BEGINNER by ALICE TYM
The Pickleball Pyramid for Beginners
Strategy DECEPTION CHANGE OF PACE AND CHANGE OF HEIGHT
PACE
Accuracy CONSISTENCY
I bought a paddle. What do I do now? In order to have fun playing pickleball, you need to be consistent. Spraying balls all over the court is no fun for anyone, so you first need to learn to keep the ball in play. Next, you want to be able to aim the ball. Playing is much more fun when you direct the ball so that the other team or player is doing all the running!
As you get a handle on aiming your shots, you can pick up the pace so that your opponents have to run faster than you do. You, in turn, have more time to hit the ball since they are scrambling. Once you get some consistency and accuracy with your pace, you can change the pace of different shots so that you are not so predictable. You don’ t want your opponents to get in a groove. Changing the pace lends itself to deception. Prepare and look the same, but redirect the ball. Go down the line instead of the crosscourt they are anticipating.
Now you have some tools in your toolbox. Don’ t just use the ruler. Put some strategy into your play. Plan the point and execute it.
How do you achieve each block of the pyramid?
CONSISTENCY
1. Practice hitting against a wall.
2. Develop a smooth, even swing by practicing in front of a mirror. 3. Take lessons. 4. Use a ball machine properly. 5. Drill crosscourt and down the line, keeping your stroke smooth. 6. Have someone video you and critique your form. 7. Have an eye exam. You can’ t hit what you can’ t see. 8. Work on extending your follow-through so that you complete 100 % of each stroke. 9. Give 100 % in each practice. Develop the skill of effort. 10. Bend your knees. They will help you control the height of the ball and the pace.
ACCURACY
1. Use targets.
2. Practice by dropping balls out of your hand so that you learn to hit early for crosscourts and later for down-the-lines. 3. Chalk targets on the hitting wall. 4. Put a tacky overgrip on your handle so that you hold the paddle the same way every time.
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