INSTRUCTION By Alice Tym
RHYTHM : HOW TO GET IT AND HOW TO KEEP IT
There is a rhythm in pickleball that translates
into momentum , which produces scoring runs . Play to your rhythm . Dictate play by having your rhythm dominate the match . Be able to maintain your rhythm and regain it if you lose it . The scoring system and the availability of time-outs in pickleball create a unique opportunity to assert your skills . Knowledge and awareness are power . Not only do you need to know yourself , but you also need to be sensitive to your opponents ’ rhythm .
How do you establish what your winning rhythm is ? Some players play better with little time between points . They pick up the ball quickly , get ready quickly , serve as soon as the score is called , take few time-outs , and often comment , “ Let ’ s just play .” Others saunter to pick up balls , take the full 10 seconds before they serve , towel off and carefully put their water bottle in the same spot , and bounce the ball multiple times before they serve . First , you need to recognize what your comfortable rhythm is and then figure out how to maintain it . Don ’ t let your opponents rush you . If you are a quick-rhythm player , don ’ t get aggravated by the slow opponent . Be able to control what you can and divert your angst when you can ’ t .
Once you know your optimal rhythm , build good habits into your game . For example , once the point is finished ( you are probably at the NVZ line ), turn and walk back to your position purposefully thinking about the next point rather than the last one . Think about where will you serve , where will you return , will you try to poach , will you say something constructive to your partner , etc . Doing this will prevent you from focusing on the last point and give you the ability to get into your rhythm rather than be bogged down on the last shot . Even if you hit a winner , you need to look ahead . Forward momentum . Every point is a first point . Every point sets up the next point . You are establishing a run , not congratulating yourself on a single point . This is pickleball !
Establish good habits . Bouncing the ball before you serve gives you time to concentrate and to think about where you are going to serve . It initiates dictating your rhythm . Serve when YOU are ready , not as an obligatory action for your opponent . If you are a quick server , rock and fire as soon as the score is called . If you feel that thinking just creates tension , then it is better for you to put the ball in play .
Another good habit is connecting with your partner between points either verbally or by touching paddles .