10 Percent More Fun at Pickleball
Three Tips for Improving Your Game
To hear the related 5-minute audio file that I uploaded today as my Morning Journal flash briefing for Alexa devices, please click on the play button:
1. Nano-Meditation Between Points
I notice in myself and in other players how difficult it can be to focus on the next point. This means forgetting whether or not I blew an easy volley or made an awesome return on the previous point. Who cares? I try to reset my mind between each point, the better to see the ball and take my best shot.
I am a regular meditator. That’s how I came up with the idea of a contemplative pause between points. While the other side is getting ready, I sometimes close my eyes for a second or two and silently say a centering word before serving. I do the same same when my side is about to receive.
If I am especially flummoxed, I imagine that I am an alien who has been dropped onto a pickleball court on Earth. Since I am a super-functioning being, I immediately know what to do with this weird yellow ball coming my way. Whack! Over the net it goes.
2. Find a Coach
When Darlene first introduced me to pickleball more than two years ago, I didn’t think I needed to join her in taking lessons. I’d played tennis and ping pong. With a silly name like “pickleball” how hard could it be to learn the game?
As usual, she was right.
Here in Sanibel and in Maine, I’ve taken lots of lessons since then. I’ve also watched YouTube videos, but nothing beats working with a good teacher in real life.
What I’ve discovered is that a coach can give me one or two pointers that improve my play by about 10 percent. That’s enough to make it more fun.
3. Luke Mode
Luke Hambor, my pickleball coach in Sanibel, is helping me prepare for a Ladder League competition at the club where we play.
At the end of yesterday’s volleying drills, I asked Luke how I can do well in Friday’s games with the next three players I will face—Phil, Pam, and Kevin.
“For most of your shots, just get the ball over and in play,” he replied. “Don’t go for a kill shot unless you’re very sure you can make it."
I love that advice.
Ladder games are fun, because they take me out of my comfort zone. I play with people I don’t know, some of whom are way better than I am. But that also makes me feel more competitive.
For me, competitive mode runs on fear, aggression, and adrenaline. I revert to thinking of myself as hunter or prey. It’s not much fun, and my play deteriorates quickly.
On Friday, I plan to show up in Luke Mode.
Luke is a tall, lanky, easy-going guy whose resting face is Joy. He is fast as a snake on the court, but it seems effortless. He looks like he’s just trying to get the ball over and in play.
The student is ready. The teacher has appeared.
Zero-Zero-Start.
I don’t even have a court to play on here in Provence. Wish I had a coach…I will start by trying to understand the rules as you suggest. Really I prefer tennis, but the body does not.
Enjoy your pickleball.