the other side might start pressing, which leads to more mistakes.” He believes that to get a run going you need to“ emphasize one point at a time.” To stop the opposing team’ s run, you need to“ recognize what is not working and adjust.” I asked him whether better players have more or fewer streaks than lower-rated players. He replied,“ More, because they recognize that streaks are real, and once they win a few points in a row it really pumps them up to keep going.” Deb Harrison, Florida’ s famous pickleball instructor in The Villages, advocates having“ a game plan in preparation for the match and using mental imagery of possible scenarios.” She believes that partners should have conversations beforehand and know each other’ s likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses. She says,“ Winning streaks don’ t just happen. They require preparation and careful observation. One point at a time.”
Incorporate pressure situations into your practice sessions. Learn to establish a rhythm that helps you focus on one point at a time. Purposeful practice will give you insight into your own game. What is your highest percentage success shot? Play practice games where you start the score at 0-5-1 and 0-5-2. Learn to double down. Loser has to buy lunch.
Good players not only like to win, they hate to lose. To be a good clutch player, you need to have the tools to keep the ball in play until you have your chance to get the streak going. Then you need to have the smarts to keep it going. •
BRAD BRADSHAW OF PONTE VEDRA, FLORIDA, CAME TO PICKLEBALL FROM TENNIS, AND WAS THE ATP EXECUTIVE VP, RULES AND COMPETITION. IN 2024, HE WAS NAMED THE SOUTHERN PICKLEBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR 75 + 4.5.
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 has 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.
in Pickleball
MAY / JUNE 2025 | MAGAZINE 23