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- What To Do After You Serve - Get Your Pickleball Rating Today - #1 Pickleball Tip You’re Probably Not Doing
What To Do After You Serve - Get Your Pickleball Rating Today - #1 Pickleball Tip You’re Probably Not Doing
Universal Rackets Weekly Pickleball Update: Coaching - News - Tips
Universal Rackets Weekly Update!
Let’s Talk About Your Pickleball Game
🎯 Mastering the 3rd Shot: What to Do After You Serve
Ever feel like you’re losing too many points on your serve? Here’s the scenario: You serve… you or your partner hit the 3rd shot… your opponents are already at the net… and you feel stuck. You’re either caught in transition, unable to reach the next shot, or just unsure of what to do next. Let’s fix that.
🧠 The 3rd Shot Decision Tree
Think of your 3rd shot like a problem-solving chart: IF this… THEN do that. It starts with one key question: Did you hit a DRIVE or a DROP?
🏓 If You Hit a DROP: Know Your Outcome
There are 3 types of drops:
1. Effective
2. Decent
3. Bad
✅ Scenario 1: “Effective” Drop
Definition: Your drop forces your opponent to let it bounce, their head/body bends downward, and they’re contacting the ball below the net.
What to do: Move up ASAP. This is your green light. They’ll have to hit up, which gives you an offensive opportunity.
⚖️ Scenario 2: “Decent” Drop
Definition: The opponent contacts the ball at or slightly above/below net height. They can’t attack, but they’re not in trouble either.
What to do: Use the time the ball is in the air to move up slightly and set your position. Stay balanced and ready.
🚨 Scenario 3: “Bad” Drop
Definition: Your drop is popped up and your opponent is contacting the ball high above the net, swinging down into your court.
What to do: Step back, get the ball back in play, and look to reset with your next shot. Don’t panic — this is where high-level players shine. They stay calm, keep the ball in play, and wait for a better drop opportunity.
The secret: Have a “next ball mentality.” Just because you’re on defense doesn’t mean the point is over. One more shot, one more chance — your opponent could make a mistake or give you a gift.
🔥 Pro Tip: Feel > Result
Recreational players wait to see if their drop was “good or bad.”
High-level players go by feel — they know the second it leaves their paddle.
Why does this matter? If it feels like a good drop, you can start moving up sooner and win more points.
In pickleball, time is currency — feel gives you more of it.
💪 If You Hit a DRIVE: Move with Intention
Too many players hit a drive, then either:
1. Wait too long to move, or
2. Sprint blindly to the kitchen.
Here’s the truth: Drives are fast. The faster your drive, the faster the reply. If you just hit and sprint forward, you’ll often arrive too late or get jammed.
What to Do After a Drive:
• Move forward with control.
• Set your feet when your opponent makes contact.
• THEN move up to the kitchen.
If your drive leads to a pop-up — awesome! Move in and attack. But don’t assume that will happen every time. Be ready to play the next ball with balance and intention.
🎯 Bottom Line: Hit With Intention. Move With Purpose.
After reading this, you won’t just be hitting 3rd shots — you’ll be playing with a plan. You’ll know exactly how to respond based on the quality of your drop or drive. That’s the difference between playing and competing. See you on the courts
🗣️ Coach David Says: “It’s Time for YOU to Get a DUPR Rating!” Join A DUPR Rating Clinic With Coach David!
Whether you’re a weekend warrior, tournament junkie, or just someone who loves a good game of pickleball, Coach David has one message for you: it’s time to get DUPR rated. So… what’s the big deal with DUPR? The Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) is quickly becoming the gold standard for tracking your skill level. It’s trusted by pros, clubs, and leagues across the country—and now it’s your turn to jump in.
Coach David breaks it down:
• “DUPR helps you track progress.” Every match you play counts toward your rating. Win or lose, you’re building your profile.
• “No more guesswork.” Tired of wondering if you’re a 3.0, 3.5, or 4.0? DUPR does the math and gives you an accurate, updated skill rating.
• “Better matchups = better games.” With a DUPR rating, you’re more likely to play against others at your level—leading to more fun, more competition, and more improvement.
How to Get Rated:
We’re hosting DUPR Rating Clinics at select Universal Rackets locations. These events include: Live match play, Coaching and feedback from Universal Rackets pros, A verified DUPR rating within 24–48 hours, Tons of fun and community energy. So if you’ve been asking yourself, “What level am I really?”—Coach Dave has your answer: Get on the court. Get rated. Let’s play.
100s of Programs Are Starting Near You!
Universal Rackets is thrilled to offer programming at 35+ locations across the PA, NJ, TX, FL, IL area including adult/youth clinics, rating clinics, camps, adult clinics, social tournaments, Picklepaloozas, fundraising events, and more. As your all-in-one, inclusive pickleball and tennis community provider, we are proud to offer opportunities for all ages and skill levels, with flexible scheduling that includes weekends, weekdays, mornings, and evenings!
The #1 Pickleball Tip You’re Probably Not Doing: Split Step Timing
You’ve heard it before: “Stay on your toes!” But what you really need is proper split step timing — and this simple move can completely change your reaction time during rallies.
Here’s how it works:
🟢 What is a split step?
A small hop or bounce that gets you in a balanced, athletic stance right before your opponent hits the ball.
🕐 When should you do it?
Right as your opponent makes contact with the ball.
Too early? You’ll be stuck. Too late? You’ll be flat-footed.
Time it with their swing, and you’ll instantly feel quicker and more reactive.
💡 Why it matters:
• You’ll cover more court with less effort
• You’ll stay balanced during quick exchanges
• You’ll reduce pop-ups and bad footwork
🎯 Pro Tip: Watch high-level players — they all split step before every shot (outside of the kitchen). It’s the hidden secret to staying in points longer and reacting faster.
Try this in your next game. Just focusing on your split step can instantly level up your game without changing a single shot.
💥 Positioning Adjustments Are the Key to a Great Return
If you’re struggling with your return of serve, it’s probably not your swing — it’s your positioning.
✅ Feel jammed or like the serve is coming in too fast? Move back.
✅ Feel like you can’t get to the ball or it’s dropping short? Move up.
✅ Opponent keeps targeting your backhand? Shift left to open up your forehand (or right if you’re a lefty).
🎯 Moral of the story: Adjust your position based on the server, not just the ball.
If your returns aren’t working, don’t keep standing in the same spot — make a small change and watch your return game improve instantly.
Lesson of the Week: How To Instantly Get More Power On Return Of Serve
Thank you for reading and we can’t wait to see you on court!
-Universal Rackets