1. 9.
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3. 4. 5. 6.
When you are teaching players how to move forward to the NVZ line, a good
demonstration is to stretch a beach towel around their waist, stand behind them, and hold the towel like a horse’ s reins, and tell them to“ run.” Hold them back. They will be forced to bend their knees and crouch. Now they know what acceleration feels like.
When you cannot seem to fully extend up for your overhead, hang a ball in a tree and see just how high you can reach. Keep that visual image when you go out onto the court. Your extension is higher than you think.
Always take a notepad to a clinic. Writing details down will help you remember them.
Wear white on hot days. Every little bit helps.
Wear a sweatband on your wrist. It feels like you have more support.
Always measure the net and adjust it if necessary before you practice. The referee should do it in tournaments and you should do it in practice.
10.
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Never leave your paddle unattended. Careless people can drop it or bump it. I use a cardboard spacer rather than put my paddle in a holder. This prevents people with sunscreen or hand cream from grabbing it off the holder. Better safe than sorry. And, if you can, put your name on the cardboard so opponents know when you are up and don’ t have to yell to determine whose paddle it is.
Always have a new pair of sneakers already broken in, so you do not have to wear brand-new shoes in a tournament. Have a rotation plan: brand new, just right, and over-the-hill barn shoes.
Buy a Road iD. You can find it online. It’ s a reasonably priced rubber bracelet with three lines available for medical and / or contact information. If something happens to you, the rescuer does not have to hunt for a phone number. The information is right there on your wrist. Never take it off.
Wear eye protection. It is inexpensive insurance. Now it is even fashionable. In rec ball, do not play against people who try to hit you in the face. That is just stupid. •
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Always pick up your water bottles and any trash on the court after you play. Respect yourself and the sport.
Always hit some lobs and overheads in the warmup. Know where the sun is, the direction of the wind, and where any distractions are located.
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 61