Universal Rackets Weekly Update!

Let’s Talk About Your Pickleball Game

How To Get A Higher Pickleball Rating: The Fastest Way

Maybe you are a 3.0 wanting to become a 4.0, maybe you are a 4.0 wanting to finally be a 5.0. What is the fastest way to get better? How can you level up?

If you want to take your game to the next level as fast as possible there are two main things that you have to do:

#1: Drill more than you play. Playing will only get you so good, playing games can actually decrease your level (depending on who you play). As Bruce Lee said: "I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.” Drilling will allow you to practice that “kick” or “dink” 10,000 times. Drilling will allow you to have hundreds of reps at multiple shots. If you can practice reps, rather than games (where you may only hit that one shot 10 times) you will get better. You will establish confidence and rhythm, so when its game time you will effortlessly execute the shot (since you did it 10000x drilling)

Click here for Tyler and Michele’s Drilling Routine

#2: Play people better than you OR Win The Right Way (if players are lower) If you play people better than you, you will be able to improve your game because it will force you to hit the right shots. For example if you hit a drive (anytime) at a 2.5 player chances are you will win the point. If you hit a drive (at the wrong time) against a 5.5 player you will lose the point. Playing people higher than you will force you to do the right thing, if not you will loose the point. Here’s the thing, if you are able to play with people higher than you, you’re lucky. The harsh reality is pickleballers who are higher in skill level do not want to play with pickleballers who are lower in skill level, for the same reason in the example above. How can you play people higher level than you? Enter tournaments! Click here to see our upcoming tournaments & special events.

If you are like the 90% of pickleballers and usually play people at or below your level for rec play, you will have To Win The Right Way. Have you ever heard of the book Winning Ugly by Brad Gilbert? (amazing read for any racket sports player) DO NOT WIN UGLY IF YOU ARE TRYING TO GET TO THE NEXT LEVEL. Save it for competition and tournaments… not your local park:) If you win “ugly” or the “wrong way” you will not get better. You’ll actually get worse. Yes if you are a 4.0 and playing a 2.5: chances are if you hit the ball as hard as possible at them you will win the point and the match however you will not get better. Say you are 4.0 driving every ball for 2-3 hours at 2.5s (since they are the only people at the park that day) winning the points. Now tomorrow when you go play your league with 4.5 players you are going to try to drive the ball (since you developed it yesterday) you are going to lose, the 4.5 is just going to volley the ball back, or let it go long and win the point! By playing the “wrong” way at the park you actually got “worse”.

If you wish to get better: when you go out to the local park courts and play games with 2.5s pick something and work on it. Maybe you are going to hit a drop and then 3 dinks before going to win the point. Maybe you are going to dink every ball back and let your opponent’s make the error, focusing on consistency and patience. Maybe you are going to work on getting every serve deep near the baseline rather than hitting as fast as possible. Will you lose more points? Probably! Will you lose some games? Maybe! Will you get better because you are trying to win the “right way” ABSOLUTELY! Now fast forward to tomorrow when you have your league with 4.5 players you are going to be able to apply what you worked on yesterday and you will win more points!

THAT IS HOW YOU GET BETTER IN PICKLEBALL!

So after reading this I want you to do the following DO NOT KEEP SCROLLING UNTIL YOU DO THIS

1. Text Your Pickleball Friend & Say “Hey are you available to drill tomorrow?” Note: a could drilling partner can be a bit below, at, or above your level.

2. Text A Person Better Than You & Say “Hey are you available this week to get a game in?” Just ask, you never know they may be itching to get a game in this week and they might say yes:)

3. On A Postcard Write Down One Thing That You Are Going To Work On Next Time You Play A Team Lower Level Than You: Put this in your pickleball bag so you will have it!

PA & New Jersey Fall/Winter Programs Start Next Week!

Universal Rackets is excited to be offering programming in 25+ locations all over the PA/Jersey shore area including youth clinics, camps, adult clinics, social tournaments, picklepaloozas, fundraising events and more. As you're all in one inclusive pickleball and tennis community provider we are excited to have opportunities for everyone. We can’t wait to see you on court this season!

Click here to view all of our programs!

Upcoming Tournaments & Events

Click here to register for the Main Line & Beyond PicklePalooza on September 7th! (100% of proceeds will be donated to The Universal Rackets Junior Scholarship Fund!)

Click here to register for the Open Hearth Fundraiser Tournament & Open Play on September 14th!

Click here to register for the Haveford Fall Classic Pickleball Tournament on September 28th!

Click here to register for the La Salle University Fall Classic Pickleball Tournament on October 5th

Click here to register for the Sea Isle Fall Classic Pickleball Tournament on October 19th

How To Make Drilling FUN and ENJOYABLE!

If you read above, drilling is essential to improving your pickleball game. However many people do not like to do it… but the reason why is because they are not doing it properly! Too many players we so go out to drill with 1 or 2 balls and that’s it. They are spending just as much time if not more chasing after/picking up the balls more than actually drilling! Use this list to have fun and enjoyable drilling experience.

• Have A TON Of Balls: drilling is repetition, the more balls you have, the less you have to stop and pickup. (you should only be stopping to get a water break not balls) If you have to stop more pick up balls than to get water/take a break. You need more!

• Have QUALITY BALLS: drilling requires tons of shots, so balls can crack/get warped. A quality ball will make the experience so much better. The Selkirk Pro S1 is currently the best durable ball on the market and the official ball of Universal Rackets (note we are sponsored by Selkirk, but if we were not we would still be promoting it!) These balls do not crack, these balls do not warp, theses balls are the most durable on the market. Click here to purchase. Make sure to use our code ADV-UNIVERSAL at checkout for a gift card with your purchase. Note: we are linking a case of 100 which is the perfect amount for drilling

• Have a BALL CART: a ball cart with wheels will allow you to easily grab (not have to bend down or hold in pockets) balls with ease. Drilling with a ball cart vs without is like night and day. Click here to purchase the ball cart we use.

• Have a BALL TUBE: the worst thing is to head to the courts and forget your ball tube, when it’s time for pickup you have to bend down and pick up every single ball. Not fun! With a ball tube, you just push it down pick up the balls (when it is full you empty out the other side) EASY! This will make your pickleball game (and lower back) so much better because you will not have to strain to pick up balls. Click here to purchase the ball tube we use

Elevate Your Game: Tips To Become a Better Pickleball Player

Whether you’re new to pickleball or have been playing for years, there’s always room for improvement. Becoming a better player requires focus, practice, and a willingness to learn. Here are some essential tips to help you elevate your game and reach new heights on the court:

1. Master the Basics:

The foundation of any great player is a solid understanding of the basics. Make sure your grip, stance, and footwork are correct. Regularly practice your serves, volleys, and dinks to ensure consistency. Repetition of these fundamental skills will make them second nature, allowing you to focus on strategy during matches.

2. Develop a Strong Mental Game:

Pickleball is as much a mental game as it is physical. Learn to stay calm under pressure, keep your focus, and maintain a positive attitude—even when the match isn’t going your way. Visualization and positive self-talk can be powerful tools to help you stay mentally sharp and confident on the court.

3. Improve Your Footwork:

Good footwork is crucial for being in the right place at the right time. Practice drills that enhance your agility and speed, such as lateral shuffles and quick pivots. Being quick on your feet allows you to reach shots more effectively and maintain balance during rallies.

4. Focus on Shot Placement:

Power is important, but shot placement is often what wins points. Work on placing your shots where your opponent least expects them. Aim for the corners, target your opponent’s weaker side, and use a mix of deep and soft shots to keep them guessing. A well-placed shot can be more effective than a powerful one.

5. Learn to Anticipate:

Great players anticipate their opponent’s next move. Pay attention to their positioning, body language, and shot patterns. The more you play, the better you’ll become at reading your opponent and predicting their shots, giving you a strategic advantage.

6. Practice with Purpose:

Every practice session should have a goal. Whether you’re working on a specific shot, improving your endurance, or refining your strategy, practicing with purpose will help you progress faster. Challenge yourself by playing against stronger opponents and participating in drills that target your weaknesses.

7. Seek Feedback and Learn from Others:

Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from coaches or more experienced players. They can offer valuable insights into your game and suggest areas for improvement. Watching professional matches or playing with different partners can also expose you to new strategies and techniques.

8. Stay Physically Fit:

Pickleball requires endurance, strength, and flexibility. Incorporate regular physical fitness into your routine to stay in top shape. Exercises that focus on cardio, core strength, and flexibility will enhance your performance and reduce the risk of injury.

9. Keep Learning:

The best players are always learning. Stay curious and open to new techniques, strategies, and ideas. Attend clinics, watch instructional videos, and read up on the latest trends in pickleball. The more knowledge you gain, the more versatile and adaptable you’ll become on the court.

10. Have Fun and Enjoy the Process:

Remember, pickleball is a game meant to be enjoyed. Keep the fun in your game by playing with different people, trying new strategies, and celebrating your progress. The more you enjoy playing, the more motivated you’ll be to keep improving.

By focusing on these key areas, you’ll see significant improvements in your pickleball game. Whether you’re aiming to compete at a higher level or simply enjoy the game more, these tips will help you on your journey to becoming a better player. See you on the court!

Lesson of the Week: How To Hit A 2 Handed Backhand Volley

Click here to view this week’s lesson

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

-Universal Rackets