I sometimes come across a player that wants to learn how to hit a particular shot that they saw an advanced player hit. And I know there are instructors that focus on explaining how to hit a “trick” shot like this player or that. But my focus, and I believe your focus, should be on the pickleball fundamentals.
Pickleball Fundamentals, Pickleball Fundamentals, Pickleball Fundamentals
Yes, I know I repeat myself. It is true that I have published more than one article on a topic. But that is because these topics are the fundamentals that EVERY player needs to learn. I am often asked for a book on on-court strategies. (And I am working on one.) But it is tough because those on-court strategies are of no value until you master the fundamentals.
It is no different than learning to read. First, you learned the alphabet and then you learned to read. You learned to count to 10 then you learned how to add 2 plus 2. When you learn to play an instrument, you learn about notes first. I could go on and on offering analogies … I hope you get my point.
Preventing Injury
I also focus on the fundamentals because if I can help you get into the correct position, and use your body properly, I can help you minimize the risk of injury. Pickleball is a tough sport on our bodies. There are quick starts and stops. We move forward and backward, left and right. We even jump at times. However, if we grip the paddle too tightly we can injure ourselves and miss time playing the sport we love so much without ever moving!
So What are They
Today I am not going to provide you a complete list, but instead, focus on five that I teach at every clinic:
- Grip: You want to hold the paddle in your fingers. On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the tightest I am typically at a 3.
- Posture/Neutral Position: You want to stand tall with your feet shoulder width apart and your head up. Your body is relaxed and your knees are soft. Your weight is balanced over the balls of your feet.
- Paddle Position: Your paddle is held at the handle and is positioned to protect your sternum (bullseye).
- Tracking the Ball: Many players move too much, shuffling side to side at the non-volley zone during a rally. You don’t need to move that much…instead track the ball with your paddle.
- Give Yourself Room: You must hit every shot in front of you. To do this you must, keep the paddle and the ball away from your body.
Notice that these five fundamentals apply to every pickleball shot. Notice too, that all of them occur before you have even started to swing the paddle.
Fundamentals and my Mantra
Certainly, there are more pickleball fundamentals. And I will write about others in future posts. But just as my pickleball mantra applies to every minute of every game you play, or drill session you participate in … so do these fundamentals. Regardless of your skill level, a new 2.5 player or an advanced 4.5 player that has been playing for five years, the fundamentals don’t change. We all continue to work on our pickleball fundamentals.
