WHEN TO CHANGE PACE
• If you are losing
• If you are getting outhit
• If their ball placement is better than yours
• If you are being run to death
• If you are a step late to get to the ball
• If they are getting to the NVZ line sooner than you are
• If you are letting them look good
HOW TO CHANGE PACE
• Use spin ( topspin , underspin , sidespin )
• Use increased height over the net including lob serves and returns
• Use resets and dinks
• Use placement as a tactic rather than power
• Use side-outs and time-outs efficiently
• Use a routine such as bouncing the ball before you serve
• Use momentum as a tactic to change the pace
YIKES , THEY ARE DOING IT TO ME !
• Maintain your rhythm , no rushing
• Maintain your footwork and preparation
• Maintain your intense focus on the ball
• Maintain your wits and strategy — if necessary , tie your shoe
• Maintain your ability to adjust
• Maintain your understanding that you might need to change but not relinquish control skill . Of course , you look like a cool dude when you drive it right at them , but you look like a dumb dude when they block it for a winner . If it is not working , change the pace .
Where do you place the ball when you start changing the pace ? Use the middle . It is safer and it gives you time to establish your rhythm and get your accuracy dialed in . You have a greater safety zone , and you force your opponents to make decisions . Another good selection is to hit deep and high to the backhand corner . If he runs around it and hits a forehand , at least he is out of position .
Another tactic for changing the flow of the the game is to take a time-out . If you are rolling and winning , keep playing . If you are being steamrolled , call a time-out . Get both you and your partner on the same page to slow the game down . Focus on consistency . It is all right to be the first one off the court if you are the winner . But , if you are going to lose , be the last match off the court . If you are losing , keep the ball in play until it gets dark . Where is the fire ?
To avoid the trap of rushing , slow yourself down . Do not run to pick up the balls . Be deliberate . Do not be a fire truck headed to your own demolition . Do not delay the game , but be purposeful in your walk , your stance , and in your preparation . Do not rush your serve . Notice how good players have a routine . They bounce the ball , take a deep breath , look at your court position , and think about placing the ball . If you are returning serve , tell your partner where you are going to return the ball . Think about controlling the point , not just letting it unfold .
Change the pace when you are losing or when you see your opponents begin to get into a rhythm . Change the pace because it forces a more demanding game upon your opponents . What are your options ? Use spins , change the height you hit over the net , select a greater variety of shots , take time-outs , change the rhythm or flow of the match . Work on controlling the flow of the match . Do not hit harder than you and your partner can cover the next shot . Know thyself .
Do you prefer to look good or win ? Sometimes that is your choice . Brains or Hollywood ? Lob or drive ? Gold medal or being a spectator ? To be in control takes preparation and discipline . Winners find a way to win . •
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 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 .
MARCH / APRIL 2022 | MAGAZINE 79