ADVANCED
by KYLE McMAKIN
KEEP YOUR KNIVES SHARP
I was coaching a camp in Virginia Beach and there was a player, Bridget, a formidable force on the court who favored driving the ball hard on almost every shot. Undoubtedly, she won many points with this approach and believed it to be the pinnacle of her skill. Throughout the camp, however, I witnessed Bridget lose numerous points due to the limitations of this style of play.
Despite my efforts to explain and discuss the flaws in her strategy, she remained steadfast, wielding her attack like a cherished knife in a chef’ s set. Indeed, Bridget’ s attack was a powerful and dangerous weapon on the pickleball court. It cut through her opponents’ defenses with the sharpness of a blade, leading to delighted scattered victories.
Yet, there were moments when her reliance on this favored knife became her downfall. Inappropriately timed and poorly executed, her attacks inadvertently presented her opponents with opportunities to counter with their own well-honed shots. This apparent contradiction can be understood in the context of the strategic nature of the game. Pickleball demands careful decision-making, knowing when to unleash one’ s weapons and when to exercise restraint, adapting to the ebb and flow of the game. Bridget’ s indiscriminate use of her attack allowed her opponents to anticipate and respond effectively, turning the tables on her.
Bridget’ s journey took a transformative turn as she embraced the need for tactical versatility. By expanding her repertoire and sharpening her skills with other shots, she discovered the inherent advantages of a diverse array of knives in her set. The importance of honing each facet of her game became apparent. With guidance, she focused on refining her previously neglected drop shot, a knife she had allowed to grow dull. Gradually, Bridget comprehended the benefits of incorporating this underutilized technique into her playing style.
Over the duration of the camp, Bridget diligently engaged in dedicated practice and sought guidance, and her once-dull third shot drop revealed its newfound sharpness. She saw how this refined weapon could set up herself or her partner for a devastating follow-up, seamlessly transitioning to her favorite blade. Bridget’ s journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of continuous improvement. By investing time and effort in honing her skills, she elevated her performance and became a more formidable player on the pickleball court.
The central concept conveyed through Bridget’ s story is clear: spend time sharpening your knives. Embracing the advantages of a well-rounded skill set, Bridget learned to keep each blade sharp and ready for deployment. Her story teaches us the profound importance of investing in personal development and continuous improvement. Just as a chef relies on a varied set of knives to craft culinary masterpieces, pickleball players must sharpen their skills across multiple shots.
Through the pursuit of mastery and the unwavering dedication to honing one’ s abilities, true excellence is achieved on the pickleball court. Let Bridget the Banger’ s story inspire us to strive for continual growth and the refinement of our own unique set of skills. •
Kyle McMakin is a touring pickleball professional, former Division I tennis player( UC Davis) and head pro for LevelUp Pickleball Camps. Kyle is a two-time Triple Crown winner. His DUPR is above 6.0 in both singles and doubles.
A well-honed third shot drop can be a game changer for many players looking to level up from 3.0 to 4.0 and beyond.
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