Today, I want to address some common mistakes that tennis players, including myself, often make when transitioning to pickleball. I’ll provide you with three tips to improve your game.
Tip number one: When a ball is coming at your body, the instinct in tennis is to take it as a backhand and slice it. However, in pickleball, I encourage you to think more offensively. If the ball is coming towards your body, try to turn and counter-attack it as a forehand instead of blocking it as a backhand. By positioning yourself more in front and creating space, you’ll have a better opportunity to go for a forehand or backhand shot and hit on top of the ball. Remember to stay balanced with your weight on your toes and move forward. The closer you are to the net, the more you need to be on top of it.
Tip number two: A common mistake tennis players make when transitioning through the non-volley zone is using a classic tennis volley technique, which involves a step and punch motion. Instead, think about incorporating a swinging volley into your shots. Focus on swinging through the ball rather than just punching it. As you step forward, ensure you finish with your right foot, then left foot, allowing you to keep transitioning to the net. Keep your hips open and practice the swinging volley for better shot execution.
Tip number three: If you’re a racquetball player trying out pickleball, there are a couple of things to consider. Firstly, you need to keep the ball in the court. Secondly, learn to incorporate topspin into your shots. Adjust your swing to have a slower and more controlled motion, focusing on hitting the ball out in front of you. Use your non-dominant hand to keep the ball over the net while creating topspin. Instead of slapping the ball, focus on coming around it and generating a downward trajectory. Also, remember to explore cross-court shots, as they can greatly enhance your ability to manipulate the ball and utilize the court effectively.
These tips will help you transition smoothly from tennis or racquetball to pickleball. Remember to practice, adapt your technique, and enjoy the unique aspects of the game.
