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INSTRUCTION by ALICE TYM
Play Better Pickleball with Smart Footwork !
Mastering proper footwork is foundational to every aspect of your game .
Good footwork is the key to good racket sports performances . That sounds counterintuitive . What about the grip ? The swing ? The wait position ? Quick hands , anticipation , follow-through , strategy , tactics , etc . All are important , but the difference between average and good players is their footwork .
Why ? Because pickleball is a placement sport , and to place the ball you need to have your body in an efficient line for accuracy and disguise . If your stance is wide open , you are limited to certain shots ; if your footwork is sloppy , you will lose consistency . But if you line up early with your paddle back , you can go crosscourt or down the line , hit a sharp angle , drive the ball or float the ball , lob , or dink . It is a boot-scootin ’ boogie to be dominant in pickleball . Example : You are on the left side of the court at the baseline . Your opponent hits a three-quarter-speed shot a yard inside the baseline . You read it early and decide to take it on your forehand . You line up early so you can go down the line or hit an inside outside forehand to your opponent ’ s backhand corner . He shifts to cover the middle , and you go down the line . Or he stays and you thread the middle . Or use a drop .
Patti Stewart in red and Michelle Chandler in black demonstrate keeping their paddles up while they stay balanced as they move to cover the center . Their weight is on the balls of their feet so they can lunge or change direction . Photo by Alice Tym .
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