BRASCIA HITS A CROSSCOURT BACKHAND VOLLEY SHOT
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Mary Brascia ( right ) stretches to hit a crosscourt backhand volley shot for a winner against Dominique Schaefer in the second round of the Pro Women ’ s Singles division at the 2023 Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships Nov . 9 , 2023 , at the Brookhaven Tennis Center in Dallas , TX . Brascia defeated Schaefer to advance to the quarterfinals . Photo by Bruce Yeung ; IG : @ yeungphotography .
volleys on the diagonal . Men ’ s singles requires a great deal of efficiency . The opponent can cover the court . You have to increase the court size by hitting angles . It is a geometry professor ’ s dream .
Look to see how you match up on placement , depth , angles , and speed , then take them away from your opponent . Don ’ t get into a contest you can ’ t win . Don ’ t make him look good . If he is hurting you , analyze what you are doing to make that happen . Are you hitting short ? Take the net away by going to the NVZ line first . If he is closing in tight , throw up a lob and push him back . You have to decide if you can outhit , or should you outsmart ? If all else fails , try to stay out there as long as you can . Maybe he will get leg cramps . Do not rush to lose .
Learn how to play smart and as you play , focus on your preparation . You are ready . Eye of the tiger and all that . •
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 .
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024 | MAGAZINE 73