Pickleball Trends: Pickleball has come a long way since Bainbridge Island in 1965, not just in paddles, balls, and fashions. Compared to a few years ago, let alone back in the 1960s, today’s sports tactics are very different. We are in the midst of a revolution in this sport!
Pickleball Trends: Play Faster
Pickleball gets a bad rap for being a slow game. But let me tell you, things have changed! The game is faster than ever before. Serve returns require intense concentration, drives test your reflexes, and volleys go unnoticed if you blink. Even slow shots like drops and dinks are being hit with pace.
Why do players hit so hard now? Well, it’s simple. When you hit a shot faster, your opponents have less time to react. This increases the chances of them making technical or tactical errors. Hitting faster allows you to apply pressure and steal time from your opponents.
Technology, like paddles, also plays a role in accelerating the game. A paddle with more ‘pop’ allows you to hit the ball harder. This means that even low balls can be hit with speed. But don’t worry, there’s still room for the softer side of the game.
Pickleball Trends: More Spin
Spin is a game-changer in pickleball. Players who can add significant spin to the ball have a lot more options. Topspin, backspin, and sidespin can all be used strategically.
Topspin makes the ball dive into the court, making it travel shorter distances. This is valuable when you’re aiming to hit hard. It allows you to keep the ball in play while hitting with power. Backspin and sidespin can create all sorts of trouble for your opponents, making it harder for them to hit precise shots.
Pickleball Trends: More Movement
Movement is a key trend in pickleball. Players are becoming more athletic and using “unorthodox” movement patterns. Power and poaching are popular offensive tactics, with drive-poach combinations and switching positions keeping opponents on their toes.
Players are also getting creative with moves like the “erne” and the “Bert.” These inventive plays involve reaching into the airspace above the NVZ or jumping over the kitchen to intercept the ball. Pickleball is all about quick movements and surprising your opponents.
Pickleball Trends: Offense First
In today’s pickleball, offense is the name of the game. Advanced players have an “offense first” mindset and apply pressure from the start. Power, spin, deception, and movement are used to create problems for opponents right from the beginning. Neutralizing shots have also become more offensive, with more speed and spin.
Pickleball Trends: Advanced Strategies
Advanced players are constantly developing new playing styles. Stacking, poaching, and utilizing team strengths are all strategies that can give you an edge. The game is evolving, and players are getting creative with their approaches to winning.
FAQs
Drill, practice, play – These are the three things to focus on in pickleball. Practicing and drilling are essential if you want to improve.
Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It’s played on a one-quarter-size court with a paddle and plastic ball with holes.
Dinking is a crucial skill in pickleball. It allows you to control the ball and set up strategies for success.
Conclusion
Pickleball is always evolving, and there has never been a better time to try out these trends. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the game, the pickleball community is enthusiastic and energetic. It’s not just a game, but a way to connect with others and have fun while getting some exercise.
So why not give pickleball a try? You won’t be disappointed!