Background is im a rated 3.8 but haven't dupr'd in quite a bit. At this point i'd probably guess myself a solid 4.0 in that transition phase. So recently I did two sessions with two different coaches. One a 5.2 and one a 4.5. Both had the exact same thing to say. They told me to stop trying to win off non winning shots. Stop relying on my athleticism and trying to force the game. Just play the game and take the winning shots only when they are created. Furthermore the 5.2 said to stop trying to just skim the net with everything. He essentially told me that my new net is about a paddle face higher.

So I listened. I slowed my game down and started focusing on setting myself up and following with good footwork as opposed to relying on power and speed. I implemented this change in my last 3 sessions and played by far the best games i've ever played. Now, the weird part, when I slowed down my game it felt like every ball that came my way slowed down too. I get that by me slowing it down the ball isn't returning as quickly but it felt moreso like after they made contact my brain had time to think. As if after every shot I had time to say "ok whats the best hit here" as opposed to just quickfire reactions. I saw openings I wasn't seeing prior and placing the ball in ways I never could.

And my little humble brag is that I FINALLY beat this guy who I've always had trouble with because I couldn't keep up with his pace. His drives were just a bit too hard and droppy for me and I wasn't getting my paddle down quick enough. Last night I was able to see them coming from miles away and either flick them or absorb them and change the pace.

Anyways was really just extremely happy and wanted to tell people because my wife isn't nearly as excited as I am

3.0 here. had a bit of a ahha moment a couple week ago after I saw a Youtube Video by Tanner Pickleball, where he said that most people splitstep when their opponent makes contact with the ball, when they should freeze right when the ball crosses the net, especially in transition. I hadnt heard the crossing the net part before and it really got me thinking, and realising why I also felt like the ball came at me too fast while moving, and also why I kept getting surprised by arial flicks and rolls at the kitchen.

Anyways, I started going to open plays with one thing in my mind, to stop when the ball crosses the net. and there I had the ahha moment: The problem wasn't that I was splitstepping at contact, the problem was that I was always watching my own shot (and the distracting self narration that comes with it: "oh crap" "it's good!") Thats why I has always late coming up on my drops, or early coming in on my drives, or jumpy and hitting a pop out out or into net

By implementing the stop when ball crosses the net, it forced me to stop watching my own ball and watch my opponent, their paddle height and angle, and anticipate their next shot.

My coach would often tell me I'm "late" in preparing, reacting and anticipating, and I just could not understand why. Turns out I was admiring my own shots and then going Oh, balls coming. Then watching the ball come. Now I can be a few split seconds ahead with my paddle up or down, ready for the next ball.

Last night I had the chance to attend the New York premiere of The Dink, and it was every bit as fun as you'd hope. I have a feeling it's going to be a hit when it lands on Apple TV+, especially within the pickleball community.

What I enjoyed most is that the movie feels surprisingly grounded. Anyone who has watched former tennis players discover pickleball, or seen newcomers get completely hooked after their first few games, will recognize a lot of the characters and situations. The humor comes from real experiences rather than exaggerated stereotypes, which makes it all the more enjoyable.

The film has a similar spirit to movies like Dodgeball. It doesn't take itself too seriously, but underneath the laughs is a genuinely heartfelt story. Every actor leans into the tone perfectly, embracing the slightly tongue-in-cheek nature of the film while still making the characters feel authentic.

If you're looking for a light, feel-good comedy with plenty of nods that pickleball players will appreciate, The Dink is well worth adding to your watchlist. Whether you're a seasoned player or someone who's just pickleball-curious, there's a good chance you'll see a little bit of yourself on screen.

I went to my regular park to play pickleball with friends earlier this week. The park only has two courts. One court was already occupied, with two more players waiting. On the second court, one player was taking a lesson with a coach. We waited for a while, then asked how much longer they'd be. He said it would be a while and suggested we join the rotation on the first court. We explained that the first court was already backed up and suggested that everyone rotate in so we could all get a game in. He preferred to continue his lesson instead. While this was happening, two more players joined the waiting group. Eventually, I suggested we either all rotate into a game or he wrap up the practice session. He didn't like that suggestion and said, "I got here before you, so I can take as much time as I want." After a brief heated discussion, he ended up leaving the court, mostly because he was too tired to continue practicing. I'm curious how others handle situations like this. If someone is using a public pickleball court for a private lesson while others are waiting, what's the proper etiquette? Do you think lessons should rotate with waiting players, or should the people who arrived first be able to use the court as long as they want?

I know the title sounds lowkey pretentious, but hear me out. If you've played a long time and moved your way up to the higher skill levels, I am wondering if you have noticed the same trend. At the intermediate level people start banging the ball, and those players move up the ranks until they hit advanced players who know how to handle pace. Then players learn to be patient and not speed up the ball as much because they are punished and lose the point if they don't.

But then you get to the 5.0 level and suddenly the better players are skilled enough to attack every ball if you let them. But the 6.0 pros, just like their 4.0 counterparts, know how to handle this level of pace, and shut it down. So you once again have to be super patient on when you attack. And then you hit the highest level, in order to win, you have to figure out and push the meta on "what is attackable."

So 3.0's bang, 5.0's bang, and the pros once again attack. I just find it so interesting watching the same trend occur, but instead its dictated based on the "better player's" defense. I'm currently trying to play vs ~5.5's and I'm back to feeling like a 3.0 figuring out how to defend against these incredible attackers. I know pros would just block tf out of these attacks, but I'm not there yet. And I just find it super fascinating how these trends reoccur at a couple of skill levels.

One thing I find super cool is the coaching I do. I would never tell lower-level players to play as aggressive as I do, but when I play tournament, I cant tell you how many points I win by abandoning the strats I typically preach. This past weekend I played in a moneyball, and I would unironically move up on pop-ups/bad lobs by my partner because it scared my opponents. I think I won 9/10 points where I ran with reckless abandonment to the net because it made my opponent feel like the *had* to hit a perfect shot or else I'd be poaching and killing their shot. The reality is, if they got even a half decent shot in, I probably would have lost the point. But we're back to the 3.0 trend I see where my pressure is enough to win points on its own......... BUT the average opponent was 5.0 level. I know when I play vs 5.5's this shit doesnt fly AT ALL.

TLDR: Idk, maybe a bit rambly, but I find it cool how the strats in pickleball reoccur across different skill levels as players gain more defense

One thing I've been struggling hard with is getting to the net following my serve return. Sometimes, the serve just gets me and I hit a short return, making a net approach impossible. But my more typical pattern is to hit a deep 2nd shot drive with pace, kinda stand in place for a second (rather than proceed with my momentum), and then get battered in the transition zone.

Today, I was experimenting with just hitting loopy serve returns, landing deep or semi-deep. In virtually all cases, I was able to be at the net by the time the opponent made contact with their third shot.

I'm just wondering if this strategy -- slow, looping second hsot -- is a viable long-term strategy, or whether I've just stumbled on something that works only in 3.25-3.75 rec play. Thank you!

What a time to be alive.

Just received my paddle and wanted to share thoughts! Got about an hour on the court with this one yesterday and I’m already a fan, especially for $99.

Feel wise it’s slightly hollow and stiff, kind of like an EPP Turbo. The grit is great too, really can put good spin on the ball. Feels super durable so far, nothing dead or worn yet, but I’ll keep updating as I put more time on it as it's in Tier 3 for John Kew.

Drives are solid, and dinks have great spin and control. Twoey dinks felt really good, didn't notice a lot of pop ups. Resets feel smooth and manageable, and hand speed is good for an elongated paddle. It doesn’t feel clunky at the net like some longer paddles do.

My biggest gripe is the handle’s a bit skinny, so you’ll want an overgrip on there. I’m also going to add some weight to the throat and sides to get the twist weight where I like it since it's so light.

Overall really liking this paddle so far and it’s in the running to be my main one. Will report back after more use on the grit, but compared to my current smooth paddle it's definitely a huge difference.

I volunteered to paint courts in a hockey rink so it can be used in the summer when there's no ice. They aren't planning on putting a liner down before flooding it. Will this potentially damage the paint? Part of me thinks yes, but also it isn't much different than if it was outside with a bunch of snow on it all winter either. Thoughts?

Recently completed an evaluation at what is likely going to become my regular club. Feedback was I fell into the 3.75-4.0 range.

Open play sessions are usually 3.25-3.75 and 3.75+ (up through 4.5+). I am working hard to get better, so I opted to try the latter first.

I get nervous about letting people down. Given I expect to be the worst on the court, my strategy revolves around playing smart and conservatively, looking to keep the ball in play and to avoid silly errors due to slams or overconfidence.

I would appreciate tips for those who regularly play up. My only goals are to improve, have fun, and not let my teammate down.

i recently got gifted a paddle by a client, he said it was his personal i was just wondering who signature is on the paddle. thank you so much for those who could answer.

So I asked a while back about a new paddle. I previously had a CPX max in pink, which I loved but I frequently hit the ball out. I used to play tennis ( not seriously ,) and I can get a bit aggressive when playing especially when playing people at my club who like to play the slam game.

Many people said a paddle won’t make you better, well I beg to differ. My friend uses Friday paddles and let me borrow a few, and I noticed the ball suddenly seems to go right where I want it. So for my birthday my son bought me one. It is supposedly for control and boy does it seem to work for me. Almost zero shots are out and I have made some crazy plays.

Lots for folks have commented on how much better I have gotten in such a short amount of time, but I swear it’s the paddle !

Next up, I’d like to learn the 2 handed back hand. I’m super solid ( with one hand,) if I’m standing still or if I run to get the ball and have a second to reset, but if I’m moving/running, I can’t get those anywhere near where I want. I’ll take tips if anyone wants to share. I have been drilling and watching videos. I will also be taking drilling classes in the fall when they resume. 😊

Is it possible to fix my popup problem without a drill partner or a coaching session. I spend most of my court time in open plays, but i think i might be just reinforcing the bad habits if i don’t intentionally fix it. Is it (popups) something i can fix by walling?

I’m not affiliated with the channel in any way. I’ve watched their videos on and off. Just saw this one tonight and I was floored by the first few points. Resets are incredible. And yellow’s random backhand lobs take you completely by surprise.

What are your favorite combos? And what are your favorite counters?

Hey everyone - I just moved to The Meadows in Sarasota and I’m looking to meet some people around my age - I’m 32.

I’ve never really played pickleball, but I’ve been wanting to learn for a while. It seems like a fun way to get outside, stay active, and meet new people.

If anyone is willing to show a beginner the ropes or knows of beginner-friendly open play, leagues, or groups around Sarasota, I’d love to hear about them.

If you’re looking for another person to play with or don’t mind a beginner joining you, send me a message or comment below. Looking forward to getting involved in the local pickleball community. Thank you!

The rules say, for a volley serve, the contact with the ball can’t exceed the height of your waist. If I bend at the knees, my waist is lower — does the contact height have to be lower too or is the max contact height where my hips are when I stand up straight? TIA!

The cpx hyper plus paddle seems like a pretty good deal with the lifetime warranty along with the extras and I’ve heard a lot of good things about it so is it a good paddle for someone who has played for a couple months? I currently use a six zero double black diamond and ruby I bought used in really good condition but they are a bit older and was wondering if I should get this one to add to my bag.

So excited to play today, within the first 5 minutes my right foot just went inward and stretched to the left, looks like rolled or sprained ankle, English isn’t my first language but that’s what it seems like

No bruising or anything, ankle seems a bit swollen and it’s pulsating from time to time, besides ice packs, any thing else I can do? How long do you recommend I stop playing?

I travel a fair bit for work and for pleasure. What are some of the universal/better sources for finding games in a local city/town? I find it tedious to comb every Facebook group, Internet forum etc. and Reddit is not popular outside the U.S. Please share your tips for finding games(maybe even good games!). Someone should build a Rolodex of places by country/city!

Hi my asics gel resolution 9s are broken and I need a new pair of shoes. I play 2-3 times a week. Come from a tennis background. Run a lot. Play from baseline well. Like going up to the kitchen and having a good base. I don't like a large heel tab. I tried the asics gel resolution Xs and they are absolutely terrible. They hurt at the toe vamp, the heel tab, and both sides of the collar. Gave me terrible knee pain and even hamstring pain. All up my leg. The shoe was also way too bulky and heavy and hard for me to run with. Really want something comfortable but provides me that quick game that I play with. Any options? I watched the foot doctor videos but it seems we prefer slightly different things anyway.

Just got this RPM Q2, it has an engraving on the bottom right of the paddle with “R2605”, is this normal? (Check Image 1) I’ve seen some people have it and some people don’t. This makes me wonder whether the paddle is authentic or not.

At the 3.0 to 4.0 open play level, what percentage of topspin and slices do you use? Seems to me at 3.0 it doesn't matter. Most of the players just don't have the consistency. At 3.5 slices can be highly effective when mixing both techniques in to throw off timing. At 4.0, placement is key. What are your thoughts?

Last summer I recall that as my serves became faster and had more top spin that they would occasionally whistle. This year that whistle has seemed to disappear. I was under the impression that my technique/speed must have changed. But then last night while playing with a brand of ball that I haven’t seen in a while, vPro, it came back. Have any of noticed that the vPro’s whistle more than other brands?

Looking for morning play near Davenport Fl 3.5 level or so. I’ll be here thru July 26. Any suggestions appreciated.