Pickleball Instruction! New Player Seeks Advice On How To Become A Better Player. Learn By Watching!

In this video a new player hits the court. He asks viewers to point out things that will make him a better player. So, I give my advice. Please give yours by leaving a comment in the comment section below

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[_KpopAjumma_]

For a beginner, it seemed he understood how important it was to get to the kitchen, though didn’t want to give up the real estate for an impending smash. Most beginners I know, including me when I started, are afraid of the NVL line. It can be scary and it feels safer to stay back.

I, too, imparted a slice on my backhand. It was pretty successful, until I started playing others with better game. I couldn’t find the opportunity to use it and then it slowly disappeared.

Thank you for your videos. I’d like you to pick apart my game some day.

[jmcloughlin]

The top of his paddle appears to be higher than his wrist but i could be wrong, hard to tell from angle

[rassabossa]

I think he plays really well...about like me (but I almost 70 and have a bad back).
My advice:
*Learn the 3rd shot drop and how to get out of a firefight by slowing it down.
*Be patient and hit the percentage shots, let them make the mistakes. One percentage shot is the return. It can be better to hit a deep lofting return that gives you time to get to the net rather than driving the return.
*Stop with the slice. It mostly only works against beginners. You don't get enough sideways spin to fool your opponent. Most Ping Pong moves don't work well. The number of times you cause them to miss with a spin versus the amount of times your slice doesn't make it over the net is not good. Topspin is king.
*Paddle out front and move your body more. To hit the best shot you need your body in the right position.

Have fun. You're gonna be a great player.

[dalevoigt]

Looks like a forehand grip which on the backhand side makes the paddle face open causing the slice. switch to continental grip or us a twohanded backhand grip.

[adelinesdad]

Your advice is good, especially having the paddle in the ready position. I noticed that on the first point. Easy fix and will result in better hands.
One thing I'd suggest for him (coming from an intermediate player with less than a year playing, so I'm no expert) is to not whip his arm around. I think he's using his wrist/elbow too much on his shots, instead of a more controlled swing from the shoulder (and body rotation). I think that is also contributing to the (maybe unintentional) spin as his paddle face is not always in a good orientation when it makes contact, because of the quick whipping movements.
I wouldn't worry about drop shots for now. Just concentrate on control and add that in later.
Overall, he did well for a beginner. I wonder if he plays tennis or is just naturally pretty coordinated and athletic.

[robbydridesemtb]

He has lots of potential, seek out a good instructor ASAP, limiting the many beginner errors.
I hope you put up a video after a few lessons.
We've all been their, the sooner one seeks lessons, the faster they'll reach the infamous 3.5...or beyond.

[phillipoverpeck]

He needs to set his standard ready position to be in front, he kept his ready position to the middle on every point I checked for it and it cost him at least two points.

[michaelnoe]

I do think all of the players are probably a bit newer but do play more traditional pickleball. As you noted, remove any spin/slice and learn basics then slowly add that back later. Another issue with doing slice spin is it will give advantages to top spin shots being returned. When at the NVZ make sure to have your paddle at a good ready position, mid body height, in front of you and slightly toward your backhand. It appeared to be down most of the time and as you progress just hand speed will not work as well or as often. Watch some other pickleball videos/games related to paddle positioning, when to move up to the NVZ and 3rd shot drops. Lastly time in seat with both play and practice. I believe you will advance quickly based on where you are already. Good luck!

[andygremett]

While he is new I think his partner popping it up didn’t help him at all. I see this and experience it in rec. play and it is really frustrating. Playing with a partner that consistently hits pop ups is tough to win with. It might make for a good episode about how to play with partners who either pop up frequently or don’t call balls or don’t position themselves well.

[mountaintop]

Played well for a beginner. Made the normal mistakes and needs more work. I'm sure Rory has videos on how to play the game that would help him tremendously. Get rid of the slice spin.

[marsone]

I think his grip has a lot to do with a sllce return. It is natural for him. He may not even know that he is doing it.

[Pickleballjeff-vq]

paddle needs to be up and using split stance more

[AnnMitt]

I play pb with lower level players who insist on doing backhand slice spin on practically every serve, return, and 3rd shot. It's so irritating because at least 50% go into the net. I'm also seeing an increase in lower level players rush up to the nvz line as their partner is hitting the 3rd shot. I'm not sure where these players are learning such bad habits, but it makes for an annoying game.

[donaldlenardson]

His first mistake was picking up a paddle and venturing on to the court without ever trying to gain any understanding of how to play the game first . This is soooo automatically common. Rory, remember your golf/Tiger Woods analage . Playing first and understanding second is a complete waste of time .

[phillipoverpeck]

He needs to set his standard ready position to be in front, he kept his ready position to the middle on every point I checked for it and it cost him at least two points.