Can I Turn a NASCAR Driver into a Pickleball Pro?

In a crossover of athletic worlds, pickleball pro Zane Navratil recently provided NASCAR driver Austin Dillon an intensive pickleball training session. Dillon, who’s been interested in the pickleball scene, took time from his schedule ahead of a race at Circuit of the Americas to work with Navratil, known for his skill, innovative spins, and on-court strategy. Their shared focus: fine-tuning Dillon's shot accuracy, court awareness, and third-shot drops—common challenges in the fast-growing sport. 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 For those new to the pickleball phenomenon, it's a sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, with a competitive yet accessible edge that has recently gained immense popularity. Austin Dillon, typically found behind the wheel in the NASCAR Cup Series, is among a growing number of professional athletes embracing the sport, drawn to its intense rallies and nuanced strategy. Dillon’s goal for this session was simple but familiar to many amateur players: improving his "kitchen" play and perfecting his "third-shot drop." The kitchen, or non-volley zone, is a pivotal area in pickleball where points are often won or lost through short, controlled shots known as “dinks.” And the third-shot drop, a gentle shot intended to land softly in the opponent’s kitchen, is a hallmark of higher-level pickleball strategy. Zane, known in the PPA and MLP for his ability to execute both with finesse, was more than willing to lend his expertise. Throughout their session, Navratil identified Austin’s tendency to take large, sweeping swings, which can throw off timing and control. Navratil’s advice for players, including Dillon, was straightforward but effective: “Do the bare minimum.” This minimalist approach encourages players to shorten their swings, optimizing control without sacrificing spin. Dillon, accustomed to high-speed precision in his NASCAR career, seemed to find this approach both challenging and enlightening. Zane's coaching extended to shot mechanics, grip strength, and paddle positioning. “If you try to do too much with your swing, especially when dinking, you create room for error,” Navratil explained, urging Dillon to adopt a more compact motion. At one point, the analogy of driving came into play—a comparison that likely resonated with Dillon. “If you floor it too soon, you can spin out. It’s similar with dinks and drops: a more measured acceleration helps maintain control.” Source: Zane Navratil Pickleball

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