TIPS FROM PICKLEBALL EXPERTS
ALEX REBEIZ ( ASPEN MEADOWS RESORT )
FOR THE BEGINNER : “ The beginner needs to learn the kitchen [ the soft game ] first , because that ’ s where the game is won . You ’ re not going to win a match of doubles from the baseline . It ’ s just not going to happen .”
FOR THE ADVANCED : “ Spend time mastering the transition zone . That ’ s the transition between the baseline and the kitchen . Spend a lot of your time in that space , which , in tennis , we call ‘ no man ’ s land .’ You ’ re not supposed to spend time there in tennis , but in pickleball , you need to master it . You have to be able to handle incoming balls in this position , whether they ’ re hit at you soft or hard . So , you need to practice volleys , half-volleys as well as the drops into the kitchen .”
BRYAN FOX ( INNISBROOK RESORT )
FOR THE BEGINNER : “ Don ’ t get overwhelmed with scoring rules . Just remember : Don ’ t volley in the kitchen [ the painted , non-volley zone ].”
FOR THE ADVANCED : “ Do not speed up the ball unless the shot is truly there . This requires a lot of patience . But remember , more points are lost on errors than won on winners ! Also , instead of going for the obvious shot where space is open on the court , think about what shot is going to be most challenging for your opponent to hit . Usually this is a body shot or at the feet .”
BRYCE SLICK ( SALAMANDER MIDDLEBURG )
FOR THE BEGINNER : “ Stay out of the kitchen !”
FOR THE ADVANCED : “ Instead of looking for the ‘ kill ’ shot , just keep volleying and let the opponent make the mistakes .”
SALAMANDER 2024 I 81