Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Stop Bending
As most of you know by now, I am on a never-ending quest for the Holy Grail of pickleball. I am, of course, referring to consistency.
On the surface, consistency is simply getting the ball over the net as often as possible. Bonus points if it is unattackable, and even more bonus points if it is a winner. Let's eliminate unforced errors!
Underneath the surface, though, consistency is much more than just wishing for results. Consistent results relies on consistent, efficient, and repeatable mechanics. "Whatever works" just doesn't work for me.
One of the first and most important things to fix is your ready position, and I am just going to address one facet of it for now.
When you are in a good ready position, your knees are bent and your feet are spread apart a bit wider than your shoulders. In this position you are poised to move left or right when necessary by easily pushing off either foot. As you move, focus on keeping your upper body as close to vertical as possible at all times. If you need to adjust down to reach a ball, BEND YOUR KNEES to get lower.
Do not bend right or left at the waist while dropping the head of your paddle to reach the ball. If you do, then you are immediately compromising your stroke mechanics by employing a completely different shot from when your body is vertical and your paddle is horizontal.
By staying vertical instead of bending, you have introduced some consistency in your stroke (from multiple positions), making it MUCH easier to improve in your chase for the Holy Grail. It is easier and faster to return to "ready", your control will improve, you will have more fun winning.
Incorporate this into your next drill session and watch it happen.
See you at practice!
Michael Gauthier
Rally Academy
Pickleball Strokes
NDY (Not Done Yet)
Owner, Pickleball Strokes
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