• Use more lobs to give you time and to get your opponents off the line .
• Work on your trickery and deceit shots ( short angles , short serves , second-shot drops , block lobs ).
• Work on your core strength / lateral mobility and flexibility .
• Wall work / shadow movement .
• Watch videos / tournaments for inspiration and ideas for motivation .
• Remain hydrated and eat sensibly : fruits , vegetables , low sugars and fats .
• Get plenty of rest and protect your skin with sunscreen and electrolytes .
• Work really hard on resets and slowing down the pace to avoid going to war and starting the battle . “ Cat and mouse ” and work the point .
Deb made an interesting point about pickleball , explaining that non-athletes can get pretty good and have a passion for the game . “ They do funky things well ,” she says , “ so get people to pick up a paddle and join a group .”
Texas star Hilary Marold practices and plays with younger players . She feels she can get to the NVZ line , so she does not have to hit a softer ball . She prides herself on getting to every ball and emphasized , “ Always , always be ready for the next shot .” She recommends looping more and isolating the weaker player . “ The longer the point goes on , the player with greater ability has less chance of being involved . Go for the point early so that the opponents don ’ t hit to the weaker partner .”
Hilary went immediately into strategy for senior players and says that women must do a lot of accommodating in mixed doubles . It is important for her to be steady and not miss a ball in mixed . She is more aggressive in women ’ s doubles and enjoys being aggressive . She does not have a set strategy ; her strategy “ only changes against different people .” She advises , “ Don ’ t be set in your ways . Your mind must stay relevant . Stay flexible and young even as your body gets old . Joie de vivre .” Hilary ’ s husband , Charlie , is a 5.0 player with more concise advice : “ If I have to sit on a couch , shoot me !”
Michigan ’ s Jim Hackenberg also had very concise advice —“ Get a good partner .” He compliments his partners and explains the importance of team chemistry . He credits his mixed success to his wife , Yvonne . “ It is 99 percent due to Yvonne ,” he says sincerely . “ She stresses teamwork and positivity . Yvonne is big on good eating habits and good health habits to stay in the best possible shape .”
Jim ’ s advice to seniors includes , “ As your reflexes and speed decline , there is a higher premium on good court
Mark Friedenberg emphasizes the importance of fundamentals while drilling . He advises weight training for senior players .
positioning . That extra step makes a big difference . I encourage Yvonne on her return of serve to hit a high , arching return to give her more time .” He believes in the importance of communication — of talking , of saying “ Yours ” and “ Mine .” “ Know your role ,” he adds . “ With Yvonne I am the aggressor . Her role is to keep the ball in play . If I am playing men ’ s doubles with a stronger player , I stay out of his way . As you get older you must learn from your past , know your opponents ’ tendencies , and do a better job of anticipating shots . Use your experience and know the history of your opponents . Have a game plan . Make sure you have a good surgeon and physical therapist !”
Jim also emphasizes that pickleball is a lifetime sport . His mother-in-law is playing and having fun at 95 . “ We look back at all the friendships we have made and how many places we have seen ,” he says . “ Now we are teaching our granddaughter and her friends . We never lose sight of the important things .”
There are many wonderful senior players across the country . The common thread I found in these people was productivity . These are people who have been active all their lives . They have learned to accommodate aging by working hard on their physical abilities , their playing skills , and on their strategies . They all love the game , and they have all contributed to making it better for the rest of us . Winners in every way ! •
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 .
JULY / AUGUST 2022 | MAGAZINE 29