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Sandhill Classic
October 20, 2018
Sun-n-Fun RV Park
Sarasota, Florida
Men/Ladies/Mixed 3.0/3.5/4.0
Register at: www.pickleballtournaments.com
Sponsors: LWR Pickleball Club, Onix,
WSRZ, Sun-n-Fun RV Park,
Skybox, Edward Jones
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PICKLEBALL INSTRUCTION
Proactive
REACTIVE
By Jodi Elliott,
Engage Pickleball
“Look out!” is a common phrase used after someone
hits a bad shot. It’s easy to recognize a bad shot—that’s
proactive, but why is it so difficult to notice a good shot? So many
players aren’t in tune with their own—or their partner’s—good
shots, which is reactive. The difference between reactive and
proactive often results in a loss of point.
The proactive player is ready for the next shot. He or she
strikes the ball where it’s meant to be struck—in front of the
body. A reactive player usually contacts the ball late—on the side
of the body—as a result of not being prepared. Being proactive
will up your level of play. Here are a few ideas to help you stay
proactive.
Every ball is yours. Think, “Mine. Mine. Mine.” Also, staying
in a ready position—knees bent, compressed, body comfortably
forward, paddle out front. This will help keep you and your mind
in the point.
Have a dinking strategy. If you and your partner have a dinking
strategy, you automatically stay proactive because you’ll know
where to place the ball, enabling your strategy to work. For
example, if your partner is working opponent #1 and you’re not
proactive, you may undo all of his or her hard work by hitting to
opponent #2 and letting opponent #1 off the hook.
Recognize trigger shots. Trigger shots are places where the
ball will land and, most likely, force your opponent to hit a bad
shot. One trigger shot is dinking to your opponent’s feet. It’s
difficult to make a nice shot from your shoelaces. When you see
that you’ve hit the spot, be ready, your partner’s next shot may
be attacking a high ball. Looking for these trigger shots will
keep you alert.
Another trigger shot is hitting behind someone. If a ball lands
behind the player, there’s only one place for the ball to go and
that’s straight ahead. So be ready for that ball. Your opponent
can’t physically return cross-court because his or her body is in
the way. So look for that ball straight ahead. Hopefully it will be
high enough to make a decent set-up or even a put-away shot.
Hitting a trigger shot doesn’t guarantee your opponent will
hit a high ball. Looking for a trigger shot makes you proactive
so you don’t miss an opportunity. When you’re at social play
and waiting your turn in line, notice how many people miss a
put away opportunity because they were reactive instead of
proactive.
Be ready to defend. You and your partner are as one player.
Not only do you and your partner need to be ready to attack a
trigger shot, you both need to be ready to defend. If your partner
has been put in a defensive position, get low and ready for an
incoming attack shot.
Start being proactive and see if your level of play rises. I bet it
does and it’s more fun, too! •
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