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Keep It Simple: When in doubt, hit crosscourt!
BY JOE DINOFFER
Simple is good, especially under pressure. In this issue let’ s discuss an often overlooked but essential strategy: namely, that you should hit crosscourt more often than down the line. This simple tactic can help you play“ high-percentage pickleball” to win more points and therefore more matches. Here are the three primary reasons to hit crosscourt:
Reason # 1: The Net Is Lower. Crosscourt balls pass over the middle of the net and the net is lowest at the middle. At the sideline, the pickleball net is 36 inches high. In the middle of the net the height is 34 inches. Yes, those 2 inches will make a difference over time.
Reason # 2: The Court Is Longer. The court is longer on the diagonal. How much longer? The court diagonal is 48 feet and 4 inches long. The length of the court when hitting down the line is only 44 feet. With those extra 4 feet, players can hit more freely and with more power, while also adding a little more net clearance. All these benefits increase your chances of success.
Reason # 3: Seldom Change The Direction Of A Hard- Hit Ball. The third reason applies when the ball is coming to you from crosscourt. There is a scientific principle that states that the“ angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.” Simply put, this means that if a ball comes to you from a crosscourt direction, it is easier to control if you return that ball crosscourt instead of trying to hit down the line.
Conclusion: When in doubt, hit crosscourt. It’ s as simple as that! •
Joe Dinoffer is a USPTA and PTR master professional, has written seven books and 22 DVDs, and has appeared on the Tennis Channel. His company, www. OnCourtOffCourt. com, manufactures training aids for pickleball and tennis, and is also the exclusive distributor for the Pickleball Tutor in the United States.
Author of the Amazon # 1 Bestseller
Prem Carnot THE PICKLEBALL GURU
Learn the 5 Rules of Playing Smart Pickleball at: www. SmartPickleball. com
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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER2017 | MAGAZINE 59