I’ve got a simple yet incredibly effective tip for you this week. It’s all about what you do with your paddle when you’re on the move around the pickleball court. I’ve noticed something quite common among players, and it’s gripping their paddle tightly while walking between points. I want to emphasize the importance of letting go and relaxing your grip, check this out…
Imagine this: you’re in the midst of a game, maybe feeling a bit anxious or tense. What can you do with your paddle to help? Well, just let it drop naturally and allow your entire hand to relax. You can even give it a gentle spin, feeling the easy, loose motion in your fingers. If you sense your palm pressing forcefully against the grip, it’s a sign you’re holding too tight.
Here’s the trick: in those brief moments between points, lower your shoulders, relax your neck, and let your paddle grip become almost weightless in your hands. It might feel like you’re barely holding onto it. This simple adjustment can work wonders in reducing tension, especially during competitive play.
The tighter you grip when you’re anxious or desperate, the more your shoulders tend to rise, affecting your control over that little plastic ball we’re all trying to master on the court.