A common mistake I see with most ammatures, their impact point is not in front of their body. Way too many people hit off balance and go to far back with their paddle. Short and compact swings give you much more control and command. Keep your paddle out in front.
I certainly agree with this analysis. Once upon a time I was a competitive singles tennis player and this same advice would've worked very well for that sport too with perhaps a little less emphasis on reaction time and instead focusing on predicting where the opponent is going to hit the ball.
Thank you so much, Nicole ! You make all good points. I can only get so much better from imitating better players, and this gives me much more to do. The moving forward / positive attitude part of pickleball has become as important in the rest of my life as in casual play situations. And that has made life easier for a 65 year old. Apparently, old dogs can learn new tricks... Thank you again, Nicole !
I SO love to hear this. Thanks so much for dropping a comment. This part stands out to me "positive attitude part of pickleball has become as important in the rest of my life as in casual play". I am practicing this as well. :). We go this!
Excellent content (that’s no surprise)! Mindset is essential. Honesty with yourself is hard but necessary. I also think it is important to be honest about what you do well and use that as a balance so that you maintain optimism about your strengths and have great confidence to execute them in competition. Mindset is also critical to drive the desire to put in the time and grind of practice. The mindset of “Embracing the Grind”. The grind is the big differentiator. Thanks for reading thru the long response.
Outside of getting more consistent with all the core abilities, the greatest thing that changed my game was mindset. I heard Ben Johns say something similar, basically he said that you have to be able to reset after each point/rally. Once I was able to do that, it was amazing the jump my skills took.
Wow, Nicole. Great video that really "unpacks" the 5 components that can lift us all up. Your advice and observations are so well packaged and inspirational to us hovering down in the 4.0-4.5 range. As a former basketball player, I think you hit the nail on the head about good footwork, keeping low, and pivoting to the shots and decisions that will work, not just their favorite shots/moves. (I could never explain that as well as you did.) Please keep these high-level strategy videos coming! - Joe Z, Arlington Iron Paddles.
I am a tennis player who has recently started playing Pickleball. Please do a video on how to stop hitting the ball long, into the net and out of bounds. I am used to swinging hard and these are my errors. I am actively trying to not hit/swing so hard, use a one-handed backhand and the smaller court is a problem for me as well. I would be great if you could do a video on transitioning from Tennis to Pickleball. Thank You.
Dunno if you have the same problems I did when converting. The pickleball follow through has a more fixed wrist position than in tennis. What I mean is follow through with your arm, but don’t roll over your wrist as much. You’re still brushing up on the ball, but my wrist position after point of contact stays more or less locked in that position all the way through the follow through
Thanks so much for the comment and for the video suggestion. In the meantime, please watch this video: ua-cam.com/video/ykTIXE30q9I/v-deo.html Without seeing your strokes, I imagine an important point is going to be focus on shortening your backswing. That is a very common problem for those hitting too hard.
I mean if you’re making contact with your shot in your strike zone. So that you’re in a strong position at the point you make contact with the ball. Your not jammed or reaching. It’s right where you want it.
Here's a fun and great way to improve your hand-eye coordination when you are by yourself and not at a pickleball court... ua-cam.com/users/shortsor3HrL-KQQc
Good video but ultimately futile. Most rec players do not possess the skills, or talent (sorry, hand-eye/timing is a talent), necessary to acquire these skills. All this is taught in tennis, which I taught/coached for many years. Bottom line: You either have it, or ya don't.
I once had a teammate with very little talent but worked extremely hard and she was able to build all the skills to become a great player that slayed giants. I don't count anyone out that's willing to put in the work.
i have to disagree with u coach..having no paddle/raquet experience as a kid(i did play sports 24/7 as a kid)---i now at 65 yrs old can rip both forehands and backhands with confidence with just alittle practice..yes tennis is the hardest game by far but with alittle mechanical knowledge of the body/swing i feel anyone can improve rapidly--even at tennis..ps..i studied many tennis utube videos to help with my pickleball ..plus ive seen people with zero natural talent improve alot at pball..pball unlike tennis is very easy because your not sprinting while trying to hit crosscourt winners..that said i wish i could have played tennis when i was young--its a great game and i have tremendous respect for you and other coaches that teach tennis...
There’s a huge difference. I just saw a great D1 tennis player in his first few months of playing pickleball. Great foundation but lots to learn in terms of adapting his strokes for pickleball as well as learning pickleball strategy.
A common mistake I see with most ammatures, their impact point is not in front of their body. Way too many people hit off balance and go to far back with their paddle. Short and compact swings give you much more control and command. Keep your paddle out in front.
Agreed! Thanks for the comment.
Why does no one else talk about mindset like you do? It’s so critical and you lay things out so clearly. Thank you for this video. ❤
Thanks Philip! I strive hard to bring content that makes an impact.
Agree, no one else talks about mindset, and I need help with it in tourneys.
I certainly agree with this analysis. Once upon a time I was a competitive singles tennis player and this same advice would've worked very well for that sport too with perhaps a little less emphasis on reaction time and instead focusing on predicting where the opponent is going to hit the ball.
Great point Bret! Always love your comments. 🙌
Brilliant. I got so much from this. You’re such a gift to the pickleball world. I really like the section on mindset. Thank you 🙏
Thanks so much Anita! Makes my day. 😊
same
Thank you so much, Nicole !
You make all good points.
I can only get so much better from imitating better players, and this gives me much more to do. The moving forward / positive attitude part of pickleball has become as important in the rest of my life as in casual play situations. And that has made life easier for a 65 year old.
Apparently, old dogs can learn new tricks...
Thank you again, Nicole !
I SO love to hear this. Thanks so much for dropping a comment. This part stands out to me "positive attitude part of pickleball has become as important in the rest of my life as in casual play". I am practicing this as well. :). We go this!
Outstanding video, Nicole! I appreciate your practical advice and encouragement! I need to take ownership of my actions and attitude!
Thank you! You got this!
Great tips - a must watch for anyone who wishes to improve their play regardless of their skill level.
Thanks Jayesh! Appreciate the comment.
true
Nicole, your videos are the best, your breakdown of play, tips, strategy, and how to improve are great. Thanks
Thank you! I really strive for quality. I’m glad it comes across.
agreed
One of the best videos I’ve watched during my 3 month journey.
Awesome!
Nicole!! You are amazing! I need to take a live lesson from you! I always learn so much from your videos. Thank you for all you do!
Thanks for the kind words Chad! And thanks for watching.
Nicole, very good video you are a very honest player, this is one of the best videos to help everyone that play pickleball, Thank you, Thank you👋👋👋👋
Thank you! 😊. I try to keep it real.
Great video! There's so much to do & learn to become a better player. Thank you for sharing
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent content (that’s no surprise)! Mindset is essential. Honesty with yourself is hard but necessary. I also think it is important to be honest about what you do well and use that as a balance so that you maintain optimism about your strengths and have great confidence to execute them in competition. Mindset is also critical to drive the desire to put in the time and grind of practice. The mindset of “Embracing the Grind”. The grind is the big differentiator. Thanks for reading thru the long response.
Thanks Gene! Yes, thanks for mentioning the importance about recognizing and being confident about what you do well. “Embrace the grind” 🙌
Outside of getting more consistent with all the core abilities, the greatest thing that changed my game was mindset. I heard Ben Johns say something similar, basically he said that you have to be able to reset after each point/rally. Once I was able to do that, it was amazing the jump my skills took.
always has great vids
Excellent video, your great in your explanations! Thank you.
Thanks so much Ellen! 😊
every point is very useful. Great job
Thanks Austin!
Wow, Nicole. Great video that really "unpacks" the 5 components that can lift us all up. Your advice and observations are so well packaged and inspirational to us hovering down in the 4.0-4.5 range. As a former basketball player, I think you hit the nail on the head about good footwork, keeping low, and pivoting to the shots and decisions that will work, not just their favorite shots/moves. (I could never explain that as well as you did.) Please keep these high-level strategy videos coming! - Joe Z, Arlington Iron Paddles.
Thanks so much for the very complimentary comment Joe! I'll keep it coming :)
What a great presentation!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
I am a tennis player who has recently started playing Pickleball. Please do a video on how to stop hitting the ball long, into the net and out of bounds. I am used to swinging hard and these are my errors. I am actively trying to not hit/swing so hard, use a one-handed backhand and the smaller court is a problem for me as well. I would be great if you could do a video on transitioning from Tennis to Pickleball. Thank You.
Dunno if you have the same problems I did when converting. The pickleball follow through has a more fixed wrist position than in tennis. What I mean is follow through with your arm, but don’t roll over your wrist as much. You’re still brushing up on the ball, but my wrist position after point of contact stays more or less locked in that position all the way through the follow through
Thanks so much for the comment and for the video suggestion. In the meantime, please watch this video: ua-cam.com/video/ykTIXE30q9I/v-deo.html
Without seeing your strokes, I imagine an important point is going to be focus on shortening your backswing. That is a very common problem for those hitting too hard.
Thanks Nicole! I always enjoy and appreciate your videos. Very informative as usual.
Thanks for the comment! Glad you like the videos.
Thanks for the tips and the pep talk.
You got it Nina! My great pleasure 😊
All great points. Thanks Nicole!
😊
Just a thank you for continuing to provide good (and valuable) content, Nicole. As all the others state, we appreciate you and value your teaching.
I appreciate that! Thank you too!
Awesome tips! Thank you for the excellent content on this channel!
My pleasure!
Thanks for the tips!!!
Happy to help!
Excellent ending!
Thanks Marco!
Really great lesson!
Thank you! 😊
Nicole, when you say “contact points” what do you mean? Where you intend to place your shot?
I mean if you’re making contact with your shot in your strike zone. So that you’re in a strong position at the point you make contact with the ball. Your not jammed or reaching. It’s right where you want it.
Nice job!!
Thank you! Cheers!
Thanks!
My pleasure Jayne!
Another one of your great videos. You are amazing. If I ever meet you, I will buy the beer.
Thanks Red! That’s sounds great. Cheers!🍻
Pickleball is America's fastest-growing sport and we like it #Pickleball
go pickleball!
Interesting video of 5 concepts. You could have made 5 videos with more information in each video. Very good.
Thank you!
great points. drill, drill, drill.
Thanks Kevin! Yup, you got it!
The wall is a racket sport player's best friend.
Yup, it's a handy companion for sure!
That last tip was said as well as it could be
Thanks!
So very helpful tips!
nice vid
Thank you!
Here's a fun and great way to improve your hand-eye coordination when you are by yourself and not at a pickleball court... ua-cam.com/users/shortsor3HrL-KQQc
Link doesn't seem to land on a video.
@@primetimepickleball Thank you for letting me know. I just tried it and it worked...
❤
😁
The goal is for you to be playing T-ball, and to make your opponent play baseball.
That’s one way to put it. Yes, easy on you, harder on them.
your words kill.
I'll assume that's good. :)
Good video but ultimately futile. Most rec players do not possess the skills, or talent (sorry, hand-eye/timing is a talent), necessary to acquire these skills. All this is taught in tennis, which I taught/coached for many years. Bottom line: You either have it, or ya don't.
I once had a teammate with very little talent but worked extremely hard and she was able to build all the skills to become a great player that slayed giants. I don't count anyone out that's willing to put in the work.
i have to disagree with u coach..having no paddle/raquet experience as a kid(i did play sports 24/7 as a kid)---i now at 65 yrs old can rip both forehands and backhands with confidence with just alittle practice..yes tennis is the hardest game by far but with alittle mechanical knowledge of the body/swing i feel anyone can improve rapidly--even at tennis..ps..i studied many tennis utube videos to help with my pickleball ..plus ive seen people with zero natural talent improve alot at pball..pball unlike tennis is very easy because your not sprinting while trying to hit crosscourt winners..that said i wish i could have played tennis when i was young--its a great game and i have tremendous respect for you and other coaches that teach tennis...
Too much tell and not enough show
Thanks for the feedback.
Awesome
Thx! 🙌
I cant see a difference between a starting player with some tennis backgrounds of an actual "pro" in this game..
There’s a huge difference. I just saw a great D1 tennis player in his first few months of playing pickleball. Great foundation but lots to learn in terms of adapting his strokes for pickleball as well as learning pickleball strategy.