Universal Rackets Weekly Update!

Let’s Talk About Your Pickleball Game

The Benefits Of Slice & Topspin

A pitcher has their fastball, curveball and changeup as a pickle baller has their flat, topspin and slice. Variety in pickleball can take your game to the next level. Have you ever played someone much better than you in pickleball and feel as if “you played the best pickleball in your life” but you lost 0-11, 0-11 and you played another player way less killed than you and feel as if “you played the worst pickleball in your life” but you won 11-0, 11-0”? Why is this? Because when you were in a rhythm against the better player, when you play people substantially less skilled you will not be able to get into a rhythm. OR why do you “play so well” only in drilling and not in match play? Because you are in a rhythm when you drill. By incorporating different spins into your pickleball game you will be able to keep opponent guessing, out of a rhythm and win more points.

There are two main spins that you as a pickleballer should know: 1. slice 2. topspin

For Topspin, the ball is spinning downwards, when it hits the ground it will kick up towards your opponent. Topspin allows you to be more aggressive, push your opponents back and also have more margin for error on your shots. A ball that has topspin will dive into a court while a flat ball will go long. If you ever want to “keep your drives in” when you are inside the court you will have to hit topspin. Essentially if you are hitting a ball that is around hip heigh with power from at or inside the baseline the only way you can do this is with topspin. If you do not hit topspin, you will have to slow your shot down and allow gravity to keep the ball in.

For Slice, the ball is spinning backwards, when it hits the ground it will die down and stay low. Slice allows you to hit off speed, disrupt your opponent’s rhythm, and force your opponent to get low and hit up. A ball that has slice will either curve to the left or to the right depending on your swing path. A slice can be used as an offensive or defensive shot. At the beginner/advanced level, many players are not used to returning this type of spin, so it can carry a substantial advantage.

Now how do you hit Topspin? Think 12 o’clock is at your head and 6 o’clock is at your feet. You must swing from 6 to 12, your swing path needs to be vertical and upward, your swing path needs to be low to high. Also, adjust your paddle face and tilt it slightly downward.

Now how do you hit Slice? Instead of swinging low to high like topspin you must swing high to low. Think 12 o’clock is at your head and 6 o’clock is at your feet. You must swing from 1.5 o’clock to 7.5 o’clock. You must swing down/diagonal this will help you get the back of the ball to create backspin. Also, adjust your paddle face and tilt it slightly upward.

Click here for a short video describing topspin vs slice

For both spins: the slower you hit the ball, the more time you will give it to react and exaggerate the spin. Click here to see an example of this (see how in the 2nd set of serves the “dip” is much more substantial.

Week 3 Pickleball & Tennis Summer Camps Complete!

End of Fall & Jersey Shore Programs Are Starting Next Week! PA Fall Programs Coming Soon!

Click here to view all of our Jersey Shore August & September Programs!

Upcoming Pickleball Tournaments You Do Not Want To Miss!

Click here to register for the August 10th Stone Harbor Classic!

Click here to register for the August 31st Sea Isle Summer Social!

How To Return Slice & Topspin

What if people who you play with read this newsletter?! Chances are if they got this far then they know how to hit slice and topspin. So now we must teach you how to return it! It is one thing to hit it, it is another thing to return it.

Many players at the beginner/early intermediate level struggle with returning slice and topspin because they are not used to seeing it. There is one key reason why players struggle with returning slice or topspin. That reason is that they let to ball come to them and they do not go to them ball. The longer you give the ball time, the longer the ball will move to you. If you ever need to return a slice or topspin shot you must go to the ball! 1. Move Up To The Ball 2. Get Low 3. Finish Forward. If you do the 3 steps every single time a slice or heavy topspin shot comes to you, you will be able to return it with ease.

Sharpen Your Game: The Power Of Consistent Practice In Pickleball

One of the most effective ways to elevate your pickleball game is through consistent practice. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, dedicating regular time to practice can significantly improve your skills, build muscle memory, and enhance your overall performance on the court. Here’s how you can make the most out of your practice sessions:

1. Focus on Fundamentals:

The foundation of a strong pickleball game lies in mastering the fundamentals. Regularly practice your serves, volleys, dinks, and groundstrokes. Pay attention to your technique, ensuring that you’re using the correct form and footwork. Consistent practice of these basics will make them second nature during matches.

2. Set Clear Goals:

Before each practice session, set specific, achievable goals. Whether it’s improving your serve accuracy, perfecting your third-shot drop, or increasing your consistency in volleys, having clear objectives will help you focus your efforts and measure your progress.

3. Use Drills to Build Skills:

Drills are an excellent way to target specific aspects of your game. Incorporate a variety of drills that challenge different skills, such as speed, agility, shot placement, and reaction time. Drills like the “dink game” for soft shots or “volley-to-volley” exercises can sharpen your reflexes and enhance your control over the ball.

4. Play with a Purpose:

During practice matches or games, focus on applying what you’ve learned in drills. Experiment with different strategies and shots, and take note of what works and what doesn’t. Playing with intention helps you transition your practice into real-game scenarios, allowing you to adapt and respond effectively during actual matches.

5. Analyze and Reflect:

After practice sessions, take some time to reflect on your performance. Identify areas where you excelled and aspects that need improvement. Watching videos of your gameplay or seeking feedback from a coach or fellow player can provide valuable insights into your strengths and weaknesses.

6. Stay Consistent:

Consistency is key to improvement. Make a regular practice schedule and stick to it. Even short, focused practice sessions can lead to significant progress over time. The more you practice, the more confident and skilled you’ll become.

7. Enjoy the Process:

Finally, remember to enjoy the journey. Pickleball is a sport meant to be fun and engaging. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and keep a positive attitude. Enjoying the process will keep you motivated and eager to continue improving.

By incorporating these strategies into your practice routine, you’ll find yourself becoming a more well-rounded and skilled pickleball player. Whether you’re aiming to compete at a higher level or simply enjoy the game more, consistent practice is the pathway to success.

How To Know When To Be Offensive & Defensive When To Be Offensive At The Kitchen

Should I dink the ball back, should I dink the ball back or should I speed it up? If you second guess yourself you will end up missing or popping the ball up. When you are up at the kitchen there is NO TIME. You have to go with your first choice. To make life easy, use the diagram above. If the ball is above the net be offensive, if the ball is below the net or at the net be neutral or defensive. Even simpler… anything above the net HIT HARD. Anything below the net HIT SOFT.

Let’s explain why: when the ball is above the net the only way to hit the ball in is DOWN. You are swinging DOWN on the ball therefore you can be aggressive. When the ball is BELOW the net in order to get the ball in you have to hit UP. If you try to be aggressive (at a club level) you will hit the ball long.

Today, tomorrow or next time you are out on court. Use this up at the kitchen and see how many extra points you will win. Click here for a quick video example on this!

No Court? No Problem! Corporate Events

This Wednesday we hosted a corporate event for Pop! Promos at the Jasper House to promote their new paddles. When we say we can host a pickleball event on any flat surface we meant it! With our temporary setup Universal Rackets can make your team building pickleball event happen anywhere. Click here to book your next team building activity

Lesson of the Week: How To Hit A Topspin 3rd Shot Drop

Click here to view this week’s lesson

Thank you for reading and we can’t wait to see you on court!

-Universal Rackets