Throw off an opponent's timing by mixing in some hesitation attacks. When done correctly, the finishing shot usually comes off at an off-speed pace. Video from one of my first tournaments in Addison, Il. (directed by Jose Sosa) #pickleball #tournament #selkirktv

Here are the essentials of serving in Pickleball. You've heard it many times - getting your serve in every time is the easiest and most important thing you can do in Pickleball. I usually score 2-3 aces per game. However, I only average about .800 for serving%,...so it pretty much balances out for me. There is nothing wrong with trying out new serves outside of tournament play or when gambling in doubles action. ;) Besides, when else are you gonna practice them in a game situation? Having a small but effective Arsenal of Serves ready to launch is so helpful keeping your opponents off balance and returning weak shots for you to capitalize on. Don't worry about the people who may criticize your serve%....IF indeed you are experimenting and/or trying out new serves. They may not know what you're trying to do,...but that's ok. You know what you're working towards achieving. Music by Radiohead

Have you ever got into the “Pickle Zone”? If you have, well the you know what precisely what I’m talking about. It’s basically when you enter that state of mind and execution where everything is a perfect shot and you can do no wrong. For me, if I’m fortunate to “get into the zone”, most of the time it doesn’t last for more than 4 or 5 points in a row before I make an error. In basketball they call this phenomenon, “being on fire”. Michael Jordan is the best example of someone who could consistently switch gears and will himself to turn it on and keep it on. Pickleball is super fickle though. With it being a team sport where so much depends on the cohesion and performance of both teammates, things often change in an instant and momentum can keep swaying back and forth throughout the game. Staying focused and keeping a lead, or overcoming a deficit to come from behind and steal the win is all part of the exhilaration and feeling of accomplishment of doing something that is often so elusive to do - consistently. If only we could ‘turn it on’ every time we wanted, maybe this game wouldn’t be so frustrating, and lovable at the same time. It’s the pursuit of mind over matter and dedication to this craft we’ve jumped into head first that keeps us always hungry for reaching the next level. ‘Turn it on’ by The Flaming Lips

Everyone has their "go-to" shots that they default to, perhaps even overuse to the point that everyone knows what they're going to do. For me, it's the speedup. What i particularly like about it is that it creates INSTANT offense that can finish the rally immediately - less work, at a high clip% - no brainer i'm going to use it, often. Furthermore, there it's one of those shots that has is very hard to read if done well, enabling two areas of pickleball's most crippling deception: 1) Timing 2) (Mis)direction One of my sports philosophies is: if it works, don't just NOT fix it. You best make it better and MASTER it! Force opponets to learn how to deal with it, or not hit to you much. Players at EVERY level should be using the SPEEDUP (the "FLICK"). At the most basic level of technique, it is inherently a simple shot to learn and develop. This is still and will always be my preferred offensive shots at the kitchen - producing points by either 1)catching my opponent off guard or 2) creating shanks and juicy pop-ups with accurate execution of the flick at specific areas (ex - right hip, right shoulder, etc) #pickleball #speedup #flick #deceptive #aggressive #attack #bodyshot #chickenwing #pickleballrocks #drilling #sublimepickleball

Nothing personal against anyone here, really,...but more of a frown towards whistleblowers of nothing to whistle about. in the end, it's just Pickleball. All good.

Music by Fleetwood Mac

If you don’t already have this advanced pickleball shot in your offensive toolbox, try learning it this summer and see how well it works! #pickleball #instruction #sublimepickleball #coaching #advancedpickleball #technique #strategy #insideout #misdirection #nolookshot

A musical visual demonstration of technique and timing required to hit aggressive topspin shots on most balls hovering at that questionable height. Do you attack it, or do you listen to what most coaches today say, which is to play it safe, be patiient, and reset the ball. The best choice ultimately comes down to your own skill level,...along with your opponents. Better players can take low balls and attack with "quality" topspin volleys or speedups. They can also defend much more threateningly as well, so wisest to be more patient with good players. Nevertheless, dont respect others so much to the point that you don't take any chances and put no pressure on them. DRILL PURPOSE: Getting comfy attacking net high balls with topspin shots - forehand and backhand. SHOTS: The Swinging Forehand Volley, Backhand Roll Volley, Speed Ups (off the bounce) TECHNIQUE: Early Paddle Preparation, Minimal/No Backswing, Low to High Stroke, Finish High Semi-Private Lesson: Jerry Nolan & Jeff Arnol @FROGPickleballClub “Rocket” by Smashing Pumpkins