Why Players Don't Come to the Net - and How to Help Them

By Mark Renneson

Have you ever played with a partner — usually at a pick-up or drop-in game — who returns the serve and just stays put at or near the baseline? You know the person, the one that would spend their whole time hanging out at the back of the court if they had their choice.

As it is, they may reluctantly move forward a little bit when their partner pressures them to do so, yelling “Come up! Come up!”, but this soon seems hopeless because even that modest forward movement soon dissipates and they are back to their old ways of playing 20ft from the net.

Why are they staying back?

In my experience there are four reasons a person may chose to hang back. They include:

1) They don’t understand the value of coming forward. While they may have been told a million times that they should return and move to the non-volley zone, this player doesn’t understand why it is important — and no, “because that’s where the game is lost or won” is not a sufficient reason.

This player doesn’t understand that coming to the net off the return is a good way to apply pressure by taking away their opponents’ time to react. By moving forward, the returner is reducing the distance the ball will travel when the opponent hits the third shot. This shorter distance will mean shorter flight time which, in turn, will mean less time for the opponent to prepare. Relatedly, by being at the net the returner increases the likelihood they get a high ball that they can hit hard — again, taking away time from the opposition.

If the player doesn’t understand the rationale for moving forward, they are less likely to do it.

2) They think they have poor volleys. It is possible the player understands the tactics of coming forward but doesn’t have confidence in their ability to hit good volleys. They may see their net skills as a liability and believe that staying back — where they have more time to react — seems like a better alternative.

3) They are worried about lobs. Sometimes players understand the rationale of moving forward, think their volleys are decent, but are scared that having two players at the net (themselves and their parter) will make them vulnerable to lobs. “I’ll cover the back” is the mentality they are applying.

Looking to step up your coaching game? PCI Level 1 Pickleball Instructor Certification is now available. And is 100% online! Check it out here

4) They are worried about being hit. This reasons is connected to reason #2 but is slightly different. In this case, fear of injury is the motivating factor for why the player hangs back. Whether it is because of a past incident with a particular player or team, or in anticipation of something happening in the future, this person stays back for reasons of self-preservation.

What to do about it?

You can’t address the behaviour if you don’t understand what’s motivating it. If you want to solve this problem, you must first get to the bottom of why the player is hanging back; you need to know what’s going through their head. And how do you do that? Ask them!

Say something like “Hey. I’ve noticed that you prefer to return serve and stay in the backcourt; can you tell me why?”. Then listen to them. Assuming the person doesn’t feel like you are attacking them for their poor play, they are likely to open up and give you an indication about what’s going on in their head.

If the player responds with: “I just forget” then you know that they don’t fully understand the value of coming in (reason #1). If they say “I know. I know. It’s just that I’m better from back here” you know the issue in confidence in their skills (reason #2). If they come back with “They like to lob” then you learn that reason #3 is at play. And if they say “she’s a big hitter” or they demonstrate fear when they are up at the net, you know that reason #4 is the issue.

Once you’ve established the motivation for the player, you can do something about the behaviour. If reasons #2 or #4 are the culprit, then the solution is to improve the player’s volleying skills and confidence. If reason #3 is a factor, you need to have a discussion about (or better yet, watch players play) whether the lob is actually a major risk or not. Finally, if you determine that the player doesn’t know why coming forward actually matters — probably because nobody ever took the time to explain the relationship between space and time — then having a supportive chat about “how scary we are to the other team when we are at the net as a pair” could do the trick.

So rather than constantly yelling at the player or rolling your eyes when they hang back, see if you can figure out what’s causing them to do so. From there, you can actually do something about it.

Mark Renneson is the Founder and Head Coach at Third Shot Sports and is the CEO of Pickleball Coaching International. He can be reached by email at mark@thirdshotsports.com

Taking a Clinic? Don't Be Selfish

At their best, pickleball clinics run like a well-oiled machine. Players show up early to prepare; the coach is running perfectly on time; drill demonstrations are clear, concise and getting people up and playing almost immediately; the intensity is high — but not over-the top — and players are focused, working hard and having fun. It is great. And to be honest, most of my sessions run more or less this way. But every once in a while, something derails this idyllic situation…

Not long ago, I was running a full day of group clinics in the Southern US (no, I won’t tell you exactly where). In the morning, we had Intermediate Training which was a session clearly identified as being for 3.0/3.5 players. This was indicated on all of our advertising material. We had a group of 12 enthusiastic players and everything was running pretty much as I had hoped.

Any group session is bound to have some variance in skill level — rarely are two people exactly the same when it comes to ability — and so long as that difference is minimal, it isn’t really a problem. People know they will sometimes play with players who are slightly stronger than them, and sometimes with those a little less skilled. It is no big deal; that’s life.

This particular Saturday was no different. There was a group of 4 or 5 who were clearly on the higher side of the 3.0/3.5 divide, 3 or 4 in the middle, and 3 or 4 on the lower end of the spectrum. It was fine. There was one woman in the class who I will call Petunia.

A keen pickleball player indeed, Petunia hustled for balls and seemed really into what we were doing. She wasn’t a very strong player (during prolonged competitive 1-on-1 games she played her way into the lower group) but she was the kind of person I love having in this session — works hard and is eager to learn. Every once in a while Petunia would play her way off the bottom court to the middle group, but soon would find her way back in the basement. Which was fine. Until it wasn’t.

The 3-hour session came to a close and as the Advanced Training (4.0+) group took to the courts to warm up, Petunia approached me. I figured she had a follow-up question about a demo paddle she was trying. I said, “Hi. What’s up?”. She replied, “Nothing. I’m signed up for this next session too”. I must have looked baffled because she continued: “I know I’m not a 4.0 but I just figured…”. The rest of the conversation went like this:

Me: You’re right. You aren’t a 4.0.

Petunia: I know. But I figured it would be a good experience.

Me: For whom?

Petunia: Me.

Me: It probably would be. The trouble is, there are other people here too. And they want a good experience as well. And it isn’t fair to them if there are people who aren’t the right level.

Petunia: Are you saying I’m not good enough?

Me: I’m saying that you fit in well at the last clinic. But even then, when we played competitive games you were generally on the lower court.

Petunia: Well, I’m just not really playing my best today. But I won’t hold anyone back.

This was my clinic and I’m responsible for it. I should have done a better job screening to make sure we didn’t have the same person in two clinics offered at different skill levels. That’s on me. But Petunia’s selfishness is on her. She knew that she didn’t belong in the 4.0 clinic: “I know I’m not a 4.0 but I just figured…” but still signed up anyway. She put her desire over the well-being of others. That’s not cool.

For a variety of reasons I won’t go into here, I made the judgement call that I would leave Petunia in the group rather than asking her to leave. It meant, however, that we now had someone well below the acceptable range when it came to level variance. I did my best to ‘spread the pain’ so that nobody was stuck with her for too long. And as much as possible, I played in as her partner so others wouldn’t have to. But that now meant that she got an unfair proportion of my time, which is also not okay.

So to all of you who are considering taking a pickleball clinic (with me or anyone else) — that’s great. You should do it! Go out and work hard, have fun and learn. But please be considerate of others because they want to have a great time too. Be honest about your level and if you have questions, send a message to the person running the clinic. I’m sure they’ll be happy to help you find the perfect place for you.

Be Stingy with Compliments

By Mark Renneson

When I coach pickleball, I often hear people say "nice shot" to their opponents. And as far as I am concerned, that's just fine -- when it is deserved. If your opponent hits a great passing shot or an amazing volley, please give them the compliment. 

The trouble comes when people praise their opponents for making a good shot when, in fact, it wasn't really a good shot at all; it was mediocre or even poor shot that just wasn't handled well.

If your opponent puts up a short lob and you swing and miss, no, it was not a "good shot" by them. Similarly, a standard return of serve that lands in the middle of the court is not typically worth of praise after you bury the drop in the net.

Instead of letting yourself off the hook by saying “good shot” to your opponent, take responsibility for your errors.

Why does this matter? Because by suggesting that your error was actually the result of your opponent's well hit ball, you are removing your own culpability from the situation. Mistakes are part of pickleball. But by praising the opponent when they don't deserve it, you aren't taking responsibility for your error and giving yourself the slap on the wrist that might motivate you to be better next time.  

So please... When your opponents hit a terrific slice or beautiful lob, heap the praise on them all you want. But if their shot was just so-so and you blew it, take responsibility. Something like, "Wow. I've got to make that" will do more to help you than insincere compliments aimed across the net.

What's Your Pickleball Reputation?

By Mark Renneson
 

Back in 2014, I had zero relationship with pickleball. I had never heard of it before, much less played or worked with other people to play it better. There was nothing at all that connected me with the sport. Skip ahead 5 years and barely a social event goes by that someone doesn't say to me "Oh, you're the pickleball guy!". 

And while those of us who are involved with the business of pickleball must consider the professional image we are creating, it can be helpful for all players to consider what their 'pickleball reputation' is. We would all do well to think about the kind of persona we are constructing when we step on the court with others. How do others see us?

I recently had dinner with some friends who told me about a person at their club that I'll call Frank. They shared a story about how Frank was a head-hunter; someone who deliberately tried to hit people with the ball. Frank, they assured me, behaved this way on purpose. When I asked them how they knew Frank was being deliberate they used as evidence the fact that he never apologized when he did hit someone. He seemed to enjoy frightening and possibly hurting his opponents. 

I have no way to be certain what is inside Frank's head when this happens. For all I know, Frank may have a ton of power but very little control and would vehemently deny he was trying to hurt anyone. It is at least conceivable that he is guilty of bad judgement (and manners) more so than malice. But the fact that my friends sincerely -- and for justifiable reasons -- believe Frank's actions are deliberate, made me think about the importance of a person's reputation on the pickleball court.   

Who are you as a pickleball player -- what's your reputation? Are you the person who shows up early to set up nets or clean off the courts, or do you linger just long enough so you can avoid those tasks? Are you the one who is eager to play with the less skilled players or the one who makes them feel unwelcome? Do you laugh when you make a silly mistake, or do you chastise yourself and make others uncomfortable? 

Players of all abilities would do well to consider the image that they present on the pickleball courts. At the elite level, your reputation can influence your ability to attract sponsors or playing partners that can help you win prize money. If you are the person who throws temper tantrums, treats volunteers poorly or is 'too big for your britches' that can have a real impact on your pocketbook. At the recreational level, your reputation impacts who you get invited to play with and from which games you get excluded. It can mean being invited to fun pickleball and social events or people 'accidentally' forgetting to send you the invitation.  

I am not suggesting that people be inauthentic or acquiesce to the expectations of others. But I do think that it is good for recreational and competitive players alike to take a moment to consider how the people around them might interpret your words and deeds.  Are you someone who people like to play with? Do you make your pickleball community better? And while your actions may not influence your ability to win a match, if you are like Frank, it will have a very real impact on your social calendar.  

Serve to Win

Like many people, my first exposure to pickleball was by seeing it and having someone hand me a paddle. I hadn't read any books on the game or watched any videos about 'how you are 'supposed' to play. I just showed up at the gym one day, someone handed me an old wooden paddle and i played. 

While there are limitations to being so un-schooled in a particular sport, there is also a distinct advantage: you aren't beholden to the customs and conventions that develop over time. You aren't (yet) shaped to play a certain way and that freedom provides an opportunity for experimentation.

After a few minutes I got the feel for things. Having had 25 years in high-calibre tennis meant the learning curve was pretty steep. And it didn't take me more than about 10 minutes before I abandoned the slow, high serve people were showing me, and replaced it with one that was faster and lower.

To me, it seemed silly to hit lethargic, towering serves intended just to start the point. Why would I deliberately give my opponents so much time to get ready for the ball? In tennis, I would make my serve challenging (with speed, spin and placement). As a baseball pitcher, I wouldn't through gently down the middle of the plate, I'd make the batter work to hit the ball well. It seemed obvious that the same kind of tactics could be applied to serving in pickleball. 

To their credit, the more experienced players in the group (shoutout to the Collingwood YMCA PBallers) weren't particularly dogmatic in their response. While I did have some comments that you 'should never miss your serve' or the occasional "seeeeeeee?" when I would hit a serve long, more than anything they were open to the rationale that, yes, a serve could be used as an offensive shot. Perhaps even that it shouldbe. When asked why they didn't hit their serves with a clearer intention, they would generally say something along the lines of "I don't know. I was just always told you should hit it slow". 

The video below is a reflection of the more offensive-minded attitude that the serve can be used to cause trouble. I am not suggesting that you try to hit un-returnable serves or 'aces'. And if your consistency drops significantly, you might need to hold back a little. What I am advocating (with evidence!) is that people look to use their serve to tip the scales in their direction. You have an advantage, why not use it?

Why I'm Not Certified

WHY I’M NOT A CERTIFIED PICKLEBALL COACH

A Personal Essay by Mark Renneson

“My approach would definitely differ from Mark's 100%” wrote one evaluator. “This type of crap really is upsetting” wrote another. These comments were in response to a video of a private lesson I taught in 2016, as part of my application to join a pickleball coaching certification program. If you care to, you can see that video here.

The head of the organization acknowledged my ability to communicate well and to be a leader on the court, but he did not appreciate the content I presented. Specifically, he didn’t like that with a new player my focus was on having them learn to start the point effectively: hitting deep serves and returns, solid volleys from the net and low third shots from the backcourt. In his mind, the emphasis of this lesson should clearly have been on dinking and third shot drops.

I was told that I would not pass their test until I had “a better understanding of the strategies, shot selections and stroke developments we expect all [of our] professionals to follow”. He concluded: “I hope you view this as a learning opportunity to adjust your coaching philosophy and skill set to meet [our] coaching standards”. He wasn’t interested in my argument for why the serve, return and third shot are more important for new players than dinks or drops. He had his view and that was that.

If there is one thing that is true about teaching and learning, it is that it is complicated. Theories of education evolve over time and what may have been fashionable in years past can become out of step with what we understand today. I have some experience in this. I’ve been coaching professionally for more than 20 years, have worked for a national sporting organization in their instructor training program and I have advanced degrees in both Education and Philosophy of Education.

Some readers will be familiar with my work at Third Shot Sports. In 2014 founded the company and started teaching pickleball across North America. I set aside my career as an elementary school teacher to do so which was necessary to run the business. This full-time switch to pickleball also enabled me to compete regularly at the 5.0/PRO level. Between our clinics and couple hundred YouTube videos, people seemed receptive to my approach to coaching and that, of course, made me happy.

Viewers and clinic participants have been generous with their feedback and often tell us that they appreciate our willingness to challenge some of the conventional wisdom in pickleball (e.g. that you don’t always have to play a third shot drop; that your serve and return can be offensive shots; that the soft game isn’t inherently better than the power game, etc.). In short, we disrupted some of the traditional notions about pickleball and our audience — both online and on the court — mostly liked it.

As much as possible, I have tried to use a student-centred approach that is fun, safe and effective. In the example lesson above, I was teaching a 38 year old woman who was fairly athletic and who wanted to be able to play at her local gym without embarrassing herself. She was brand new to pickleball and she didn’t have ambitions about being great, she just didn’t want to appear foolish in front of the others.

I reasoned that if she was going to have fun on the court and not stand out as a newbie, she wasn’t going to need dinks or drops as much as she was going to have to be able to start the point effectively, be able to handle volleys, and be able to hit low balls to her opponents so that she didn’t immediately lose the point with a ball in the net, or set up her opponents for winners (both are common outcomes when you demand that beginners to play drops, something I have written about here).

My lesson reflected what I believed would be most valuable to her the next time she stepped on the court, not what she would need to do if she wanted to play at an advanced level —  I figured we would save that for later. She did well in the lesson and had a great time the next day. She became a regular student after that.

There continues to be a segment of the pickleball world that rejects the perspective that there are different ways to play the game well. Traditionalists have pushed back to the point that some even argue that it doesn’t matter if you win the game, if you are hitting hard and using power, you are doing it wrong. By extension, these traditionalists believe that if you are coaching and teach your students that they don’t have to play according to ‘old school’ ideas, you must be coaching poorly. In fact, in the subsequent emails related to my coaching video, I was accused of doing a disservice to my student because I dared to introduce strategy to a new player.

And herein is the reason I haven’t pursued instructor certification. I have not yet found a certifying organization that has demonstrated that it is open to divergent ideas about pickleball. I have not seen clear examples of coach training programs that prioritize a player’s well-being over adherence to some Platonic notion of what pickleball ought to be. I have watched as certified instructors who are held up as expert coaches put 15 people in a single-file line and feed balls to the first person while commenting on their grip or their followthrough. Meanwhile, the other 14 people stand around doing nothing besides wondering why they paid good money to wait in a line. If this is what it takes to become certified, count me out.

Don’t get me wrong — I want to learn more. I want to become a better coach. But I want to do it in a way that doesn’t force me to compromise my commitment to putting the needs of my students first. While there are individual coaches that I admire and with whom I have rich and lively conversations, I have not yet found an organization in which I have found a coaching ‘home’ that feels authentic, innovative and based on the principles that I value. I’ll keep looking for such a place but in the meantime, I’ll keep doing my thing and let the chips fall where they may.

When Injury Wakes You Up

An accurate portrayal of the author’s reaction to his injury.

I have been rather lucky over the course of my sporting life. Besides a few bumps, bruises and the occasional rolled ankle, I have mostly avoided serious injury -- until now. 

A couple weeks ago I was playing in a local tournament. It wasn't too far from where I live and with a baby on the way, the prospect of earning a little prize money was rather appealing. I knew a person who had a similar mindset so we signed up as doubles partners. 

For the last couple months, my right knee had been making its presence known. Regularly achy, I assumed that it was due to old age and inconsistent physical activity (I had, after all, spent the last few months on this new projectwhich kept me mostly at a desk in front of a computer). The sore knee is nothing, I told myself.   

I arrived at the venue early, got in a decent physical warm-up (the pain was less when the knee was warm) and we were off to a good start in the tournament. The knee pain was present but manageable. That is, until the lob over my backhand.

It was a decent lob but I knew getting it out of the air is preferable to letting it get past you. So in one single motion I turned slightly to my left and jumped up to hit a routine backhand smash. I had done it a million times before. And that’s when the lights went out.

The pain was so excruciating that for a few seconds after it happened, I couldn’t see. I was down on the ground, holding my knee. For years I have people talk about feelings they have when they injure themselves: a tear, pop, or rip. In my case, the feeling was a distinctive snap and took place at the back of my right knee. I have never felt anything quite like it before.

The diagnosis from the hospital was a partial tear of the MCL. Good news, aparently, because unlike its cousin the ACL, the MCL tear doesn’t usually require surgery to heal. More than anything, it needs meds and rest to bring down the inflammation and then some deliberate rehab to get it back in shape. So for the next few days, my 9-months pregnant wife was somehow the one who did most the caregiving around our house. My 4 year old daughter didn’t like that I couldn’t chase her around the yard, but she did enjoy learning and using the word “slow-poke”.

I tell this story because it has taught me a valuable lesson as a coach. For a long time I have taken for granted what it was like to have no physical limitations and to play pain free. And when I had students who weren’t so lucky, I don’t think I have appreciated their situation as fully as I ought to have. Going through this injury — it is now at about 70% I’d say — has given me a vivid reminder of the challenges that some people I work with may face. I plan on using this experience to be more empathetic and understanding of those who aren’t as lucky as I have been.

Don't Make the Warm-Up All About You

By Mark Renneson

No, this isn't a lecture about being a considerate opponent who gives their partner lots of balls to hit. This is about an under-used opportunity to tilt the odds in your favour. 

While hitting balls prior to your match starting is a good way for you to get loose, it is also an amazing chance to acquire some intelligence on your opponents. Here are 5 things you should look for before the game even starts:

Glaring Weaknesses. Are there any shots that your opponent clearly hits poorly? Did they miss every practice drop they hit? Did their volleys always pop up when they received a fast ball? If they hit a certain shot badly before there is any pressure, plan on testing them early in the match to see if they can rise to the occasion.

Movement. How agile does your opponent look? Are they moving easily around the court of do they look stiff and a little cold? If they aren't getting to balls before the second bounce, that can be a sign that they aren't feeling very fast and that you should plan on running them.

Avoidance. Did that person hit any overhead smashes? Did they only play forehand returns of serve? If your opponents avoided some shots in the warm up, it is probably a good idea  for you to know. That way, you'll have an idea about what shots are 'cold' when game time begins. 

Tells. Much of pickleball is about disguise and deception. See if your opponents give away when they will dink the ball or flick it. See if you can guess when they will hit a drop or a drive. Perhaps they set up their body or paddle differently depending on the shot they will hit. If you can identify these 'tells', you'll have a leg up once the scoring starts. 

Strengths. Are there certain shots that your opponents seem to hit really well? Perhaps they are amazing at blocking fast balls? Maybe they are great at using spin on the return of serve. It is helpful to see what they look most comfortable with so that you know what to stay away from.

Want to Beat Bangers? Here's What You SHOULD Be Practicing

By Mark Renneson

Are you tired of losing to Bangers? Those players who seem to have one speed and one speed only -- FAST? There are a number of things that you might want to do to take down this most annoying of opponent: hit your returns deep in the court so when they play their third shot drive, they are doing it from behind the baseline; Use excessive spin so that they are less likely to be well set up when they hit; When that ball does come to you at the net, drop it gently in the kitchen, or really, anywhere that is low to the ground. 

Need a Pickleball Gift?

The Pickleball Lab is our sport’s best online magazine. Exclusive videos, articles, audio and more. Learn more here.

But of all of the useful ways to tame the power player, there is one that is especially effective -- and especially under-practiced -- learning when to NOT hit the ball. 

One of the challenges of pickleball is that they court is as small as it is. At just 44 ft in length, there isn't a lot of real estate to work with. And you can (and should) use this to your advantage against bangers. If someone chooses to hit a ball hard, it better be low to the net or it will sail long. And the harder they hit, the smaller their margin for error. 

Have a friend hit balls with different speeds, heights and spins. Try to predict (before the ball crosses the net) if it will land in or out.

So what can you do? You can put down the paddle and practice developing an eye for out balls. You can learn to identify which balls are travelling too fast and high to stay in play. You can develop your reception skills (e.g. the ability to receive balls well) by quickly and correctly identifying what balls will land in and what balls have too much juice. 

And the next time those bangers try to take your head off, just duck and watch the ball sail a mile long!

Mark Renneson is the Executive Director of Pickleball Coaching International. For more information on exceptional coaching ideas and resources, visit pickleballcoachinginternational.com. 

3 Common Coaching Errors

As pickleball explodes in popularity, there are more and more people coaching. And while some (like yours truly) do so professionally, the majority of instructors teach on a part-time or voluntary basis.

Whether you're coaching to earn a living or helping grow the sport in your town, there are a few traps that you might want to avoid:

1) Being a Fault-Finder Instead of Success Seeker.While part of a coach's job is identifying problems, that isn't where it ends. Very little skill or expertise is needed to merely point out all the things someone is doing poorly. 

I think that a coach ought to work hard to understand the strengths players possess and to make sure the players see these strengths in themselves. These positives can be them coupled with areas that need improving (e.g. "I've noticed that you do a good job volleying, but you are often late when coming to the net so yo can't use your volleys to full effect"; "you can play good, low dinks, but when you are poorly set up to hit them, that's when they go off the rails". 

Being a success seeker isn't about making your students feel good. It is about contextualizing the skills you want them to develop and connecting them to things they already know how to do. And if they understand how these new skills fit into their overall game, they are much more likely to have the desire to learn what you are teaching them.

2) Too Much Talking. Mark Twain wrote: "Sorry to write such a long letter, I didn't have time to write a short one" and I think this sums up one of the challenges that instructors face: it is difficult to be precise, concise and thorough. 

I spend a lot of time working with coaches and pretty much without fail they are incredibly passionate and eager to help. They draw from their own knowledge and experience in an effort to get other people to play better. The trouble is, sometimes this overflows and becomes them wanting to share everything they know. 

Videos. Articles. Interviews. Challenges.

a 12 month subscription, sent out every 2 weeks.

The most effective coaches I know are the ones who a quick and to-the-point; they get in, they get out. The ones who are best at this identify a single teaching point, make the case for why it matters and then put their students into a situation to practice it. The downward spiral of never-ending information often starts with: "oh. and one more thing..." which inevitably leads to several more things. This takes more time, runs the risk of overwhelming the players, and can make the coach look like a know-it-all.

Coaching isn't the time to highlight your extensive knowledge of the sport -- it's not about you. Remember: concise, precise, thorough.

3) Disconnecting Tactics and Technique. What would you say if I asked you if a hammer was the right tool? You'd probably want to know what I was planning on using it for. The same logic should apply when we are teaching technique to our students. That is, technique is a tool we use to perform a task. These tasks (tactics) could include: making your opponents move; being consistent; buying yourself time; taking away time; exploiting a weakness, etc.. And while some elements of technique are good for certain tasks, they are inappropriate for others. 

Unfortunately, many coaches believe that technique can or should be taught separate from tactics. The red flag for this kind of thinking is when someone says: "today we are going to work on the [insert stroke name here]." They then proceed to treat the stroke in isolation, as though if you just mastered the mechanics you'd be all set. While that may work well for sports synchronized swimming or figure skating, pickleball is very different. Pickleball is an open-skilled sport filled with variables and decision making. The other side of this coin is when "strategy clinics" are offered as though it can exist in a vacuum devoid of technique.

The fluid nature of PB means that it is vital to connect the technique being learned with the tactics being implemented (i.e. in what situation would I use this shot and how will it help me?). Instructors who fail to integrate tactics and technique are like people who insist that a hammer is the 'right' tool.

Mark Renneson is the founder and CEO of Third Shot Sports. He travels North America extensively working with pickleball players and coaches. If you like thinking and talking about coaching, you can join the Pickleball Instructor Forum that he runs here. 

5 Ways to Pressure Your Opponents (while following the rules)

While highlight reel shots are terrific, a huge part of pickleball is finding ways to maintain the pressure on your opponents and to challenge them to to come up with something amazing. Here are a few things that you can do right away to make the other team sweat:

1) Use Your Serve to Gain an Advantage. We've heard it a million times before: "you should never miss your serve". And while we don't like hitting the ball out either, we think it is shortsighted to demand 100% consistency. The serve is the one time in PB where everything is under your control: you are standing still, with the ball exactly where you want it and you can even wait (within reason) for the wind to die down. And with these conditions in your favour, the serve is a great time to put some pressure on the opposition.

We're not saying try to make it unreturnable, but by aiming your serve well (making the returner move or hit from their weaker side), or by hitting with speed, you make it more likely that they will play a poor return that you can pounce on. Of course, there is some risk when you hit near a sideline or drive the ball fast and low, but there can also be significant reward. Don't go for so much that you miss every other serve, but look to use the first shot as a way to dictate play. 

2) Consider the Drive. We know a woman who missed 9 drops in a row in a gold medal match. She and her partner either hit into the net or set up an easy put away for their opponents. Down 0-9 and embarrassed, the team decided that they might as well just swing away and hit the third shot hard. Their sudden use of power surprised the opponents and the hard-hitting team won a couple free points. But then they won a few more because they simply overpowered the other team who were not strong volleyers. The team rattled off 11 straight points and won the game.

The winning team was glad that they used their drive (although why they waiting until 0-9 is anybody's guess). We encourage players to test the waters with the drive early on and see what happens. If your opponents can handle your speed, you better think about the drop. But if you are able to overpower them, you've hit the jackpot and should keep going. Don't let myths about the 'slow game' cloud your good judgement. 

3) Maintain a Winning Pattern. We commonly hear from people who think they should change things up so they are less predictable. While that argument has some merit, here's a better one: if what you are doing is working, keep doing it! Who cares if your opponents know what's coming if they are powerless to defend against it? If you find something that works, stick with it until it doesn't. 

4) Change a Losing Pattern. While it is good to have a game plan, it is it is better to know when to abandon it. If things aren't going your way even though you are hitting the shots you are intending, it is time to reconsider your options. This requires being aware of what's going on and how you are winning or losing points. With this in mind, you can make an educated decision. 

5) Return Like You Mean It. Too often players use the return of serve only to get to the net. But if your return is short and high, you're asking for a fast shot at the body. Instead, focus on consistently hitting the return deep enough that it pins your opponents behind the baseline. Making your opposition hit thirds from 25 feet from the net will make their life a lot harder. 

Make Your Backhand Better

Are you tired of having a weak backhand? Are you sick of your opponents getting rewarded for picking on it? Here are 4 things you can do to make your backhand better.

1. Care About the Set-Up. Backhands are tough enough to hit when you're stationary, but they are extra difficult if you're off-balance or reaching for the ball. Work hard to get to the ball and be on balance as you hit. It won't guarantee success, but it will tilt the odds in your favour. 

2. Use a Good Grip. It is important to have your hand in a strong hitting position. Too often people hit their backhand with their eastern forehand grip. The preferred grip on the backhand is either a continental grip, or the eastern backhand grip. This will make contact more solid and will make it less likely the ball pops up.

An eastern backhand (index knuckle on the top of the handle) will make it easier to hit with power.

3. Swing From the Shoulder. A common cause of weak backhands (and injured elbows) is an over-reliance on the forearm. It is important to get sideways and initiate the swing with your shoulder. This stronger joint will make it much easier to hit a strong shot.

4. Make Contact Out Front. A forward impact point is important because it puts your body in a strong hitting position. While you don't want to be reaching for the ball, forward extension will help you to have more control and power.

4 US Open Takeaways

By Mark Renneson

For me, the US Open and other major tournaments are a combination of costume party and scavenger hunt. I love hearing whispers like "Have you seen the 'new girl' Kaitlyn Christian yet? I hear she's incredible" or "Do you know that Jeff Warnick guy? You've got to see his technique. It's wild. But he's crazy good!". I like trying to discover who these new people ar and then watching them play. I posted daily videos of the US open here, here, here, here, here, and below.

But it is also fun for me to take the pulse of pickleball in general and to see where the game stands now compared to what I saw at this time last year. I like wandering around and watching, not quite knowing what I'll see but being open to anything. I especially enjoy watching how the game -- at a high level especially -- is evolving.  That evolution, in a nutshell, is what this post is about.

Power Please

I have written before that pickleball continues to get quicker. Players are hitting harder, moving faster and being more offensive-minded as they play. Seves are being used to cause trouble for the opponents, and if that ball is returned short -- and sometimes even if it isn't -- and being driven at the net players. Balls that I expect to be dinked back over the net safely, are now attackable balls that players are putting so much topspin on, that shots that would have sailed out 3 years ago are now curling and dropping just inside the baseline.  

Sliding 

The balls are moving faster and the players are too! People like Kaitlyn Christian continue to rip up the hardcourt as they slide gracefully into a forehand. Exceptional balance, strength and a hate for letting the ball bounce twice are allowing them to not only get to more balls than players of another generation, but hit them back with quality. This technique would definitely fit in the "do not try at home" category for most people!

 Stacking

As competition gets fiercer, players are looking to gain any advantage they can. And one way to gain an upper hand is to make sure that you are always playing on the side you prefer. The pros have been stacking for a long time, but I'm seeing more intermediate players do it as well. For those who are new to the idea, stacking is putting you and your partner on the same side of the court. After you hit your serve or return (as per your obligation), you then move over to the side of the court upon which you'd rather play.

2-Handed Backhands

Unfortunately, some PB 'purists' think that only one hand can touch the paddle. That's silly! Most of the top women use two-handers to get extra stability and power when hitting from their non-dominant side. We're even seen more of the guys doing it too! And with longer-handled paddles becoming the norm, why not? A two-handed backhand is a great way to shore up your backhand if it is currently a liability. 

There are lots of other things I saw at the US Open and I'll be posting about them here over the next few weeks. Stay tuned!

3 Pre-Game Tricks to Play Better Matches

We are getting into a heavy time for tournaments so I thought it appropriate to talk a little about things you can do to play your best. While we like to think that the better players always win, the reality is that this is only sometimes the case. There are upsets, poor performances and players who are just 'on' that may defy expectations or  -- to use a term common to this time of year -- 'bust your bracket'. 

And while these exceptional performances may be pure dumb luck, I've been around enough high level athletes to know that in most cases, the players who want to perform well, prepare well. Here are a few things you can do to maximize your chances for success:

1. Show up on time -- and by "on time" I mean early. There is nothing worse than frantically trying to find a parking spot knowing that your match is about to be called. You get impatient, frustrated and are libel to make bad decisions. These are all the antithesis of what you want when you compete.

While it might mean setting the alarm clock a little earlier than usual, grab yourself that extra coffee and get to the venue well before your match is called. You'll be calm, cool and collected when it is time to play your best. And bring your partner with you!

2. Make a plan. Heading into a match knowing how you expect to win is a critical part of competing well. And while you might have to adjust your tactics as the match unfolds, knowing whether you'll look to use your power game or out-dink your opponents is pretty important.

Rather than 'waiting to see how it goes', talk with your partner before you step on court. Decide how you expect to play your opponents and what patterns of play look most promising (i.e. your backhand dink is great. Let's try to get you into crossourt backhand rallies with them). If possible, watch your opposition play a little beforehand to figure out what they seem to like (or dislike). And if necessary, pull up a quick YouTube vid showing some recent matches. Walking onto the court with a clear plan in mind will help you to make better decisions and to play with confidence.

3. Don't just stand there! Tournaments can involve a lot of waiting. And while it is important not to over exert yourself, it is more important to be loose and feeling great when the match begins. Jump on a practice court and stay warm when you know that your match will be called soon. And if no court is available (this is often the case), hit some reflex volleys on a patch of grass, against a wall, or in a parking lot.  At the very least, go for a little jog or do some quick, athletic movements (see GIF above for examples). This will help you to be ready to go when you get called.

Of course, none of these things guarantee that you'll play great or have the match of your life. But by taking a little time to prepare well, you give yourself the best shot at putting on a good performance. And when you think about it, that's all we can really ask of ourselves, right?

Mark Renneson is the founder and Head Coach at Third Shot Sports. When he is not crisscrossing the continent coaching pickleball, he can be found tending to his 4 year old child and 10 year old golden retriever in Collingwood, Canada. Mark can be reached at mark@thirdshotsports.com

7 Things You Can Do to Play Better Pickleball -- Fast!

Some people think that it takes a long time to improve your PB game. And while things like a significant grip change, improving your co-ordination or dropping 15 pounds so you move quicker  around the court are major undertakings, there are lots of things you can doing today that will boost your game immediately. 

1. Identify the Target Player. Before you even hit a ball, ask yourself (and your partner) "who should we pick on"? And while it might be 'nice' to isolate the weaker player, if you want to be a tough opponent then it is crucial. Pro Tip: While this strategy is great for competitive situations, use it cautiously if you are playing recreational games where people might not take kindly to keeping the ball away from the stronger player.

2. Get Your Returns Deep. Many people hit their return of serve thoughtlessly. And if the ball lands short (i.e. it allows the serving team move forward to get your shot) then you are vulnerable against a good drive from your opponents. Try to pin your the servers behind the baseline with your return -- it will make your life at the net a lot easier. 

3. Be Ready to Move. Pickleball is an athletic sport yet many people stand around like they are in line at the grocery store. The sooner you accept that you will need to RUN the more likely you'll be able to get balls back in play. And while we can't all run like the pros, we can all have the desire to chase down every ball.

4. Serve Smart (Part 1). If you are like most people, you'd prefer to hit the third shot with a forehand. When serving stand as close to your backhand corner as possible (i.e if you're a righty, stand near the sideline when serving from the left side and near the T when serving from the right side). This will almost guarantee that a return of serve hit back to you gives you the forehand you want. 

5. Serve Smart (Part 2). Your serve is a great opportunity to cause trouble for your opponents. Whether you do it by serving deep, making them move, aiming for a weakness or just plain hitting it hard, a challenging serve makes it more likely the return is less tough for you. There is some risk, of course, but I think you'll find with a little practice, it's worth it. 

6. Don't Just 'Sorta' Get to the NVZ. Most people know that it is smart to move forward after retuning serve. It is a chance to take away your opponents' time. But many players move forward in a haphazard way and don't get as near to the kitchen as they could. If you want to be a threat at the net, get right up there before your opponents hit the third shot! Pro Tip: If you are nervous at the net or don't have great volleys, see tip #2.

7. Talk. Don't wait until you lose a point before you and your partner discuss how you want to handle middle balls. Whether you go with "forehand takes it" or some other plan, take 5 seconds at the start of a game (yes, even rec games) and say "Hey. How do you want to handle middle balls?". The quick chat will mean clarity when your opponents hit down the centre of the court.

Mark Renneson is the Founder and Head Coach at Third Shot Sports. He can be reached by email at mark@thirdshotsports.com

5 Intermediate Mistakes

Pickleball is considered an 'open-skilled' sport because it requires wide-ranging and varied skills and the circumstances are always changing. The height, speed, spin, distance and direction a ball is hit is never quite the same as the ones before it. The fact that players are standing at (or moving through) different places on the court, that wind or sun conditions change throughout a game, means that pickleball is an activity full of variability and change. 

That said, as someone who works with a lot of pickleball players, I can say that for all the variability in the sport, there are quite a few mistakes and habits that are common to intermediate players. Here are a few of them...

Coming to the Net Casually. Hitting a return of serve and coming to the net is a useful tactic because it can pressure your opponents. By reducing the distance between you and them, you give them less time to react when you play your volley. Additionally, you are more likely to get a nice high ball when you are at the net, a ball that you can hit downward and with speed, again limiting the time they have to set up. 

Many intermediate players return serve and move towards the net but don't actually get there by the time their opponents strike the ball. They are on their way to the non-volley zone but fail to reach it in time. While this isn't the end of the world, being several feet back of the line is problematic for two reasons: 1) you aren't as close to your opponents as you could be. That means when you hit, the ball has farther to travel and they will have more time to react; 2) by being back from the NVZ you make it less likely you'll get a high ball, and more likely it will be low. This makes you more susceptible to receiving one of those annoying balls at your feet. 

Returning Serve to the Middle of the Court. I know. You've probably been told a million times that the centre of the court is exactly where you should be hitting your return. "Down the middle solves the riddle", right? While it does give you a significant margin for error and could cause confusion, I question whether you, as an intermediate player, really need a 20ft wide target. And even if you do manage to confuse your opponents, there is a good chance that if they do get fooled with a middle ball that they'll have a conversation about what to do next time you hit there. And I'm not sure that these two (marginal) benefits are worth the significant downside.

When you hit to the centre of the court you allow either player to hit the ball -- you give your opponents the choice of who plays that third shot. And who do you think will take it? The better player, of course! A better strategy is to aim the ball to the person you want to hit it. Whether it is a weaker player or one who has struggle recently, by aiming the ball away from the middle of the court, you take more control of the point.

Hitting Hard at the Baseline Player. Perhaps you've been told "if you've got 'em back, keep 'em back" but is that always great advice? No. It is not. If you have a ball you're looking to hit hard (typically a ball above net height), then hitting to the person farthest away is a mistake. The farther away they are, the more time they will have to react to your shot. If you're looking to hit hard, the person closest to you should generally be your target since they will have less time than their farther away teammate. 

Believing a Drop is the "Right" Third Shot. The third shot is a critical moment in a pickleball point. But we should remember that there are three possible options when you hit a third: a drop, a drive, a lob. There is no rule that you must play a soft, low ball into the kitchen (a drop). If you are playing against people who move poorly, a lob can be very effective. A fast, low shot (a drive) can be an excellent choice against people you think you can overpower or who have weak volleys. Drops are incredibly risky -- a little to short/low and the ball is in the net. A little to high or far and they have an easy put away-- so I recommend using drops only if the other two (easier to execute) options don't work against your opponents.

Not Playing a Dink In Response to a Low Ball. Many intermediate players try to win the point each time they hit the ball. This is a mistake. If your opponents hit a low, soft shot that is forcing you to hit upward, your best bet is a dink. An upward hit requires that you hit slowly if you want to keep the ball in play, right? If you hit anything but a soft, slow ball, you are likely giving the other team a ball above net height. They like those! So, if someone gives you a low ball, stay patient and play a soft, slow dink in response. 

Mark Renneson is the Founder of Third Shot Sports and its Head Coach. He can be reached by email at mark@thirdshotsports.com

When Coaches Should Keep Quiet (Part 2)

In a previous article I challenged the idea that coaches should intervene as soon as they see their players doing something poorly. The thrust of my argument was that if coaches reflexively jump on the first “problem” they see, they may miss the opportunity to identify an even larger, more important area of concern. Additionally, at the beginning of a lesson players may be nervous and more likely to make uncharacteristic mistakes. So while the errors may be real and observable, there is good reason to believe that they may be more about the player's initial nerves than their playing skills. 

But it is not only at the beginning of a lesson that coaches would be wise to keep quiet. In this article I want to explore another time that it makes sense for coaches to see something but say nothing. 

Case Study: Sarah and Rick

Rick is an intermediate player who is looking to compete at the 3.5 level. He is taking a private lesson with the hopes of learning to hit a more consistent third shot drop that he can use against strong volleyers. His coach, Sarah, has observed Rick play and has identified that Rick’s big backswing is causing him to hit the drop too hard and high, making it ineffective. 

Sarah explains her observations to Rick and they work on having him hit his drops with much less backswing. His drop is improving and they decide to put it back into a game situation to see if he can hit it under a bit more pressure. As he serves to start the first point, Sarah notices something: Rick’s swing when he serves isn’t very smooth. In fact, it is so jerky that it causes him to be inefficient and a little erratic.

Seeing this important problem, Sarah jogs over to the other side of the court and begins to help Rick with his serve. She talks to him about the importance of a smooth, relaxed swing and grabs the basket of balls so he can start practicing.

First Things First

I would argue that Sarah has made an important — and common — mistake. She was doing everything really well for most of the lesson: she identified the problem (a poor drop), found a helpful solution (reduce the backswing), practiced the new skill until it improved and then planned to put it back into a realistic situation. That’s great. But she made an error when she started working on Rick’s serve. The problem wasn’t that she saw his poor technique and judged it should be improved. The problem was that she allowed this observation the derail her otherwise great lesson. 

Recall that Sarah was about to have Rick (hopefully) demonstrate his newly acquired skills. He was about to put his great new drop into action in a real game scenario. This is an important moment in the learning process as the added pressure of a game situation will give Rick and Sarah an idea as to whether he has really mastered this new skill or whether it requires more attention and practice. But by pouncing on the opportunity to improve Rick’s serve as soon as she saw the problem, she skipped the final step of the third shot drop lesson. Essentially, she moved on to a new teaching point before completing the process with the first one. 

The scenario with Rick and Sarah is a common one. It is also worth remembering that Sarah did many things right in her lesson. The mistake was that in her eagerness to help her student, Sarah became impatient. She moved on from a teaching point before she had fully finished with it. In this case, Sarah would have been better off observing Rick’s troubled serve but saying nothing for the time being. Had she made a mental note of the new problem (or even written it down so she wouldn’t forget) she could have worked on his serve after finishing with the drop.

In this case, keeping quiet would have let her finish on task before setting off on another. 

Mark Renneson has been coaching for 21 years and is the founder of Third Shot Sports. He competes at the 5.0/PRO level and tours North America delivering professional pickleball clinics, camps and private lessons to people of all ages and abilities. He can be reached by email at mark@thirdshotsports.com.

7 Pickleball Myths

1. The Team with Superior Skills Wins. Unlike figure skating, diving or synchronized swimming, nobody declares you the PB champ because you've got nice technique. Your ability to be smart and 'find a way to win' counts for a lot. 

2. Down the Middle Solves the Riddle. Unless you are putting away a high volley for winner, hitting to the middle causes more problems than it solves. Sure, your opponents might get confused about who will hit the ball (decent teams communicate well and make those plans in advance), but by hitting down the centre of the court you allow your opponents' best player to hit all the shots they like! Can you think of another sport where it is smart to let the other team's best player get the ball? 

3. PB Is All About the Soft Game. While slow, carefully placed shots have a very important role to play, sometimes a good dose of pace is highly productive. Why play third shot drop if your opposition can't handle a hard drive when they are at the net? We don't need to go over the top here, but let's please not be dogmatic about only hitting slow.

4. The Serve and Return Don't Really Matter. While you probably won't hit many outright winners with your first shot, that doesn't mean you shouldn't care about hitting them effectively. A well-placed return can make it harder for your opponents to play a good third shot. A powerful serve might lead to a weak return that you can pounce on. The serve and return are opportunities to swing the momentum in your favour -- be thoughtless about them at your peril!

5. You Don't Have to Move Much. While you might have the most beautiful forehand anyone has seen, it doesn't matter much if you can't get to the ball to use it. PB can be played without a lot of physical effort, but the truth is that the level will be quite low. Like it or not, pickleball is primarily about moving and while we can't all move like the pros, we can all have the same desire to move as well as our body will allow. 

6. Dinking is the Most Important Skill. While soft, slow balls in the kitchen are a unique part of pickleball, the truth is that for most players below the 4.0 level, matches usually include very few extended dinking exchanges. Since a dink is typically a response to a high-quality drop, matches that don't have a lot of good drops don't see a lot of dinks. 

7. There is a 'Right' Way to Play Pickleball. Just like there is no 'right' way to make a salad, paint a house or ride a skateboard, there is no objectively correct way to play PB. While some approaches may be more effective than others -- and this may change from one match to another depending on your opponents -- if you are playing by the rules of the game then you are playing pickleball. Period.
I'm not saying that 'anything goes' or that every method is is as effective as every other one. But I am saddened when I see people ridicule others for not 'playing properly' just because they don't do it exactly how the pros do. While you might roast a more delicious chicken than I do, that doesn't mean that my way is wrong. It just means that I've got some work to do if I want to improve.

Mark Renneson is the founder and Head Coach at Third Shot Sports. He travels across North America delivering pickleball clinics for players of all ages and levels of skill. And, he does roast a mean chicken.

5 Things to Look for In a Coach

As pickleball grows and more people want to improve their skills, the number of people willing to coach or instruct is exploding. Some people coach as volunteers, others -- including yours truly -- do it professionally. And whether you're paying for your lessons or not, there are a few things you should probably look for when deciding who to trust with your game....

Do they ask questions? Good coaches don't make it all about them. Instead, they find out from their students what is important to them, what they want to learn and why they want to learn it. And while the coach may have to guide or redirect those desires, they are serious about understanding the needs of their students. 

Are they focused? Whether you're paying for your lesson or getting it for free, good coaches bring their full attention to their student(s). For the duration of the lesson, coaches should be fully engaged with their players. And unless it is being used to record video (with consent, of course), there shouldn't be a cellphone in sight!

Are they enthusiastic? Pickleball is a game and games should be fun. The same is true for pickleball lessons! Good coaches make you feel like they are excited to be there with you and should seem genuinely keen to help you and other players improve. If your coach is smiling, cheering, encouraging and generally happy, that's a good sign. If they look like they'd rather be somewhere else, they probably should be.

Do they explain things fully? When you are told that you should return serve and run to the net, do they explain why? How about why a third shot drop is important? High quality coaches have a thorough understanding of the game and should be ready and willing to share the whys behind what they are asking you to do. 

Do you feel supported? Taking a pickleball lesson can be risky. You are acknowledging that there are limitations to your game and you are trusting someone to expose them and help you to overcome them. This can be hard.

Good coaches should be supportive of your efforts to improve. And while they may be demanding of you, it should always come from a place of compassion and care. If you feel embarrassed, demoralized or ashamed during your lesson, your coach isn't doing a good job. 

 Want to become a competent pickleball coach? Check out Pickleball Coaching International. Looking to find a pickleball coach near you? Head on over The Pickleball Teachers Network!

Mark Renneson is the founder and Head Coach at Third Shot Sports. He has 21 years of coaching experience and runs pickleball clinics, private lessons and drill sessions across North America.  He can be reached at mark@thirdshotsports.com.

3 Habits to Play Like the Pros

It is a fact that not everyone can be a top level pickleball player. But that doesn't mean that we can't bring some of their habits into your own playing and practicing. Here are three things you can do right away to be more pro-like in your practice matches and training sessions.

Play Faster. Each ball you hit is an opportunity to learn and improve, so it is in your interest to hit as many balls as possible. As soon as the point is over, grab the ball and get back to work. Time is valuable and you don't want to waste it wandering around the court fetching balls. If you're serious about getting better, hustle to track down an errant ball and hit it (don't roll it) back quickly so you can start up the next point or drill. Spend your time playing, not waiting!

note: this is also good protocol when you are using courts that have other people waiting for their turn to play. Taking less time between points shows respect for the rest of the group.

Stay Focused. While PB can definitely have a great social aspect, if your goal is to improve then save the chatting for later. When a point is over say what need to (e.g "nice shot" or "good try") and then move on. Get yourself refocused so that you give yourself a chance to play the next point as well as you can. 

Be Accountable. It is good etiquette to praise your opponent for making a nice shot. But serious players know the difference between a good shot by the other team versus an error by you. If you make a mistake, don't let yourself of the hook by saying "good shot" to the other guy. Privately acknowledge that you blew it and move on. It's ok to be dissatisfied with your performance -- in fact, it's necessary if you care about getting  better. 

Mark Renneson is a professional pickleball coach and the founder of Third Shot Sports. He competes at the 5.0/PRO level and tours North America working with players and instructors. Mark can be reached by email at mark@thirdshotsports.com.