I see one attentive student who is giving his all and for the love of pickleball he allowed this to be taped and is gonna read 100 comments of people that think they know. I hope he doesnt listen to everyone and just keeps focused on one thing at a time taught by a coach or pro. He’s doing awesome and showed great improvement in one short session. I love the comment about being out of shape. Unless you are 100% committed to being an athlete, we are all out of shape some. What this guy has that no one pointed out is heart.
This is such an excellent training video where a player is attempting to learn a new technique, in which I can certainly relate with. Most pickleball videos show a coach explaining the correct technique but, without a second player who's struggling as he/she is attempting to execute the technique properly. Loved this and hope to see more. Thanks for sharing.
Seeing an actual lesson with an average player is super helpful. I would be great to see follow up lessons w this player where you refine footwork and ball contact position. btw, gorgeous court
The way you teach is probably the best I have seen and reminds me of my tennis coach when I was a kid. Also, isn't this video shot where the Johns Brothers practice? LOL!
like at 1:39 (and before that), I think one of the issues is with the timing of when he is making contact with the ball. if the ball is short, he's not moving his feet enough to make contact close enough to his body to have a smooth swing and the ball goes up or wild... but on the forehand when the contact with the ball is made where there is comfortable space between the ball and his paddle and body, then the topspin looks a little more effective... similarly sometimes I think he is not backing up fast enough to get the space in to make contact with the paddle head down (forehand) and then he gets really wristy and the ball goes wild like his contact is fairly high and maybe slightly behind or to the side of his body (rather than in front of body)
Thank you Zane! Just applied this technique tip to my own swing, OMG. A good ground stroke has eluded me since I started playing pickleball last fall. I can’t wait to see how this goes in actual play.
So great. It’s so nice to see a real time lesson and focus on “feel” as opposed to “output” while you learn. And the “It’s happening…” from the student is so vulnerable and real. Adorbs. ❤ Thanks for these videos Zane! So helpful.
It's absolutely critical to see footage of yourself, because your body isn't doing anything like the image you have in your head (for example, amateurs are almost never as low as they think they are). So I've begun recording video of myself practicing a certain shot in my room without a ball, and then instantly watching it back to see what aspects fall short of what the pros look like. Then I record myself again, focusing on those weaknesses I saw in the first footage. Rinse and repeat. When changing your technique, you can only focus on one thing at a time until it's muscle memory - so it can take many cycles until you're happy with it. We often need to sleep to fully ingrain it in our bones. But after a few days, amazing things start happening.
He could use the concept of checkpoints: where to start the swing, where to contact the ball, where to finish the stroke. And keep them relatively consistent. His contact points seem pretty random depending on the high of the bounce, then he would follow through sometimes over the shoulder, sometimes under, or even stop short somewhere in front. But more importantly he needs to improve his footwork big time. Usually your feet and position (and focus) that fail you, not your strokes.
Excellent video. I hope you do a part 2 with this guy (or another student). ALL of my strokes have this weird side spin /under-spin to them and I think you pinpointed why in this lesson. I'm going to try this technique of holding my finger on the prep swing next time I'm on the court!
I think you need to do a.lesson on topspin dinking. I can come over, and you can video a lesson showing what I'm doing wrong and the final result! Just a thought 😮
As the most frequent and probably arguably the most important "spin" shot in pickleball someone (meaning Zane) needs to do a video on top spin measuring the rotations like John Kew does on his paddle serves. Most say swiping up, really brushing up (like using the net or that funny purchasable top spin machine trainer) is the best way for top spin ending up over the shoulder as opposed to turning the wrist over. Do some measurable with different technique and different shots (like forehand return of serve and then also third shot DRIP, comparing wrist flicks to swipe up to finishing straight ahead or coming across up to your ear or across the body. I think you already have a speed gun that measures rotations if I remember from a past video. Is it important to turn the body more sideways on a forehand drive...does one drop the paddle low to start the swing or start with it to the side. Questions like that.
I agree with all of the positive comments! I could be wrong but I’m fairly certain that’s Connor Pardoe, founder and CEO of the PPA. I’m pretty sure that’s his house too. I imagine he’s highly respected by all of the pros for being the one that gave them a job. No one (who matters and isn’t a keyboard warrior) is asking him to play like a pro. I LOVE watching how humble he is to be willing to be filmed taking a lesson from Zane and maybe looking a little awkward. It’s so cool to think that Connor is an average player like many of us. There may be those comment section know-it-alls but I highly doubt he cares about approval from any of the internet trolls haha, his bills are paid!
Super tight, needs to relax his wrist more. Not necessarily more wrist snap, but just loosen up the shoulders and whole kinetic chain down to his wrist. More relaxed brushing up on the ball to guide it where he wants instead of "pushing" it. And yeah obviously better footwork and swing prep, but I thought his biggest issue was tightness
Yes, exactly. I commented on this as well. There is a loose wave-like motion in the arm/wrist/hand that creates the ability to roll the ball. The instructor did not address this fundamental aspect of the shot.
IMO, student, Connor, has had "someone" tell him a lot of stuff before. I think Connor over-thinks.... Often an instructor has to ask the student to "forget what you've been told before this." Such is this case. 3:02 Zane is teaching Connor to bring the paddle back with his off hand touching the paddle. Connor reverts (momentarily) to some previous teaching about the amplitude of his take back. Zane told him, "That'll fix itself." Navratil has SICK abilities with topspin. Freakish! Anything he tells you in this area ... pay attention!
Great video , but did you notice the way he gripped the paddle , look at it angles the paddle head ? The angle of his wrist ? Hitting up. Next his footwork needs coaching .
Couch him like this: "When the ball comes - blend the knees, rotate the shoulder, use the finger to point at the ball, and hit. That will hit a ground stroke at the base with power".
His upper and lower body aren’t well coordinated (yet!). It’s almost like he has blinders on until the ball has crossed the net, and consequently doesn’t have enough time to step forward in time. Zane mentions that he should step forward, but the step - the first part of the kinetic chain - should happen prior to the stroke. Earlier preparation. Hit a ton of ground strokes in multiple drilling sessions at 50 - 60% max power. Control and timing first, then add power. I realize he wants topspin and all but that should be built on a solid stroke foundation in my mind.
Maybe start with some footwork drills, balance exercises and close his stance by 45 degrees. Then add in the swing technique. I like your off hand approach to both forehand and backhand. I’ve used that the last couple years myself from one of your older videos. Thank you.
No shoulder turn at all, so no coil or use of the large muscles to generate rotational speed. Then it's a mad swipe the arm to create paddle speed and there is going to be little to no control. P,S, I don't charge for lessons.
His elbow is bent from the beginning of the swing. He should only bend it as he follows through. Also, he should keep his finger on the paddle longer. Not bad for first try though!
But his feet are still square to the net......I was taught that that was a big no no. As soon as I started moving my feet parallel to the side lines my game improved drastically.
He's flipping the paddle to much. Almost like trying to force the topspin. I have a friend that does the same thing and he's a former paddleball player.The ball goes right into the net. I have 10 years table tennis background so to me it comes easy. I think tennis players have it even easier.
What I’m seeing is the footwork is off. Just a bit late at times so he’s rushing through the shot. Also he stops moving too early before contact and it looks like he’s stuck in mud and trying to hit the ball. Just a very jerky, stiff looking stroke. After one lesson though you can already see the progress This man definitely appears not to have a tennis background. Your ability to break down a difficult technique to someone who doesn’t have that background is really impressive. All the pros can play but not too many can communicate effectively of how to do something so that a lower level player will understand
@2:20, the student is too busy practicing the swing while Zane is explaining the situation. He needs to stop and concentrate on what Zane is talking about and demonstrating. I've had students like this and as a coach, it's time to understand how to get the student to slow down and listen. ADHD?
Getting worn out just watching him. 1. Way too much movement, not related to moving forward into the shot. Also, very jerky movement. 2. As was mentioned, moving left to right and not forward at all. Should be meeting that ball a good couple of feet closer to the net. 3. Related to #2, While he doesn't need to get "sideways" like a lot of videos recommend, he should probably at least get the off foot (left in this case) in front of the right. 4. and this is perhaps the biggest, needs to have his paddle moving back and ready as he diagnoses where the ball is being hit to, in unison with his opponents swing. He's way late on getting to the spot and having his paddle back, which causes him to have to "catch up" too quickly and miss-hit a lot of balls. Either way, great video and lesson as always...
Zane would be better off lobbing the ball to him from the net.. It's more difficult than you think hitting shots EXACTLY where he needs it for this drill.. Lobbing is much easier, a ball machine is better still..
This is not going to help the guy long term. He needs to understand how to roll the ball off the paddle. That comes from a VERY specific arm/wrist/hand motion.
He’ll need to hit for 3000 hours if he wants to get better. Hit a ball with thick permanent marker. Tell him do not worry about hitting it in make him his it out. He had no swing before so don’t tell him that.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I see one attentive student who is giving his all and for the love of pickleball he allowed this to be taped and is gonna read 100 comments of people that think they know. I hope he doesnt listen to everyone and just keeps focused on one thing at a time taught by a coach or pro. He’s doing awesome and showed great improvement in one short session. I love the comment about being out of shape. Unless you are 100% committed to being an athlete, we are all out of shape some. What this guy has that no one pointed out is heart.
💯
His shape is pretty good
This is such an excellent training video where a player is attempting to learn a new technique, in which I can certainly relate with. Most pickleball videos show a coach explaining the correct technique but, without a second player who's struggling as he/she is attempting to execute the technique properly. Loved this and hope to see more. Thanks for sharing.
“I can see the future” love it.
I feel that way after an hour with my Slingerbag.
😂😂😂😂that feeling when you learn something new.
I picked up something for me to work on. Really enjoy seeing lessons with real players like me working on their game. Well done.
Seeing an actual lesson with an average player is super helpful. I would be great to see follow up lessons w this player where you refine footwork and ball contact position. btw, gorgeous court
This tip on pointing the left hand to the paddle vastly improved my forehand consistency. I tried it out in rec play last night. Thanks!
The way you teach is probably the best I have seen and reminds me of my tennis coach when I was a kid. Also, isn't this video shot where the Johns Brothers practice? LOL!
I thought it was the Johns brothers family house back in MD. haha
Oh yeah… his tips changed my game 10x 😂
awe, he was adorable. Very helpful video showing someone at that juncture of topspin development…would love to see some follow-up when you “add more”
The best topspin video I've seen. Great explanation. Thanks so much
like at 1:39 (and before that), I think one of the issues is with the timing of when he is making contact with the ball. if the ball is short, he's not moving his feet enough to make contact close enough to his body to have a smooth swing and the ball goes up or wild... but on the forehand when the contact with the ball is made where there is comfortable space between the ball and his paddle and body, then the topspin looks a little more effective... similarly sometimes I think he is not backing up fast enough to get the space in to make contact with the paddle head down (forehand) and then he gets really wristy and the ball goes wild like his contact is fairly high and maybe slightly behind or to the side of his body (rather than in front of body)
This is so right,... Both hands moving to the shot keeps movements tight and whole body and footwork in sync. Great lessons here.
Good thing about coming from tennis, hitting top spin off ground strokes comes natural!
Thank you Zane! Just applied this technique tip to my own swing, OMG. A good ground stroke has eluded me since I started playing pickleball last fall. I can’t wait to see how this goes in actual play.
“It’s happening! I can see the future!” I love that LOL 😂❤
So great. It’s so nice to see a real time lesson and focus on “feel” as opposed to “output” while you learn.
And the “It’s happening…” from the student is so vulnerable and real. Adorbs. ❤
Thanks for these videos Zane! So helpful.
Great teaching tip Zane!
Great video! I've been struggling with topspin. I can't wait to go and practice.
Awesome lesson live lesson vid, thanks for sharing and a big thanks to the student. "It's happening...I can see the future." LOL Love it!!!
Love the way you teach! Thanks so much!
Great tips, and great job listening, Conor!
I tried this a few times last week, I'm seeing an improvement. As noted below it was great to see an average person, not a pro.
Thanks so much for the tip it’s a great practical way to learn the skill .
It's absolutely critical to see footage of yourself, because your body isn't doing anything like the image you have in your head (for example, amateurs are almost never as low as they think they are). So I've begun recording video of myself practicing a certain shot in my room without a ball, and then instantly watching it back to see what aspects fall short of what the pros look like. Then I record myself again, focusing on those weaknesses I saw in the first footage. Rinse and repeat.
When changing your technique, you can only focus on one thing at a time until it's muscle memory - so it can take many cycles until you're happy with it. We often need to sleep to fully ingrain it in our bones. But after a few days, amazing things start happening.
He could use the concept of checkpoints: where to start the swing, where to contact the ball, where to finish the stroke. And keep them relatively consistent. His contact points seem pretty random depending on the high of the bounce, then he would follow through sometimes over the shoulder, sometimes under, or even stop short somewhere in front. But more importantly he needs to improve his footwork big time. Usually your feet and position (and focus) that fail you, not your strokes.
Excellent video. I hope you do a part 2 with this guy (or another student). ALL of my strokes have this weird side spin /under-spin to them and I think you pinpointed why in this lesson. I'm going to try this technique of holding my finger on the prep swing next time I'm on the court!
great video!! any progress video on his topspin?
This is perfect for me, Thank you for this!
I would like to a video how to do underspin.
The Johns brothers gave a lesson at this very same house. Whose house/court is this?
Sir can you please rotate your upper body? And use it rather than just your arm?
Hardly anyone teaches rotation. It's all arm.
does this also apply when doing a two handed back hand?
Footwork needs a lot of work, but he made a lot of progress in a short time, and I picked up a few things to try the next time I'm on the court
Zane, are you using Continental or Eastern grip for your top spin?
I think you need to do a.lesson on topspin dinking. I can come over, and you can video a lesson showing what I'm doing wrong and the final result! Just a thought 😮
I will use this lesson with my newbie daughter
As the most frequent and probably arguably the most important "spin" shot in pickleball someone (meaning Zane) needs to do a video on top spin measuring the rotations like John Kew does on his paddle serves. Most say swiping up, really brushing up (like using the net or that funny purchasable top spin machine trainer) is the best way for top spin ending up over the shoulder as opposed to turning the wrist over. Do some measurable with different technique and different shots (like forehand return of serve and then also third shot DRIP, comparing wrist flicks to swipe up to finishing straight ahead or coming across up to your ear or across the body. I think you already have a speed gun that measures rotations if I remember from a past video. Is it important to turn the body more sideways on a forehand drive...does one drop the paddle low to start the swing or start with it to the side. Questions like that.
Zane, Which Paddle are you using?
Always step into the stroke when hit the ball for top spin
I agree with all of the positive comments! I could be wrong but I’m fairly certain that’s Connor Pardoe, founder and CEO of the PPA. I’m pretty sure that’s his house too. I imagine he’s highly respected by all of the pros for being the one that gave them a job. No one (who matters and isn’t a keyboard warrior) is asking him to play like a pro. I LOVE watching how humble he is to be willing to be filmed taking a lesson from Zane and maybe looking a little awkward. It’s so cool to think that Connor is an average player like many of us. There may be those comment section know-it-alls but I highly doubt he cares about approval from any of the internet trolls haha, his bills are paid!
That's not Connor Pardoe. Connor Pardoe is 30 years old.
I'm so curious, we see this house in the John's brothers videos also. Is this a training facility of some sort haha
Zane, looks like you were at Ben Johns house (?), or at least the same court where he films most of his videos. Cool!
And a bit dated cuz in Ben’s most recent video that dang gutter is finally fixed!
Super tight, needs to relax his wrist more. Not necessarily more wrist snap, but just loosen up the shoulders and whole kinetic chain down to his wrist. More relaxed brushing up on the ball to guide it where he wants instead of "pushing" it. And yeah obviously better footwork and swing prep, but I thought his biggest issue was tightness
Yes, exactly. I commented on this as well. There is a loose wave-like motion in the arm/wrist/hand that creates the ability to roll the ball. The instructor did not address this fundamental aspect of the shot.
IMO, student, Connor, has had "someone" tell him a lot of stuff before. I think Connor over-thinks....
Often an instructor has to ask the student to "forget what you've been told before this." Such is this case.
3:02 Zane is teaching Connor to bring the paddle back with his off hand touching the paddle. Connor reverts (momentarily) to some previous teaching about the amplitude of his take back. Zane told him, "That'll fix itself."
Navratil has SICK abilities with topspin. Freakish! Anything he tells you in this area ... pay attention!
Great video , but did you
notice the way he gripped the paddle , look at it angles the paddle head ? The angle of his wrist ? Hitting up. Next his footwork needs coaching .
2:51 Barely touch one finger from your left hand on the paddle in your preparation
still waiting for the drilling video with the goat 👀
It's happening!
Couch him like this:
"When the ball comes - blend the knees, rotate the shoulder, use the finger to point at the ball, and hit. That will hit a ground stroke at the base with power".
i see that sometimes hes flicking his wrist hence the inconsistency.. and maybe hes holding his paddle really really tight
Do you give them a discount since your filming he looks nervous being filmed
His upper and lower body aren’t well coordinated (yet!). It’s almost like he has blinders on until the ball has crossed the net, and consequently doesn’t have enough time to step forward in time. Zane mentions that he should step forward, but the step - the first part of the kinetic chain - should happen prior to the stroke. Earlier preparation. Hit a ton of ground strokes in multiple drilling sessions at 50 - 60% max power. Control and timing first, then add power. I realize he wants topspin and all but that should be built on a solid stroke foundation in my mind.
Looks like the Johns' home?
Why would Zane be coaching Matt Wright at John’s house?
Maybe start with some footwork drills, balance exercises and close his stance by 45 degrees. Then add in the swing technique.
I like your off hand approach to both forehand and backhand. I’ve used that the last couple years myself from one of your older videos. Thank you.
No shoulder turn at all, so no coil or use of the large muscles to generate rotational speed. Then it's a mad swipe the arm to create paddle speed and there is going to be little to no control. P,S, I don't charge for lessons.
His elbow is bent from the beginning of the swing. He should only bend it as he follows through. Also, he should keep his finger on the paddle longer. Not bad for first try though!
Billionaire built a court in his backyard and could afford one of the best players in the world for a private lesson.
Conor does not initiate his stroke until the ball bounces in front of him. Prep is late.
But his feet are still square to the net......I was taught that that was a big no no. As soon as I started moving my feet parallel to the side lines my game improved drastically.
Three words
Paddle Head Speed
Biggest issue I see is using that selkirk instead of the super gritty Zane xr paddle. I can't help but get spin with it
I noticed his feet more than his forehand. I'm betting Zane put fire ants in that dude's shoes
He's flipping the paddle to much. Almost like trying to force the topspin. I have a friend that does the same thing and he's a former paddleball player.The ball goes right into the net. I have 10 years table tennis background so to me it comes easy. I think tennis players have it even easier.
good improvement, late back swing causing some issues. The nerves being filmed and playing with Zane accounts for the rest.
Loosen the wrist
Prepare yourself earlier and move feet . Arrive ready to hit .
Preparing way too late, poor footwork and balance.
Yes. Always feet first. Let the lower body go first before using upper body.
What I’m seeing is the footwork is off. Just a bit late at times so he’s rushing through the shot. Also he stops moving too early before contact and it looks like he’s stuck in mud and trying to hit the ball. Just a very jerky, stiff looking stroke. After one lesson though you can already see the progress
This man definitely appears not to have a tennis background. Your ability to break down a difficult technique to someone who doesn’t have that background is really impressive. All the pros can play but not too many can communicate effectively of how to do something so that a lower level player will understand
His timing and footwork are as problematic as his paddle path.
Bring back Luke
No follow through to really generate top spin. Can’t take a half of a golf swing and expect any positive result
@2:20, the student is too busy practicing the swing while Zane is explaining the situation. He needs to stop and concentrate on what Zane is talking about and demonstrating. I've had students like this and as a coach, it's time to understand how to get the student to slow down and listen. ADHD?
Getting worn out just watching him. 1. Way too much movement, not related to moving forward into the shot. Also, very jerky movement. 2. As was mentioned, moving left to right and not forward at all. Should be meeting that ball a good couple of feet closer to the net. 3. Related to #2, While he doesn't need to get "sideways" like a lot of videos recommend, he should probably at least get the off foot (left in this case) in front of the right. 4. and this is perhaps the biggest, needs to have his paddle moving back and ready as he diagnoses where the ball is being hit to, in unison with his opponents swing. He's way late on getting to the spot and having his paddle back, which causes him to have to "catch up" too quickly and miss-hit a lot of balls. Either way, great video and lesson as always...
Zane would be better off lobbing the ball to him from the net..
It's more difficult than you think hitting shots EXACTLY where he needs it for this drill..
Lobbing is much easier, a ball machine is better still..
Geez stop moving your feet when you hit the ball. A ton of times you were hitting the ball with one foot on the ground!
I see a “ballerina”. Way to many moving parts. At least not the ones that need to be moving. Breathing like he’s running a marathon.
love u bb
His feet are a mess...
The footwork needs help.
This guy has never played a sport in his life
This is not going to help the guy long term. He needs to understand how to roll the ball off the paddle. That comes from a VERY specific arm/wrist/hand motion.
He needs to learn to drop a ball and hit it first.
He’ll need to hit for 3000 hours if he wants to get better. Hit a ball with thick permanent marker. Tell him do not worry about hitting it in make him his it out. He had no swing before so don’t tell him that.
People take this sport way too serious though for no money, he’s out of shape too.