strategy . Be solid off of the wings and aggressive down the middle .
Then there is setting up the point for your lefty . Which one of you is the more aggressive volleyer ? If you are , then you must establish that you will take those down-themiddle shots . If the lefty is the more aggressive volleyer , then you need to be the “ setter .” Soften your shots so that he has time to set up . You need to establish roles so that the middle is covered without hesitation . When poaches and put-aways are there , you must be able to take them .
This is especially true for overheads . A lefty can hit a wideangle curve to the backhand . Do not take it away from him . Since one purpose of stacking is to control the middle , the right-handed player needs to develop a strong , wellplaced overhead . The opponents are going to try to lob that backhand corner . Practice good depth on your overheads so that you can maintain good court position . Capitalize on having two forehands down the middle by having consistent overheads that keep your opponents on the defensive and on the baseline .
The Lefty ’ s Opponents
First , you must watch the ball more closely because the trajectory and spin are not the usual right-handed delivery . If possible , practice against a lefty on a regular basis . Learn to serve wide to the even court to force the lefty to make a backhand crosscourt return , which will open up his court . Work on a sharp-angle return of serve to force the lefty wide and open up the middle for a poach by your partner .
Work on a serve down the middle of the odd court so as not to give an easy forehand crosscourt return when the lefty is receiving from the odd court . Avoid giving him the chance to swing you out wide off the court with his power forehand . This is a lefty ’ s bread and butter shot . Do not give it to him . Try serving directly at the lefty to jam him . Same on the volley because lefties usually have big forehands , which take time to set up . They tend to chip their backhands or step around them to hit a driving forehand . If you can force a chip shot , you have acquired time to set yourself up or at least are not being forced . A good lefty will have a consistent backhand .
Left-handed Patti Stewart has developed an excellent backhand down the line from the right court . This shot catches players off-guard on their backhand volley and keeps opponents “ honest .” If they cross too soon to poach , she slides the ball down the outside line . Left-handed players need to develop a variety of shots just like right-handed players . They have the advantage of different spins and different angles , but placement is always at the top of the list .
Patti uses a stance that enables her to hit an inside / outside serve , which hits and kicks wide to the receiver ’ s forehand in the right court . It opens up the middle of the court and has a spin that digs into the court , forcing the receiver to hit up on the ball . Note that Patti ’ s head and eyes are down over the ball , watching the ball make contact with the paddle . She is stepping forward into the ball using her legs for power .
Be patient . Hope that his chip sits up and gives you a put-away .
One strategy , certainly in singles but also in doubles , is to hit to the lefty ’ s forehand to open up his backhand . To do this you need to be ready to take his best shot and place it . Size up his strengths against your defense then decide . Hitting to his strength opens up his weakness , but you must be able to handle his strong shot . Better players use this strategy particularly in singles .
If the right-handed player is serving , practice returning to the lefty to trap him at the baseline . When the players are stacking , practice hitting to the moving player in hopes of catching him off-balance . Most of all , keep your cool and figure out which player you want to attack . The middle is still a safe shot , but you have to work harder for the point when both forehands are there . Do not get flustered . It is still geometry . Watch the ball closer and prepare a little earlier . There is a tendency to watch the stacking players moving into position rather than watching the ball . Have a plan and make your shot . Playing a lefty will make you a better player . •
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 2023 | MAGAZINE 47