If you are not at the net by the end of your service return or within one or a few drop shots after you serve, you're missing the game almost completely.
The NET or the Kitchen line is the place to be for most of the action. Have you had a chance to watch any of the US OPEN games from Naples, Florida yet? Please take the time to do so. You'll see that the team who has control of the net, has control of the game. As much as you may want to hit hard and be hit hard at, pickleball is a game of finesse and strategy. Staying ready on your toes, paddle up and in a ready to defend or attack position, hitting cross court shots to move the defending team and taking advantage of the errant high hit balls to score. Pickleball is so much more than a workout of hitting hard, running around and sweating. Yes, there is a time to hit hard but if you want to really play the game with strategy. GET TO THE KICHEN LINE! If you ask me if one is playing in a low ready position, constantly moving or tracking the ball on both sides of the net you are or will get a great workout. An hour or two of this type of constant play with three other worthy players you'll be sweating for sure if that's what you want. So get to the NVZ line and really play pickleball like the pros. Otherwise, you are only playing mini tennis or giant ping-pong. Pickleball is so much more. Watch the pros, you won't see them playing doubles in an end line to end line game. They are at the NVZ so NOT to get slammed. Take control of the bangers by block dropping and watch them run to scoop it up. Then step back one or two paces and jam it in the hole. It's in the strategy of the game that makes pickleball different than all the rest of those games. Practice with a purpose and you'll be at the NVZ line in no time. But practice is the key. Be well and play more pickleball! In honor of the US OPEN play I will not be posting video this week. SORRY!.. Watch the games and see what the best in the biz are doing and what they do at the net and beyond. Watch for the shots that have purpose and direction. Watch for the set up shot of a partner.
So much to see and so much to learn.. Be back next week with more videos. As always THANK you all so much for following me and my videos. I'm always open to hear what you think and want to see. I'll do my homework and get you the answers. I've been struggling a bit personally with my knee replacement and had some set back on my personal play but I still have the desire to be there to teach.. All will be well.. Stay focused, stay in the moment and stay ready to play.. Be well and be blessed.. Well just a short note. I hope you've had a chance to view my videos. A labor of love as my friend Jack said. I know people like live action. I'm a bit camera shy if you can believe that. Only because I want the work to be done right and doing something live to me and being taped is strangely uncomfortable. So I 'm doing the movie versions.
On a side note had my newly replaced new manipulated last Friday. They had to break up the scar tissue. OUCH! as it may sound I didn't feel a thing. Put under in the hospital and they push the knee to back. Snap, crackle pop later it bends with little resistance. Now I'm back to PT to retrain and re strengthen. Two weeks off of the court to give it some time to heal.. again! My body wants to heal fast. My brain wants to play.. Patience is not with me on this one, but I want this to be done. SO.. I'll work on the videos so you the reader can play when I can't. Be well... So proud of what I've been able to send out to the pickleball public. Have had a tremendous response and views. Please continue to share, like and especially use the drills to better your game. I hope you enjoy the pickleball drills that were created using the PB9-Grid. It makes it clear to where you should place the shot or a great communication technique to work with your partner or coach.
If you ever have a question about the PB-GRID be sure to let me know and I'll get the answer to you. If you have a specific skill you want to drill and don't know where to start, shoot me an email and I'll be happy to design one JUST FOR YOU!. Be well and happy drilling. Thanks so much to all of you who have subscribed to my new videos. I'm enjoying making them and continue to teach in my CHALK TALK sessions. If you have a need I'll work to put out the video for you. Send me a note and let me know what you are working on and what drills your are looking to do.
Paddle up and keep practicing. I've been very blessed to have been able to coach several people in my local area. And excited that they continue to develop and improve their personal games. I have a few of the top players in the Cleveland Area that come to me on a regular basis. One being
Mandy Thorburn. I personally don't get to see her play at tourney's to much. But I always look forward to the texts that she sends to me on the medals that she wins. Mandy is moving up quickly and is a "wall" at the net. I even named a drill after her in the book. "Mandy's War". She is like a sword fighter at the net with quick responsive hands and feet. I not only enjoy working with her at practice but have been so proud of all her accomplishments. Watch out pickleball world. Mandy is a force to be reckoned with. Keep your paddles up and feet ready. Congrats Mandy on you latest win in FLA.. How many golds now? 12G and rising.. Way to go girl! Practice makes us better. Well I've started the video posts and I hope you enjoy them, use them and share them. I'm not one to stand in front of the camera so I'm doing my version but still teaching. I know people like to "SEE" it in action but this is a start and it's good ole "CHALK TALK" the semi old fashioned way for those old school coaches out there. Just a twist on the moving pieces. A work in progress as usual. Again I hope you enjoy the work. It's tough to edit, read, move the laser and coordinate the whole thing by yourself but I'm learning and am using it as an educational process for my self amusement as well. My mind is constantly going and creating and I have to do something or I'll end up just shopping and buying stupid stuff I don't need. Lord knows I have enough junk now.
So I hope you enjoy and take a few moments to watch. I'm going to work to make them at least three min. but no longer than five minute videos. I know the Sesame Street method of learning works the best. Short and simple. Enjoy and be well out in pickleball land. |
AuthorHello I'm Claudia and I love Pickleball.. Archives
September 2017
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