You have choices because you moved your feet to set up your entire body . You are playing the ball ; the ball is not playing you .
You must practice hitting a variety of shots . Learn what you do well so that you can hit that shot on important points . A ball machine is very helpful because you can set it up to target a certain spot but then you can alternate hitting down the line or crosscourt . Or lob , or drop . You can hit sequences of shots . Use cones for targets .
Be sure to return to center after each shot because you are working on footwork . You can also hit the shot , go to the kitchen line , hit a volley placement and back up for the drive again . When you are doing the sequences , try to bend your knees and add pace by using your legs . Good weight transfer depends on getting into position early with your feet set in a comfortable stance and your knees flexed .
Try a slice forehand wide to his backhand . Try a drop and mix it up . Keep returning mentally to a focus on your footwork . Watch the pros . They are dancing out there . Use your eyes to pick up when your opponent is going to hit the ball . Then move . Pride yourself on determining the direction of the opponent ’ s shot as early as possible . Learn to get set like a sprinter . Be flexed and be flexible . Choices . You have choices when you are coiled like a viper , not strung out all over the court .
Special attention should be paid to your footwork when hitting an overhead . Take your paddle back early ; that will help you transfer your weight as you move back to cover the lob . Be sure to scissor-step back so that you
can maintain your balance . Point your weak hand up at the ball and keep your feet perpendicular to the net . You don ’ t want to fall backward . Instead , you want to be able to drive the ball from your back foot to your front foot as you reach up to take the ball out of the air . It is a throwto-center-field motion . That motion requires footwork preparation with a turn , scissor step , plant , and push upward extension . The key is early preparation as you get ready to scissor-step backward .
When you are setting up to hit , try to look the same way so your opponent cannot “ read ” you . Head down as you hit groundstrokes . Watch the ball through the entire stroke . Do not look up early to see how you did . Finish your stroke like it is a performance .
When you practice , think “ Better footwork , more choices .” Pickleball is creative . Find a good combination that you can hit consistently . The better your footwork , the more exciting your game will be . •
Alice Tym was ranked 13th in the world for tennis in the ‘ 60s . She ’ s been named USPTA Coach of the Year and is a USPTA Master Professional . As a 4.5 pickleball player , she has won gold in Huntsman , NSGA Nationals , US Open , and USA Pickleball events around the country . Alice is an IPTPA member , SSIPA founding board member , Bainbridge Cup Originator and gold medalist in Spain , Italy , and Germany .
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2025 | MAGAZINE 25