Pickleball is a fast-paced, highly strategic game that requires a combination of finesse and power. However, many players, including coaches, make the mistake of focusing too much on dinking and third shot drops, ignoring the importance of other essential skills for beginners.
As a coach, I often see players fixated on these two shots, but they don't always realize that dinking and drops are advanced techniques that may not be useful for beginners who play with other beginners. Instead, players need to focus on mastering the fundamentals, such as serving and returning, which are crucial shots that new players hit every single point.
During my private lessons, I emphasize the importance of starting the point effectively, as it sets the tone for the entire game. I teach my students how to serve deep and to a weakness, and how to return the ball in play, deep enough, and with enough time to get to the net. We then work on developing the technical skills needed to execute these shots consistently.
I also stress the value of moving to the net after the return, as well as hitting balls that cause trouble for the opposition. By applying these new skills, my students can pin their opponents behind the baseline and pressure them by being at the net. They learn to play the game more thoughtfully and effectively, developing skills they can actually use.
While dinking and third shot drops are advanced techniques, they are still important for neutralizing good net players. However, these shots may not be useful for beginners, as dinking rallies are scarce at this level. Beginners need to focus on the shots they will use the most, such as serving and returning, in order to dominate their opponents.
As a coach, my job is to ensure my students learn the right skills at the right time, so they can improve their game quickly and effectively. So, if you're a beginner looking to dominate pickleball, don't make the mistake of focusing too much on dinking and drops. Instead, master the basics and learn to start the point effectively. By doing so, you'll be on your way to becoming a great pickleball player in no time!