| B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | AA | |
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1 | Focus Area | Category | Name | Video Link | Source | # Players | Description | Problem Addressed | Tip1 | Tip2 | Tip3 | Starting Position | Comments1 | Comments2 | Comments3 | |||||||||||
2 | Game Play | Drilling Games | 3 Hr Progressive (3.5+) | n/a | JJ @ The PICKLR | 4+ | Fun drilling games, realistic scenarios, lots of touches | What to do for 3 hours with a group of 3.5+ students | @NVZ, MTZ, BL depending on game | Hr 1: dinking ladder games to 11, 3rd shot drop/4th defense practice, 3Ball2Ball (3 players have 2 balls, 1 has 3 who feeds ball then play out point, "loser" feeds a ball, rotate out if lose all balls, new player has 3 balls; use with dinking scenarios, 3rd/4th shot, 2nd/3rd shot) | Hr 2: Pirates Booty (2@NVZ, 2@NVZ,Champs have center booty ball cart, coach behind cart feeds ball to pirates, drop and play out point, win 2 out of 3 points = champs challengers rotate in), | Hr 3: RR Guided/Play | ||||||||||||||
3 | Game Play | Drills | Live Ball Pickleball Drills "Liveball" "SpeedBall" | https://www.pickleball.cafe/video/live-ball-pickleball-drills-liveball-speedball | Chico Bonner, Pickleball Director and Coach at Tustin Hills Racquet & Pickleball Club | 4+ | Quick competitive action games simulating 3 scenarios: Feed challengers Serve, then dink, then lob. 2 out of 3 wins, challenger replace champs with winner | Lack of touches/fitness during regular clinics/drills | Scenario 4) Around the world: Teams face off in singles game, each point must rotate players on each shot. miss 2 you're out. last team standing wins | Scenario 5) Dink & No Drive game - 2 teams at BL, each P gets fed 2 balls at BL from coach at NVZ: hit basket=1, stays in basket=3, knock over the basket=5, switch sides after x balls | T1 @ NVZ, T2 (challengers) @BL | Scenario 1) Teams must win 2 out of 3 to become/stay champs (T1), Coach feeds challengers (T2) from net area then teams play it out. Ball 1=Coach feeds "Serve" (#1); Ball 2=coach feeds dink (#4+), Ball 3 (if necessary)= coach feeds lob (#4+). If T2 hits winner, automatic replace T1. | Scenario 2) T1 (Champs) @ NVZ, T2 (Challengers) @ TZ. Coach feeds T1 (3rd shot) drive down the middle from behind T2 @ BL. Challengers must hit 1st ball from TZ. Play best out of 3 points. | Scenario 3) Same as scenario 2, except T2 challengers receive ball in TZ from feed by coach at net (feed is simulated short #2 ROS so T2 is starting with 3rd shot) | ||||||||||||
4 | Game Play | Drills | LiveBall | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6O7eELYo6s | Steve and Sara Pickleball | 4+ | Quick action games simulating 3rd/4th and 2nd/3rd shot, T2 Challengers receive 2 feeds from coach (1 each per Player). T2 Challengers replace T1 when win, T2 players rotate each time with subs | Lack of touches/fitness during regular clinics/drills | Keep the energy high | minimize coaching | T1 @ NVZ, T2@BL | Scenario 1) Coach feeds "2nd shot ROS" to T2, T2 gives 3rd shot drive and play it out | Scenario 2) Coach feeds "2nd shot ROS" to T2, T2 gives 3rd shot drop and play it out | Scenario 3) Coach feeds "1st shot serve" to T2 and T2 gives 2nd shot deep ROS and play it out. | ||||||||||||
5 | General Drills | Drills | 300 shots in 10 mins | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6pOOk1Skrs | John Cincola Pickleball | 2 | Progression (@~25 touches each): Dinks1: straight ahead dinking from R side 1 min; Dinks2 switch to L side; XCDinks1; XCDinks2 (switch sides); Volleys; Transition Zone (NVZ-TZ); Drops/Drives (same as Transition zone, but P2 at BL); Serve/ROS (3 balls/rally: serve, ROS,3rd, then switch roles) | Not enough touches in Rec play | 2 hrs rec = 250--300 touches vs 10 mins of this drill | P1&P2@NVZ | Dinks: try not to miss into net; long rallys, try different styles: 1H, 2H, slice, top spin, target opponent's inside/outside feet | Volleys (Fast hands, Cooperative while pushing limits 8-10 hits/rally) | Drive vs Drop: P2 practices the proper mix of drops & drives, working on when to drop vs drive | |||||||||||||
6 | General Drills | Drills & Tips | 5 Pickleball Drills | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15-Y4rh3iVw | ThatPickleballGuy - Kyle Koszuta | 2 | Focus & Intention for each drill | To get better, got to drill | Blocking: 1. Be in a stance, 2. Paddle position up (reduce motion), 3. Tight, compact punches | Doing 5 mins/day will be better than only playing rec | Practice the things you need to do to achieve your goals | P1 & P2 XC @ NVZ | Drill 1) FH XC dinking - level1 is 'balance,' level2 is play a couple points, Drill 2) BH XC dinking, make sure to choose an intention (i.e., take it out of the air) | Drill 3) 3rd shot drop drill-reps to NVZ, both DL and XC 4) 7/11 game (10 drops in row or non-win=+1) | Drill 4) blocking/driving drill, P1 rips ball at P2, Drill 5) Skinny Singles | |||||||||||
7 | Half-Volley | Tips | The half-volley and why you should use it | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBw2vwH2cd8 | 4.0 to PRO | Podcast: Out of air or 1/2 volley | Part of Aggressive NVZ play to reduce time for opponent to get ready (i.e., don't wait for apex) > no safe landing zone for opponent, keeps you anchored at NVZ, forces opponents | WRT Strike Zone, get it off the bounce and on the rise, ball has energy, precisely adjust angle b4 contact, no swing really, body: squat, and stalbe | often used against the lob serve or even as a 3rd shot drop against an opponent's high ROS | Easier to hit a 1/2 volley from MTZ (~16' away from net) than a volley | P1 feeds o'head smash to P2 at MTZ, 6"-1' in front of feet | against wall, short and long | ||||||||||||||
8 | NVZ | Drills | 3-Spot Dinking Drill | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEWyuzD9KM4 | John Cincola Pickleball | 2 | P1 stationary FH dink to each cone, P2 moving FH @ each cone, 1 minute | not enough hits with different dink combinations | P2 hits and shuffles immediately (no wait) | P1&P2@NVZ, P1 1 cone corner, P2 3 cones corners + middle, | 8 total patterns: FH dink from R corner, BH dink from mid, FH dink from mid, BH dink from L corner, players switch sides and repeat | Competitive: count cone hits | ||||||||||||||
9 | NVZ | Drills | Fast Hands | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EZZXmXIO1E | John Cincola Pickleball | 2 | Rigorous volley practice | not enough hits with different volley combinations | Compact swing & return to ready position | Focus on targeting | P1 & P2 DL at NVZ | FH to FH, BH to BH, BH to FH (right side), FH to BH (left side), random | ||||||||||||||
10 | NVZ | Drills & Tips | BH Attack Flick vs Roll Volley | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kgch_epb28c | Briones Pickleball | 2 | P1 tosses to P2 in green/yellow zones | Need defense and offense against opponent's drop shots and dinks to your backhand | BH Flick: used for shorter attack/speed-ups when opponent is at NVZ or TZ, typically with pace to set-up winner (be ready), low wide base, leaning in, experiment with grip, paddle tip down, quick compact forearm extension with finishing wrist flick & return to ready for counterattack | BH Roll Volley: used when opponent at BL or TZ to keep opponents back, get low and stay low, longer, smoother, upward stroke, must start below ball and finish high for spin and depth, if ball is low, drop paddle head to come from low to high | P1 & P2 DL at NVZ | Flick Drill: DL Dinking Rally, P1 leaves an occasional dink high and dead for P2 to flick. | BH Roll Volley Drill: P1 in TZ, feeding waste level balls to P2, who tries to make life difficult for P1 with roll volleys at shoe laces | Live Drill: P1 at BL working drops and resets transitioning to NVZ , P2 @ BL working flicks and rolls. Play point out when P1 gets to NVZ, P1 has to get 1 each TSXCD and MD, then play the point out | ||||||||||||
11 | NVZ | Drills & Tips | Footwork @ NVZ | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYZMFNczcrE | Briones Pickleball | 2 | 2 out of 3 pt dink rally to practice shuffle step and angled shuffle step | When dinking must move laterally and sometimes backward to achieve contact in front of body at optimal height | Shuffle Step: Ready position low wide stance, push off from opposite direction, stay low, steady head/vision | Angle Shuffle Step: when dink is deep and more time/space needed, replace lateral outside shuffle with 45deg angle | Contact Point in front is huge: puts you in control of your shot (put ball where you want with intent) | P1&P2 at NVZ (DL then XC) | Goal is for each player to intentionally practice the shuffle and angled shuffle step | |||||||||||||
12 | NVZ | Drills & Tips | Counterattacking | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSfdVmQbCdU | John Cincola Pickleball | 2 | Your Ability to handle pace from your opponent | If you can't handle pace, opponents will exploit you | Mindset: assertive not passive, take control of game, put our energy back into ball with authority and purpose | Technique: Relaxed ready position (otherwise slow & stiff), move paddle to contact position, then compact efficient punch (no swing), finish back to ready position in balance | Spacing: if my shot is attackable, take 1 step back into "counterattack position" (+30% more time) | P1 & P2 DL at NVZ | 1. Fast hands drills. Cooperative with partner 3 Min each: FH to FH, FH to BH, BH to FH, BH to BH, Random | 2. Attacker vs Counterattacker: dink x 2-3, P1 attack, P2 counterattack, play point out, switch roles | ||||||||||||
13 | NVZ | Drills & Tips | Dink Efficiency: Take Time Away from Your Pickleball Opponent | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ly04vTthtY | John Cincola Pickleball | P2 progressively moves closer to the net to increasingly take time away from P1 | Make practice more effective by taking time away | P1 & P2 XC at NVZ | ||||||||||||||||||
14 | NVZ | Drills & Tips | The Best Punch Volley Drills | Tyson McGuffin | 2 | Complete Progression | P1 & P2 @ NVZ | Lower level: start with simulating punch volley using throw and catch out front | ||||||||||||||||||
15 | NVZ | Drills & Tips | When and how to reset vs. counterattack | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jaOZPzYK3E | Zane Navratil Pickleball | 2 | Progression from simple hands drill, progress to 30/60/90 (P1 feeds P2, P2 volleys at 30% (reset), 60%, 90% (attack)) | Resets are way overrated, sending the message that you're not a threat agains their speedups, plus it's a way more difficult shot | Advice: counterattack when at the NVZ, reset when MTZ. At NVZ, better to counterattack a speedup rather than reset because 1) easier (more margin for error) and 2) aggressively offensive instead of passively defensive. | 2 steps to counter attack: 1) get to ready position (in advance if possible), 2) compact, controlled punch/swing (sometimes there is no time for (2) and end up resetting by accident | Reset From MTZ : paddle low, absorb energy, slight arc, to give margin | P1 & P2 DL at NVZ | Simple hands drill | Progress to resets in transition zone: P1 MTZ, P2 at opposing net (inside kitchen) | P1 hits to P2 feet, P2 reset like normal (P1 has a "hit down" angle) | |||||||||||
16 | NVZ | Tips | Left Side Player | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO9LsDDFaGQ | Briones Pickleball | 2 | practice left side strategy & tactics as described (3 shots) | Need to understand and master specific left side shots | need to master the BH XC dink, especially slice, or opponents will exploit that weakness. | XC FH Top Spin Dink: 1) Create enough space to hit ball at apex (take step back if necessary); 1) drop paddle tip and brush up on the ball, ending swing with paddle near head | FH Topspin speedup off the bounce: drop paddle tip down, brush up, turn forearm over with pronation | P1 @ NVZ, P2 in TZ | BH XC Slice dink:1) volley dink whenever possible, 2) shuffle step or angle shuffle step, 3) turned shoulder, closing stance, cocked wrist, paddle faced XC, arm pendulum (pro tip: bail out to middle when required) | FH XC Top Spin Dink to pin opponent in corner: 1. to BH, 2. top spin forces into corner leaving XC middle or DL as only options | FH topspin speed-up off the bounce: wide dinks pull opponent out and set up attackable balls: aim down the middle or towards opponent's right hip | |||||||||||
17 | NVZ | Tips | Right Side Player | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VpElPg7oto | Briones Pickleball | 2 | practice right side strategy & tactics as described (3 shots) | Need to understand and master specific right side shots | XC Topspin Dink: shuffle step to create space and enable contact point in between feet> | consistent middle dink from inside left foot (hit to opponent's inside left foot BH, give them back another one, practice this to dial it in: lean in when possible if you pull him out to take it out of the air | The speed up: dead dinks that sit up, create space, paddle tip down and brush up | P1 & P2 XC at NVZ | XC Topspin dink pushing right side player out wide - practice footwork shuffle (with or without angle) & catch to practice contact point, then progress to drop paddle head below ball, brush up | Consistent left foot middle dink, take it out of the air when possible or take a step back when necessary | Offensive top spin speedup, P1 feeds P2, roll XC Topspin dink, inside foot, then speedup | |||||||||||
18 | Technique & Strategy | Drills & Tips | The 6 BIGGEST Mistakes Every 4.0 Pickleball Player Makes (and how to fix them) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg2rCX5vcNI | Cracked Pickleball | 2-3 | Common mistakes and what to do about them | Common mistakes and how to cure them with drills | Simple: Drive when behind BL, drop when in front. Drop: nice arc to maximize margin, contact in front (not side or behind), flat without spin | To minimize variables, Split Step forward/backward before opponent hits and depending on ball & opponent position | NVZ: volley balls when within reach zone, but sometimes step back for speed-up off of bounce, can speed up when ball within 1/2 of reach zone, shuffle feet to get behind the ball | n/a | Drive vs Drop: P1 @ NVZ, P2 @ BL. P1 feeds and P2 drops if inside BL, Drives if outside | Split Step forward or backward: P1 @ NVZ, P2&P3 at BL, P1 feeds P2 who drops, P3 splits step either forward or backward depending on quality of P2 drop | When to volley dink, step back, flat vs . Measure reaching point (arm out front, paddle down, put tape there). | |||||||||||
19 | Technique & Strategy | Drills & Tips | Footwork: Split Step | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejMwhEeLYvw | John Cincola Pickleball | 1,2 | All about Split Step | Don't know where opponent is going, need to be ready for anything | Timing: most important because of bang-bang nature of PB shots, if not right not worth doing. Proper timing means both feet touching at same time right before opponent hits, not too early or late | Both Feet: small hop to load legs in balanced neutral position ready to react in any direction. | Body Posture. Avoid "walking in" | n/a | Drill 1: footwork for splitstep moving in multiple directions: from mid-court in TZ move laterally (shuffling) right & left, then back and forward pedaling, split stepping at each the end and the middle; = moving all directions punctuated by hop of split step | Drill 2: timing-working individually, using same pattern as above footwork drill, toss ball fairly high in same direction as body movement, objective is to split step at exactly same time as ball hits ground, and redirect momentum forward to catch ball (hit) | Drill 3: ground strokes baseline to baseline, practicing split steps | |||||||||||
20 | Technique & Strategy | Drills & Tips | Hinges | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YPZB7eyzTM | John Cincola Pickleball | n/a | Impact of different hinges on the paddle face position in different shots. Need to isolate hinge movement to maximize feel | The more hinges involved in a shot, the more variables/error prone it is | n/a | knees: + use to get low w/o affecting paddle face, waist: - never use because tilt paddle face, shoulder elbow, wrist - multiple hinges at same time = no chance for repeatability | Arm: slice-lock wrist & elbow, shoulder only; topspin-elbow or wrist | |||||||||||||||
21 | Technique & Strategy | Drills & Tips | Roll Volley (How to) | https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LhWd_m6kk6o | John Cincola Pickleball | Shadow movement to gain initial muscle memory | Technique: big swing model is inefficient, not good ready position; | Techniqe instead: legs are stabilizers not power, use forearm rotation to gain paddle speed with less movement, body control, shot control | Forearm rotation does not actually break wrist | When to use: 1) 4th shot out of air to pin them back, 2) attack @NVZ, 3) dead dink off the bounce | n/a | without paddle: fingers down/up for basic movement, then add pop, add paddle flip | flip paddle upward | with paddle: paddle tip down, relaxed forearm, tense and pop | ||||||||||||
22 | Technique & Strategy | Drills & Tips | 5 Wall Drills for Perfect Pickleball Backhands | https://primetimepickleball.com/5-backhand-wall-drills/ | Primetime Pickleball | 1-handed BH shots: drive | Weak 1-handed backhand capabilities | BH Drive: best with eastern grip for drive & or topspin, BH Slice: Continental grip | Contact point (ideal) in front, step in with arm position and spacing the same each shot, wt transfer back to front with rear foot stable, Achieve dynamic stability through dynanic foot patterns: move to left, left back foot planted short of back, and plant right foot after shot; move right | Similarities non-negotiable: 1. big shoulder turn (rotate, paddle high), 2. contact in front, 3. footwork for dynamic footwork patterns for dynamic stability; Differences: Drive swing thru (smash orange), Slice shaving the peel off the orange | P1@Wall | Drive Top Spin & Slice | @NVZ 100+ dinks of all types | Driving BH volley for hand speed, BH reset: 1st shot drive feed for 2nd shot reset - down to grip pressure and paddle angle | ||||||||||||
23 | Technique & Strategy | Drills & Tips | Pickleball Dinking Technique | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SdM98A_7Mg | Sarah Ansboury | How to set up opportunity | Paddle out front to strike ball in zone from 11am-1pm (2-3pm is behind me, which causes pop-ups), feet and legs loose & light not compressed & heavy | Favor forward/angled/direct movement to ball whenever possible over side-to-side, use outside knee to create forward motion | Ball, paddle, court in front of me | P1 tosses and catches ball with both hands extended out front, feet in circle to make uooer body reach, keep head still (triangle: hands & head), loose grip (top fingers), try to create long rhythmic push, engage shoulder relaxed & loose, progress to same drill with paddle | P1 backup to MTZ and do previous drill at longer distance, then progress to moving forward to NVZ by stepping and cutting the angle toward the ball (stance neither open nor closed), finish with wrist open to target | |||||||||||||||
24 | Technique & Strategy | Drills & Tips | Serve | https://sarahansbourypickleballacademy.com/the-serve-a-simple-progression-for-consistency/ | Sarah Ansboury Pickleball Academy | 2 | Complete progression | Try to simplify the motion | Simplify low to high motion without extra | P1 behind BL | Progression: 1) Ball toss only to show hinge motion (1 ball/hand to simulate starting position and show hand separation, finish with hips and arm facing target), 2) Add ball | Ball in hand, drop & serve, avoid excess movement (footwork, extra motions) | ||||||||||||||
25 | Technique & Strategy | Drills & Tips | How to Serve (Beginner's Guide) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmdnJNCEwxI | ThatPickleballGuy - Kyle Koszuta | 2 | Complete guide to serving | Basic skills to get beyond shot #1 | More power? weight transfer from back to front with core twist | Pre-serve routine: 2 bounces, deep breath, rip it | n/a | Priorities: 1) consistency, 2) depth, 3) placement, 4) power | Drop Serve: 1) Feet: L@45deg to BL, R parallel to BL, 2) Hands: L extend straight out (like foot) R extend down, 3) Swing Path: drop & squat>twist & rise to contact, end with paddle tip in direction of target | Toss Serve: Similar to Drop but ball a little closer to body | ||||||||||||
26 | Technique & Strategy | Drills & Tips | Pickleball Split Step Basics - Footwork Drills | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRFRSj0JI10&t=3s | The One Infinite | 2 | Many split step variations to recognize & practice | Recognizing split step in harmony with rhythm of the game | feet leave ground at exact time opponent makes contact, feet adjust in midair for explosive but graceful and effortless court coverage | Practice in movement oriented situations: 5. 3 Step Split Step Right Foot, 6. 3 Step Split Step Left Foot, 7. 3-step split step forehand, 8 3-step split step backhand, 9. Backwards split step forehand (pop up), 10. Backwards split step backhand (pop up), 11. Baseline to net split step backhand, 12. Baseline to net split step forehand, 13. In & Out Split Step (Forward BL to NVZ & backward to BL), 14. One Leg Alternating Split Step (same as 13), 3 Lateral moves at NVZ (primarily XC dinking) : 15. Side Lunge to Split Step, 16. Lateral Shuffle to Split Step, 17. 2-step shuffle to split step, 18. Ball feed lunge and shuffle split step | ||||||||||||||||
27 | Technique & Strategy | Drills & Tips | 2 Handed Backhand Drive | https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DwyoSF7ymzk | Universal Rackets | Complete "How to" for 2-handed BH Drive | Weak 2-handed backhand capabilities | Tophanded forehand | takeback: to tip of paddle facing backward, drop paddle tip down, contact out in front and away from body (go to ball rather than waiting for ball to come, if ball too close make contact earlier), after contact extend swing forward toward target before crossing for penetrating shot ("smell your armpits", elbows pointing toward target) | step in, exhale, etc. | n/a | practice a left handed swing | 2-handed swing & wave | |||||||||||||
28 | Technique & Strategy | Tips | Top 7 Mistakes | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItjbOvy-8N4 | Briones Pickleball | n/a | Common mistakes and what to do about them | 7 common mistakes | 1. defend/counterattack with forehand, 2. Attacking from redzone (below knees), instead dink and keep it unattackable, | 3. not covering the middle if partner is covering line (expect the middle attack & shuffle over to center), 4. Attack at opponents chest or torso (especially at higher levels they are ready, instead target opponent's low or reach), | 5. Reaching too far into NVZ for 4th shot volley (instead, create space and time by stepping back or diagonal shuffle step), 6. Swing too fast causing pop-ups, 7. Hitting the ball outside your strike zone | n/a | ||||||||||||||
29 | Technique & Strategy | Tips | 3rd Shot Drop Science | https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Cw6Iz0nS0ds | Enhance Pickleball | Science of Drop Shots | n/a | |||||||||||||||||||
30 | Technique & Strategy | Tips | Hug Zone | John Lau | How to describe "where to contact the ball" | Players don't move into proper strike position and therefore increase errors | n/a | This is how John Lin described the zone in which you should try to hit your shots from (move your feet) | ||||||||||||||||||
31 | Technique & Strategy | Tips | Trophy Pose | John Lau | How to describe the perfect overhead smash body position | Mimic the motion (trophy pose), Catch the ball | n/a | This is how John Lin described the zone in which you should try to hit your shots from (move your feet) | ||||||||||||||||||
32 | Technique & Strategy | Tips | Types of Drops: Flat (push), Underspin, Topspin | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coHn2bq-7_8 | Pickleball Playbook | When and how to do these different drops | How & when to do different drop types | Flat Drop: 1. Open paddle face early 2. everything stays in front 3. hit through ball hinging with shoulder and slight elbow bend with locked elbow and wrist 4. finish by pointing paddle blade in direction | 2. Slice Drop: cut under the ball | 3. Topspin: FH-bring nondom hand over and turn shoulder to coil the body, drop paddle tip down, windshield wiper up and out, brush up the back side of the ball, move forward through the shot | ||||||||||||||||
33 | Technique & Strategy | Tips | Forehand Drive Pickleball Strategy: Pressure Your Opponents Into Making a Mistake | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIi9h-H2AoE | Rob Nunnery | 2 | When & How to Drive: When: 1. after a short, high ROS, move forward to put pressure, 2. after deep ROS in which 3rd shot drop is too difficult. | Simplify the decision-making on the 3rd shot for drive vs drop | Short court requires compact swing, lean toward smaller abbreviates swings | P1 MTZ, P2 behind BL | After short ROS, continental to slight eastern grip, the closer you are the shorter the swing path, drop paddle tip abbreviated swing through with some top spin | from deep, very difficult drop, better to drive, low to high to generate top spin, telling my partner to "go" | ||||||||||||||
34 | Technique & Strategy | Tips | Pickleball Slice Return: When to Use It and Why You Should Use it MORE | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuOKHMDFows | Rob Nunnery | 2 | When & How to Slice ROS | Knifey Slice ROS can be effective if they are good and low because they are difficult to drop or drive | Open paddle face, low center of gravity, firm grip, compact swing (short, no big follow-thru), | naturally moving forward thru it, with a little sidestep, | aiming primarily where from ball is coming (not changing the angle) | Behind B/L | Practice slice returns with partner | |||||||||||||
35 | Technique & Strategy | Tips | Mastering Pickleball Footwork: Pivot and Weight Distribution | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHG5zp7HYKw | Sarah Ansboury | Shuffling is too much work, leaves chest open & exposed, leaves back leg locked, focus on current shot is lost to regaining ready position. What's the most efficient, quick footwork to the ball? | Turn toe, rotate body, re-distribute wt (release back foot), extend to lift | Focus on finishing shot, elongating in direction of pivot/rotation to create lift/spin | Turn/rotate to the ball leading with shoulder, use lower body to lift | |||||||||||||||||
36 | Technique & Strategy | Tips | Forehand Volley: Key Progressions for Success | https://sarahansbourypickleballacademy.com/forehand-volley-key-progressions-for-success/ | Sarah Ansboury Pickleball Academy | Beginner sequence for Forehand volley | Beginners sometimes struggle with this concept too long | P1 @ NVZ, P2 at MTZ | P1Start with motion and no ball: turning toe, pretending to catch, then add ball and catch (high 5), keep hands up | Add paddle, mimic motion first without ball, then add ball and "touch" only, freeze with extension then return to ready | ||||||||||||||||
37 | Technique & Strategy | Tips | COMPLETE Forehand Drive Tutorial | https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YHjdSLwZCuU | Zane Navratil Pickleball | 2 | 6 Steps to Forehand Drive | Forehand drive proper technique | 1. Preparation-nondominant hand moving back with paddle rotates core, 2. Weight Transfer-step into the shot rather than waiting and swinging with arm or worse yet backing up while swinging (if back pedal req'd, do enough to be able to step into it), 3. Swing Path-don't slap, swing horizontal or high to low because can't get topspin, instead drop paddle head below ball and swing upward and through at point of contact 4. Acceleration-compact swing and accelerate (not big) 5. Contact Point-in line with body and front leg, helps wt transfer, 6. Follow-thru - swing arm goes out toward target to full extension before crossing body with back leg coming through generating power from legs (don't spin across) | n/a | ||||||||||||||||
38 | Transition Zone | Drills | Attack and Reset in the TRANSITION ZONE | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caHv8LCVn4o | Pickleball Target Trainers | 2 | P1 cooperative feed, P2 reset and repeat, Goal is for p2 to hit successive drop shots in transition to NVZ | How to use TZ to get to NVZ | 2) shuffle step or angle shuffle step, closed stance, cocked wrist, paddle faced XC, armpendulum | give them one tip at a time (legs, out front, etc.) | turn into game | P1 @ NVZ, P2 @ BL | what did you feel? | What are you working on? | ||||||||||||
39 | Transition Zone | Drills | 3 or more ball workup | https://www.playpickleball.com/pickleball-transition-zone-no-mans-land/ | Play Pickleball.com | 2 | P1 cooperative feed, P2 reset and mosy, Goal is for p2 to hit successive drop shots in transition to NVZ | How to use TZ to get to NVZ | Myth: 1. No Man's Land, 2. Out of control footwork/no split step, 3. Too perfect (loft isn't all bad) | 1. split step, 2. Contact in front with open paddle face | P1 @ NVZ, P2 @ BL | Can progress to play the point out | P1 cooperative until play point out | |||||||||||||
40 | Transition Zone | Drills | 4th Shot | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuI8Z5EeBBg | Tyson McGuffin | 2 | P1 hits shots to P2 feet, P2 resets to P1 NVZ. P1 goal is 4th shot attacks, P2 goal is unattackable resets | If you're too passive with 4th ball, you will get exploited by opponents (you will get a lot of 4th balls and opponents will get to kitchen). Likewise, need to recognize the advantage if you can keep pressure on opponents to stay back | be aggressive when possible: hit roll volley out of air if yellow, or stepback to gain more time/space for half-volley, and only concede a dink if the drop is "too good" | most efficient is backhand (zone 1-3) | respect the drop if it's too good (i.e., not enough time to take stepback) then | P1 at NET, P2 in TZ | P1 goal is to find best source of offense with 4th shot against P2 drops (roll volley out of air in yellow, or step back if too much reach) | game to 7, P1 gets 2 points if P2 doesn't make it to the kitchen | ||||||||||||
41 | Transition Zone | Drills | Pesky Player | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUup38hslbo | Zane Navratil Pickleball | 2 | P1 bangs to P2 feet, P2 lots of reset practice | Backing up vs standing strong: tradeoff between reaction time and holding advantage | Work on taking pace off of shot | Drop ready position lower than normal | swing short, keep everything in front of you | P1 at NET, P2 in TZ | focus on taking pace off, soften ball, key is low ready position to pick balls, compact swings, everything up front | progression: P1 backs up to NVZ | advice: extend points, be pesky = give plenty of margin for error, let opponent make error first | |||||||||||
42 | Transition Zone | Drills & Tips | Beat the Feet | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypBjIytFWjU | Adam Richards, High Five Pickleball | 2 | Plan to get to the kitchen | Problem: getting attacked and stuck at baseline can't transition to NVZ because 3rd, 5th etc. are attackable | Strategy: play defense, earn way to net, don't rush; Tactical: watch the shot/read the player, get in ready position (split step), drop paddle & get low & wide, make contact (backhand preference, grip 3-5, out of air preference, stabilize with non-dominant hand, let fly if high) | Tactical: watch the shot/read the player, get in ready position (split step b4 opponent hits ball), drop paddle & get low & wide, make contact with open paddle face (backhand preference, grip 3-5, out of air preference, stabilize with non-dominant hand, let fly if high) | P1 @ NVZ, P2 in TZ | P1 feeds, P2 hits unattackable shots | ||||||||||||||
43 | Transition Zone | Drills & Tips | Mastering the Transition Zone | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pu1k4mIZHas | Tyson McGuffin | 2 | Complete Progression | Transition zone is most misunderstood area in PB (footwork, patience, capability for defense, ability to handle offensive 4th shot, etc.) | keep it simple | people don't pause & split step, keep in mind its an excellent place to be defensive | move forward, keep pressure on, attack when the opportunity arises | P1 @ NVZ, P2 in TZ | Defensive (resetting) Technique: body low anticipating low shot, wide but mobile (small bubble), emphasize open still paddle face, contact in front, little lift with legs, absorbing energy as required with pace, using height to gain margin with unattackable ball. Offensive: in low green/high yellow, only if moving forward, and anticipating hands battle. Watch for signs that opponent is over-extended | Progression: 0) P1 feds Bump & Block Drill by hand (beginners) then paddle; 1) P1 keeps rally going, puts increasing pressure on P2; 2) P1 puts semi-aggressive pressure on P2, attacking balls when possible out of green, taking a step back and accelerating when yellow; 3) P1 "slinkies" back and forth becoming more offensive, attacking when possible for balls in green/yellow zone. Repeat; 4) Slinky Slinky & Smack: P1 can only close by hitting attacking ball, then play the point out (hand battle) | ||||||||||||
44 | Transition Zone | Drills, Games | Drive, Drop, Reset, Repeat | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gTvQDwU8P8 | Play Pickleball.com | 2 | P1 Cooperative feed, then P2 drive, drop, reset, shuffle back, repeat | Not getting to NVZ consistently | P2 can counter if ball is in yellow | Skinny court, P1 @ NVZ, P2 @ BL | After initial comfort level achieved, add variation where P2 at MTZ, decide to block if low, counter (if high enough), let it go (if too high) | Game: after 3rd ball, point is live, play to 11 then switch roles | ||||||||||||||
45 | Transition Zone | Games | Game to 11 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVey3oAypL4 | Tyson McGuffin | 2 | P1 semi aggressive feed (red or yellow zone-knees or lower), 1 point for successful reset, then play point out for another point | Practice is not usually fun | the further away we are, the more margin you should give (i.e., higher arc on furthest back ball) | P2 goal is successive 3 balls in kitchen | observe the other's strengths and weaknesses (i.e., if only punch volley in Yellow zone, I should test it) | P1 @ NVZ, P2 in transition zone | lower level: middle cone, Higher level: back cone + 3 resets for extra point | both sides take advantage of others mistakes, P2 looks for opportunities to transition in, observe the other's strengths and weaknesses (i.e., if only punch volley in Yellow zone, I should test it) | P1 semi-aggressive feed | |||||||||||
46 | Transition Zone | Games | Game to 7 (Rally Scoring) | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9zECYjS6Wk | Tyson McGuffin | 2 | P1 feeds semi-aggresive, P2 blocks or resets and makes way to NVZ, rally-scoring game to 7, P1 has advantage so P2 starts at 3 | Practice is not usually fun | P1 @ NVZ, P2 in transition zone | Lower Level: Play point out after P2 gets 1 in kitchen, Higher Level after 2 in kitchen | Can cooperate until P2 gets to NVZ then play it out | |||||||||||||||
47 | Transition Zone | Tips | Transition Game Flow Chart | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDRnXgnRdCU&t=7s | John Cincola Pickleball | What to do in different possible situations | If ROS Short: If Returner @ NVZ then Drop (Why: Easy Drop and Follow-in because high success probability), If Returner late then Drive to open space or shoelaces or drop to open space (but take something off and use top spin) (Why: take advantage of opponents chaos) | If ROS Deep: If Returner late then Drive to open space or shoelaces or drop to open space (or hybrid) (Why: take advantage of opponents chaos), If Returners at Kitchen Line, will need 2 good shots to get to NVZ, Option 1: Higher defensive drop and grab TZ space, Option 2: 70% low drive to get easier 5th to drop, then repeat/retreat as necessary depending on your shot quality and what opponent gives you | Partner Positioning (all these assume good quality shot so that Partner can approach NVZ and focus on limiting the opponent's options): 1. Protect your partner (i.e., cover middle if they're back), 2. Hunt the Ball, 3. Funnel the Ball | n/a | ||||||||||||||||
48 | Trends | Tips | How To Dominate Pickleball In 2025 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnQCMHJsoI0 | Enhance Pickleball | n/a | As paddle tech improves, More aggressive style is favored | New style is high powered, pace, spin. Need to defend against that and turn it against them | How to defend against more power (goal is low unattackable pressure): 1. (ROS) Be ready for aggression: don't be lazy, hit when moving forward, splitting, arms up in front; 2. Let out balls go (at shoulder with upward trajectory & watch topspin), 3. On hard drives, use a firm wrist and flat compact punch w/o spin (max sweet spot); 4 For stability add weight to paddle; 5. Overall goal is to prevent popups, keep ball low and penetrating (feet) to prevent attackable balls; 6. direct returns to non-crashing player if possible | To be more aggressive: 1. 3rd shot drives with topspin to keep low or drive/drop combo (improve position for 5th shot), or hybrid 3rd aimed with angle at P2 feet, especially if still moving in 2. Crash if opponent hitting up ball below the net (is opponent hitting up from below net? if yes, crash. if no, reset) | n/a | |||||||||||||||
49 | Trends | Tips | Surviving the Power Era | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HFGdJvq3lw | Enhance Pickleball | n/a | Impact of new paddle technology and when to be more aggressive | New style is high powered, pace, spin. Need to defend against that and turn it against them | Topspin: With more power comes increasing need to rely more on topspin | Improve your footwork: low, bent knees, on toes, split step | Get to NVZ ASAP because new paddles make it easier to drive to feet ("break your ankles") vs old way to reset to kitchen | n/a | At Midcourt: old = reset, new = attack | 3rd shot (drives>drops) | keys: always be ready, compact motions, tight/stable grip when defending @ NVZ or driving from BL | |||||||||||
50 | Trends | Tips | Top 10 Modern Pickleball Plays for 2025 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO6cYZzgZOo | Pickleball Playbook | 2@ROS: 1) Return & Erne (Serving Team's 3rd Shot), 2) Deep ROS & Compact swing 4th | 4@Serve: 1) Peekaboo, 2) Drop & Erne (XC Drop Only), 3) Solo Shake 'n Bake, 4) Drive & Drop (Drive gives shorter Drop) | |||||||||||||||||||
51 | Volleying | Drills | Advanced Pickleball Volleying on the Move | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-47GxfyRsPs | 2 person volleying drills to simulate game-like movement | cooperatively working on directional control and pace | paddle out front, use legs, let it go if it's going out | P1 & P2 XC at NVZ | cooperative volleying while XC players move to opposite side of court | |||||||||||||||||
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