you can see the ball contact the paddle, preparing early, volleying out in front, and keeping the ball on the paddle longer when you volley( instead of a smack).
DRILLING
There is such a thing as drilling doldrums. Boring. You are grouchy so nobody wants to play with you. Quit complaining and start drilling on something challenging like overheads.
Have your one remaining friend lob to you and hit 25 consecutive overheads into the backhand corner. Feels good. Attack. Reach up. Dominate. Control the pace. Own the air.
Sometimes you just need to hit the ball. Make your drills fun. Choose a shot you like to work on— focus on your strengths. We so often work on our weaknesses, but it is our strengths that make us winners.
Good drills for the doldrums include hitting overheads and moving back to the NVZ line quickly for the next lob, in-close volleys controlled but machine-gun style, alternate volleys and overheads moving in and scissorkicking back, alternating forehand and backhand volleys, and poaching drills.
FIND A GOOD PRO AND TAKE A LESSON OR MORE
Sometimes you just need fresh ideas— a new approach, a different perspective. Ask around and observe your local pickleball professionals. Find one who makes sense to you and take a few lessons to see if it is a good fit.
Just having a different approach can help. Words matter. A pro can help you build a game and give you confidence and direction. A pro understands frustration and can guide you on a positive track.
TAKE A BREAK
Rest and regeneration are always good. Don’ t be afraid to enjoy other activities. Accept the highs and lows in your playing. Learn to keep the highs longer and shorten the duration of the lows. Don’ t wallow. Get out there and create a new shot with a new attitude.
Some days the ball is so“ fat” and so easy to direct. But winners find a way when things are not going their way. Search for the things that help you when you struggle. Those keys will become your go-to security blanket when the going gets tough.
Be a person who finds a way to win, in pickleball and in life. •
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 at the 2026 English OPEN and has also 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.
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2026 | MAGAZINE 29