BRASCIA HITS A CROSSCOURT
BACKHAND VOLLEY SHOT
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. 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.
SPRING 2025 | MAGAZINE 51