Pickleball Coaching tips

Top 10 Tips for playing doubles

1. Serve deep to opponents backhand.
2. Return the serve low/high & deep so you can advance the net.
3. Keep the ball in play.
4. Keep your eye on the ball.
5. Breathe out as you hit the ball.
6. Keep your paddle ready at chest height.
7. Enjoy the competition (AKA relax!)
8. Look the same after all shots.
9. Don't let players actions or conditions bother you.
10. Don't overanalyse your play...the less you say - the better you play.

Explanation of tips above:

1. In order to serve to the backhand you may need to move to the center or side of the court. Doing this will help you determine whether the player is better with their backhand then their forehand.
2. Returning the serve 10' to 15' high and down the center has a 2-fold benefit. It gives you and your partner a chance to advance the net, and it forces the other team to decide who will return the shot.
3. Keeping the ball in play means not always hitting a game winner or perfect shot placement; it's about sometimes you need to just return it to gain placement for intended shots.
4. Whatever sport you are playing this tip is used, and very important. Eyes on the ball helps our brain and hand when bringing the paddle around for our shots.
5. Breathe in as the ball is coming toward you, breathe out (or grunt) as you make contact with the ball.
6. Keeping our paddle at chest height helps us be ready for fast returns or slams, or just protecting our face:)
7. Never go into any match thinking you don't have a chance to win. Learn to love the battle.
8. If you make a mistake, sometimes you need to walk away, forget the past. Practice control! Don't let your opponent know that you are upset or frustrated.
9. Don't let situations or opponents control you. Good playing comes from self-control.
10. Negative self-talk or negative grievances towards your opponent will not help your game. Patience and self-control are virtues especially in pickleball.