7 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Playing Pickleball

Zane Navratil, a pro pickleball player since 2020, has seen the sport evolve dramatically since he first picked up a paddle in 2013. Reflecting on his journey, Navratil shares seven key insights he wishes he had known beginning his pickleball career. These lessons offer valuable guidance for players looking to enhance pickleball experiences going forward. 🎁It's GIVEAWAY TIME!🎁 ✅Subscribe to my YouTube channel and Newsletter for your chance to win a free 1-hour virtual lesson with me! Simply click the Subscribe button above and sign up for my newsletter here: 👉https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/newsletters Grab Zane Navratil Signature ProXR Pickleball Paddle on our website https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/shop/ Subscribe to my monthly newsletter to stay up to date with Zane on and off the court! https://zanenavratilpickleball.com/ Make sure you’re recovering! Check out Yobow, the most compact massage pistol on the market. Use code “ZANE” at checkout for free shipping! https://theyobow.com/ Enhance your practice sessions and improve your game with a Lobster ball machine. Use code ZANE5 for 5% off any pickleball machine and accessories. https://lobstersports.com/collections... Go to Har-Tru for your pickleball court equipment needs. Use discount code ZANE10 to receive 10% off your purchase. Looking to build your court? Email Brandy at [email protected] to see what Har-Tru can do for you! https://hartru.com/ Thorlo Socks are the best! Engineered with varying levels of padding, their pickleball socks provide maximum comfort and support. Get your pair here. https://thorlo.com/pages/pickleball Anthem Sports & Entertainment is a global, multi-platform media company and is the exclusive home of Major League Pickleball in Canada with coverage on the Game+ Network. https://gameplusnetwork.com/ AIM7 is an innovative platform that turns data from wearables to personalized and actionable solutions to increase physical and mental fitness. AIM7 brings a special focus to pickleball performance, recovery, and injury prevention. Learn more here! https://aim7.com/pickleball Zane’s on Cameo!! https://cameo.com/zanenavratilpickleball Navratil initially assumed that his background as a state champion tennis player would give him an easy edge in pickleball. However, he quickly learned that this underestimation of his opponents was a mistake. Pickleball’s unique dynamics contribute to novel strategies that require respect and humility, regardless of one's experience in other racquet sports. One of the biggest adjustments Navratil had to make was changing his ready position. Unlike tennis, where a high, forward position remains the standard, pickleball demands a more relaxed stance. The paddle should be held slightly down, not too high or low, and in a neutral position to effectively punch volleys. This adjustment enhances agility and readiness for the quick exchanges characteristic of pickleball. Initially, Navratil’s tennis footwork led him to over-move on the court. To enhance pickleball performance, efficient lunges and reaches are sufficient to cover the court effectively. This economy of movement not only improves balance and stability but also reduces unnecessary exertion. The key is to focus on managing unforced errors rather than striving for spectacular winners. Eager to play, Navratil often skipped warm-ups in favor of overtraining, leading to soreness and potential injuries. Now, Zane emphasizes the importance of proper warm-up routines, cooldown stretches, and recovery practices. Utilizing technology helps tailor these routines to individual needs, ensuring players stay fit and ready for the game. When Navratil started his pickleball career, slicing was the norm for dinks and returns. However, advancements in paddle technology have made topspin a more effective option that can enhance pickleball performance. Topspin adds a dipping motion to the ball, making it harder for opponents to counter. This shift in technique has become a critical aspect of modern pickleball strategy. While tennis skills can be advantageous, transitioning players must adapt to pickleball-specific shots like the drop shot. Driving the ball aggressively is beneficial, but high-level play requires mastering the drop shot to transition to the net. Additionally, tennis strategies like poaching—taking the ball early—remain valuable. The key is to balance tennis instincts with the unique demands of pickleball. Pickleball remains a rapidly evolving sport. New techniques such as the tomahawk, banana shot, and scorpion, are continually emerging. Navratil stresses the importance of a growth mindset. Players must stay adaptable, always seeking to incorporate new elements into their game to avoid being left behind. Zane's reflections provide a roadmap for anyone looking to excel in pickleball. By integrating these lessons, players can enhance their performance and fully enjoy the unique challenges of pickleball. Source: Zane Navratil Pickleball

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