INSTRUCTION
A Fraction of a Second from Greatness
Often , we ’ re only a fraction of a second from greatness . But then , you know what happens — we hit it into the net , or we barely miss the sweet spot on our paddle , or an opponent drills us in the gut . A fraction of a second from not getting another welt !
For me , one of the joys of pickleball is playing defense . I find it very martial arts oriented . Little do my opponents know , but I try to channel Bruce Lee . Yup , lightning-quick hands is what I ’ m after .
How can you improve your speed ? It starts with practice . Speed is only possible when you prepare . You need constant drilling and repetition , so your shots become second nature . ( I love drilling against a wall .) Once your shots become second nature , you ’ ll gain confidence and that , in turn , will help slow your mind down . Simple equation : Practice = confidence = better focus = SPEED .
Next , let ’ s start with your stance when you ’ re defending at the Non-Volley Zone . Position your feet a little more than shoulders ’ width apart , with your knees slightly bent . You want to be — like a big cat — able to spring either way , with your paddle in front of you in the ready position . I see a lot of rec players holding their paddles down around their waist . Hint : there goes your fraction of a second from greatness !
Another tip is to do less when the ball is hit at you . Move your body as little as you can . Stop flinching , overreacting , and worrying about a big , bad pickleball hitting you in the gut . Just focus on getting a paddle on the ball with as little extraneous movement as possible .
Finally , one of the most important things to overcome is your busy mind . An un-quiet mind puts us in fearmode pickleball , not flow-mode pickleball . Speed happens when you ’ re in the flow . A simple technique I learned as an actor to help keep my nerves at bay , get out of my head , and “ play ” more in the moment was called “ out-focus .” That translates to putting laser-like concentration on your opponents . When I acted , my
By Rick Cipes
focus was on whomever I was working with . I made mental notes of everything : how were they standing , were they fidgeting , etc . Out-focus eventually became my avenue to tapping “ the Zone .” Which is , of course , what we ’ re trying to do in pickleball .
Practice out-focus by observing your opponents . Make as many mental notes as you can , from their mood and posture to their strengths and weaknesses as players . Not only will this technique help you get out of your own head , but it will create a kind of tether to your opponents . And guess what , when tethered or locked-in , you ’ ll pick up more fractions of a second ! Because you ’ ll learn to read players better and be quicker to react .
Combine all these physical and mental “ fractions ” together , and you ’ ll be ready for battle . You might not go full-on Bruce Lee . But , hey , shoot for Bruce Lee , and be happy if you end up Jackie Chan . •
Rick Cipes has written for over 40 outlets including ESPN Magazine and the L . A . Times . Check out his website for more game tips , videos , and the coolest pickleball swag around . Visit
innergameofpickleball . com .
ILLUSTRATION BY MARIO TERESO