Hey Nicole, loved this video on returning tips. Here's a skinny singles method of play. I call it Half-Court Singles and we play from the court that reflects each players score. We start normally because it's 0-0 so we're playing even court to even court. Nobody changes courts until they get a point. I get a point so now I serve from the odd court to the even court, straight ahead, because the score is 1-0 (odd-even). My opponent gets a point so now we're playing odd to odd cuz it's 1-1. I get the next point, 2-1 so now we're playing straight ahead on the other half of the court, even to odd. This way you use all directions on the court, not just diagonally. It takes a few minutes to get the hang of it but so does regular pickleball scoring!
Good tip about a slower return especially for us tennis players. Normally I wouldn't consider a slow RTOS in tennis because that can be very attackable especially in doubles. But in pickleball, I've found it really effective because of the two bounce rule that keeps the server from volleying back my return. Us tennis players already have most of the stroke mechanics needed for PB but shot selection doesn't always cross over.
Very good video on Return of Serve tips. I believe the Video Slide at [6:33] should state "Deep Return of Serve + Slice = Tough Contact", rather than just "Deep Serve + Slice = Tough Contact". Both statements are true, but in the context of this video, the focus is on the Return of Serve. Keep up the great free instructional videos. By the way, I subscribed to your "Dominating Doubles" back in January 2021 and have found them to be very helpful.
These videos are a great learning tool and one does not need a partner to practice and can do so on their own during games. But in order to improve your game, one needs to do drills as often as they can. Unfortunately, most people are simply rec players and do not want to practice. They reachthe top of their game and that's it. They don't advance to a higher level. I've been playing just over a year and won a gold medal in 3.5 rating. It's been impossible to find someone to practice at least once a week so i do my best to improve in every game. That is a challenge because I play to win every game, not practice. Players make r ridiculous comments when they miss a shot instead of understanding that in order to improve, they need to practice.
Great advice. The only thing that made me wince a little was the advice about running into your shot so that you have built-up momentum to go to the net. I feel like, for most players, that has more potential to cause a missed service return than it does in aiding you to get to the net. I guess it depends on your playing style and ability. I don't do that, but I think I'll try it out to see if I have the skill to do it and still keep those shots in. Otherwise, GREAT video.
It’s certainly a skill that can be developed and learned if one wants to and will up your level as a player. You can work on the footwork patterns with a coach. The specifics of the footwork were beyond the scope of the video. Maybe I’ll do another one on that. Thx.
Great video. It was touched on in an earlier Comment but I'd love some help with this strategy. I occasionally ( too often) I find that when I'm moving forward on a hard serve with top spin I end up flying My return deep and out which literally gives away the point equivalent to a serve fault. BecaUse of this I avoid moving when returning serve. I have not attempted a slice return which might solve the problem but I'm a 3.5 player often playing against 4.0 with fast low serves and I suspect a slice return will be difficult. I would appreciate a response to my question - concern. Thank you.
If you give yourself enough space and time it well then you can move through just about any serve, including a hard topspin (very deep serve will be admittedly tougher). If it has heavy topspin you have to have the paddle a little more closed at contact if you’re hitting it with a regular drive to counteract the topspin because it will kick up off your paddle more then if it had no spin. That’s probably why it’s sailing long.
