Mastering the Game: 5 Strategies for Advanced Pickleball Players

Here is another journey to elevate your pickleball game. In this article, we're focusing on the advanced players, those who have already mastered the basics and are hungry for more. To help you reach your peak performance on the court, we're sharing five invaluable strategies tailored specifically for advanced pickleball players.

Mindful Court Positioning

One of the most critical aspects of advanced pickleball is court positioning. You must always be aware of your position relative to the net, the sidelines, and your opponents. Where you and your partner are on the court relative to where your opponents are on the court determines your shot. Pickleball is a game of chess. Advanced players must choose the appropriate shot based on court positioning. Do you drive, drop, reset, punch volley, or lob? Where do you send the ball to on your opponent’s court? It is all based on court positioning. This is a topic I discuss in great detail at my 4-day intensive bootcamps.

While power is essential, advanced players must also have a deft touch. The soft game, characterized by dinks, drop shots, and resets can be a game-changer. Practice your soft shots to control the game. Wait like a crouching tiger crouching tigerfor your opponents to make a mistake, pop the ball, separate their middle, and keep them off balance. Patience is key when executing these finesse shots.

Serving isn't just about getting the ball in play. Advanced players should focus on varying their serves to keep opponents guessing. Experiment with spin, placement, and speed to disrupt your opponent's rhythm. An effective serve can set the tone for the entire match.

In doubles play, communication is paramount. Advanced players should develop a silent but efficient partnership with their teammate. This includes signaling, court coverage agreements, and understanding each other's strengths and weaknesses. The better you and your partner communicate, the stronger your team will be Here is an article I wrote about partner communication.

Finally, mental strength separates advanced players from the rest. Stay composed under pressure, focus on the present moment, and visualize your strategies. Develop a winning mentality that can help you bounce back from setbacks and stay in control during high-stress situations. Here is also an article about focusing on winning.

Incorporating these strategies into your gameplay will undoubtedly take your pickleball skills to the next level. Remember, practice makes perfect, so dedicate time to refine each of these elements. Consistency and dedication are the keys to success in advanced pickleball.

Stay tuned for our next newsletter, where we'll delve into advanced drills and exercises to hone your skills even further. Until then, hit the courts with these strategies in mind, and watch your game soar.

Have fun at the courts and remember its only pickleball.