TIPS FROM COACH TRAVIS!

Always be able to see your paddle at all times in your vision.  This will allow you to make more shots.  Keep the ball in front of you and be ready for any shot you may want to hit! Sounds easy, right! Here is the tip.

By focusing on tracking the ball, you will actually be less likely to drop the paddle. In fact, when most people drop their paddle they lower it to their side. Simply focusing on keeping it up in the neutral position, tracking the ball, will improve your ability to keep the paddle up.

Tip #1- A low to high swing through the ball allows the arc and soft landing in the NVZ. 

Tip #2 - Shorten the swing. Push your body through the ball with a short, light swing. Use your legs too.

Tip #3 - Aim for the apex, corners and opponents weak hand.

Drill for this shot.

Regression Drill

Start with 4 dinks at the net. Person One steps back two steps. Person Two stays at the NVZ line and sends the ball to Person One. Goal is to drop each shot as you regress with two steps back per shot. Then reverse the drill and switch regressers. 

The power serve is about speed and surprise. The extra speed can make it challenging for opponents to return. 

When hitting a power serve, you rotate your hips and hit with a full swing that utilizes your core. 

The power comes from your legs, abdomen and hips, not your arm and hand. 

Remember your paddle should end pointed toward your aiming point. ( a full follow through). And practice, practice, practice.

Learning a new sport takes time, patience, practice and dedication. 

#1 - Work with a good teacher. Learning the basics correctly will keep bad habits from forming.

#2 - When playing, aim for long rallies: Hit as many balls as you can so you can practice your swing. 

#3 - Master the fundamentals of the game before you try to implement strategies. 

#4 - Learn from your mistakes: Every mistake you make is a lesson that can help you become a better pickleball player.

#5 - Practice basic shots on the backboard or with another player.

#1 Develop a positive mindset: Approach every practice, game, or competition with a positive and confident attitude. Visualize success and believe in your abilities.

#2 Practice mental imagery: Spend time mentally rehearsing successful performances. Imagine yourself executing skills perfectly, overcoming challenges, and achieving your goals.

#3 Learn from setbacks: Treat failures and mistakes as learning opportunities. Analyze what went wrong, make adjustments, and move forward with a growth mindset.

#4 Build routine and focus: Develop pre-game routines and rituals that help you stay focused and in the zone. Practice mindfulness and staying present in the moment.

#5 Manage emotions: Learn strategies to control anxiety, fear, and negative emotions that can undermine your performance. Practice deep breathing, positive self-talk, and relaxation techniques.

#6 Set process goals: In addition to outcome goals, set process goals that focus on the things you can control, such as effort, technique, and execution.

#7 Embrace discomfort: Mental toughness often requires pushing through discomfort and adversity. Embrace challenging situations as opportunities to grow and develop resilience.

#8 Seek support: Build a support system of coaches, teammates, and sports psychologists who can provide guidance, feedback, and encouragement.

#9 Develop self-awareness: Understand your strengths, weaknesses, triggers, and tendencies. Use this knowledge to develop strategies for improvement.

#10 Practice, practice, practice: Mental toughness is a skill that needs to be consistently trained and developed through practice, just like physical skills.

Remember, building mental toughness takes time, effort, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Embrace the process, and trust that your mental resilience will grow stronger with each challenge you face.

#1-Stay present and focused: Pickleball requires quick reactions and decision-making. It's important to stay in the present moment and not dwell on past mistakes or worry about the future. Practice mindfulness techniques to help you stay focused on each point.

#2-Manage your emotions: Emotions can run high during competitive matches. Learn to manage your emotions effectively by using breathing exercises, positive self-talk, and visualization techniques. Staying calm and in control will help you make better decisions on the court.

#3-Build confidence: Confidence is key in pickleball. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and use positive self-talk to reinforce your belief in your abilities. Visualize yourself playing well and achieving your goals.

#4-Set realistic goals: Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for yourself. Break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps, and celebrate your progress along the way.

#5-Develop a pre-game routine: Establish a consistent pre-game routine that helps you mentally prepare for matches. This could include stretching, visualization exercises, or listening to motivational music.

#6-Learn from mistakes: Errors and losses are inevitable in any sport. Instead of dwelling on them, use them as learning opportunities. Analyze what went wrong and develop strategies to improve for your next match.

#7-Practice positive body language: Your body language can affect your mindset and performance. Stand tall, make eye contact, and project confidence, even when you're feeling nervous or frustrated.

#8-Find a support system: Surround yourself with people who encourage and motivate you. A supportive environment can help you stay positive and focused on your goals.