagine a ball coming over the net. If you’re intercepting it mid-air, think of your paddle as a tabletop. Your grip, especially the index finger, provides the necessary forward pressure ..read more

Today I’m diving into one of the most common and significant mistakes I’ve noticed among pickleball players. Surprisingly, many players either unintentionally fall into this trap or, even more surprisingly, intentionally adopt this detrimental habit. Let’s break it down.     Picture this: players on the court hitting shots with their elbows flaring out, causing their paddles to go haywire. This, my friends, is a recipe for disaster. It’s a mistake I see all too often and one that can lead to what we call “tennis elbow.” Not exactly the souvenir you want to bring home from your pickl ..read more

Greetings from Palmetto Dunes, my home club in beautiful Hilton Head, South Carolina! If you haven’t been here, you’re truly missing out. Today, I want to talk about some crucial etiquette tips, especially when you’re at a bustling facility like this one.  As you can see, our club has a mix of courts with fences and some without. This is pretty common in many places, but there are a few important things to keep in mind, especially if you’re at a club like ours. First and foremost, please, never walk across someone else’s court. It’s a matter of common courtesy to be mindful of your surroundin ..read more