As we age, maximizing court coverage and mobility becomes increasingly important in pickleball:
– Start in ready position centered on your side of the court. Split distance from net and baseline.
– Sidestep smoothly to return shots hit to your left or right. Avoid crossing feet.
– Move forward quickly when opponent hits softly. Backpedal quickly if opponent hits deep.
– At net, position perpendicular to opponent’s shot. Cut off angles.
– Take small adjustment steps. Maintain balance and proper footwork.
– Conserve energy by avoiding excessive running. Be efficient with motions.
– After hitting, recover to centered ready position as soon as possible.
– Double-team opponents at the net when playing doubles. Communicate on coverage.
– Hydrate frequently during play to avoid fatigue and cramping.
With experience, you’ll learn ideal court positions for various shots and scenarios. Move purposefully into openings to take control of points. Proper movement and recovery will help you play long matches and tournaments.
The information in this blog post comes from my research and experience playing pickleball and can be found in my books — HOW TO GET STARTED PLAYING PICKLEBALL and HOW TO IMPROVE FROM BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE IN PICKLEBALL — both available on Amazon. I hope you learn something from this post that you can take onto the courts to help you improve your game.