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  • How To Hit Hard | 🚨 Get Your DUPR Player Rating | How To Play With People Better Than You

How To Hit Hard | 🚨 Get Your DUPR Player Rating | How To Play With People Better Than You

Universal Rackets Weekly Pickleball Update: Coaching - News - Tips

October 23, 2025

Universal Rackets Weekly Update!

Let’s Talk About Your Pickleball Game…

🔑Takeaways

💥 How To Hit Hard → Power starts from the ground up. Rotate, accelerate, and stay loose — let the paddle do the work for effortless speed.

🎯 Play With Better Players → Simplify your role, respect the pace, use the middle, and expect every ball back — that’s how you compete (and improve) fast.

📊 Get Your DUPR Rating → Join Coach David’s DUPR Clinic to track your true skill level, get matched with the right players, and see measurable progress.

👟 Drill of the Week → Two Balls At Once Drill — builds quick reactions, control under pressure, and consistency in fast rallies.

🌊 CRBN TruFoam Wave Drop → New 100% foam-core paddle delivers legal power + spin. Use code UNIVERSALfor 10% off all CRBN gear.

🍂 Fall 2 Programs Live → 38+ locations across PA, NJ, TX, FL & IL. Clinics, round robins, tournaments & Ready Set Rackets for all ages.

🏓 Volley Tip → High ball? Close your paddle face. Low ball? Open it. Control depth, consistency, and placement every time.

🎾 Program Spotlight → The Radnor Champions PicklePalooza brought smiles, teamwork, and inclusion for kids with special needs — next one Nov 16th!

📘 Lesson of the Week → How To Get Good At Pickleball Fast — smart strategies and simple adjustments to level up quickly.

How To Hit Hard: Instant Power To EVERY Shot

Everyone wants to hit their serves, drives, and returns 5–10 mph faster.

But when players try to hit hard, a few things usually happen:

  • The ball sails long 🎈

  • Their arm or shoulder starts to hurt 😣

  • They think they just need more strength 💪

Here’s the truth: it doesn’t matter your age, strength, or level — anyone can hit a powerful shot with the right technique. Apply these key concepts and you’ll unlock effortless, controlled power.

⚡ Secret #1: Power Comes From The Ground Up

Real power starts from your legs and lower body — not your arm.

Use your legs, hips, and rotation to generate force.

Most players think “swing harder” means “hit harder,” but that only adds tension and risk of injury. Let your lower body do the heavy lifting, and your arm will just guide the shot.

🔄 Secret #2: Rotation + Acceleration = Power

If you want to hit a bigger ball, you need both rotation and acceleration.

To rotate: exaggerate your body turn, load your hips, and get sideways.

To accelerate: commit to your swing, exhale through contact, and follow through with intent.

When your body works together in one smooth chain — legs → core → paddle — power becomes automatic.

🖌️ Secret #3: Let The Paddle Work For You

Think of your paddle like a paintbrush, not a hammer.

Hold it loose, stay relaxed, and trust the paddle’s natural rebound. The looser your grip, the faster and freer your swing — and the more power you’ll generate with less effort..

6 Tips To Play With People Better Than You

You’re at the park, “next four up” is called, and you realize you’re playing with Nancy—the same player your friend just said won a senior pro event last week. You don’t want to be the weak link; you just want a solid match. Use these tips (in no particular order):

Tip #1: Ask to Play the Right Side

On most teams, the right-side player is more of a backboard and sees fewer middle balls. You’ll get more balls straight at you, while your partner typically covers true middle. It’s a great way to simplify your role.

Tip #2: Respect Their Skill (Don’t Force It)

Tempted to “test” the top player with a crosscourt speed-up? If it’s not there, don’t take it. High-level players punish forced attacks. Pick your moments; if you go hard, make sure it’s the right ball at the right time.

Tip #3: Low/Middle = Reset; High = Finish

Against stronger players, get everything back when it’s low or in the middle—block, reset, or dink. When you actually get a high ball, then go ahead and finish. Only green-light what’s truly attackable.

Tip #4: Use the Middle

Down the middle reduces angles, creates confusion, and gives you a larger margin for error. It’s a high-percentage target that keeps you in points and can draw pop-ups.

Tip #5: Slow It Down & Enjoy It

Playing up can trigger fight-or-flight. Breathe. Treat it like a learning session. Take your time, stick to your patterns, and enjoy the challenge. Even in a lopsided game, you can win patterns and points.

Tip #6: Expect Everything Back

At higher levels, “winners” often come back. Be ready until the ball is out, in the net, or bounces twice. Anticipate counters, keep your paddle up, and stay balanced between shots.

Bottom line: simplify your role, respect the pace, and play percentage pickleball. You’ll compete better now—and level up faster for next time.

🗣️ 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.

Quick Drill Of The Week

Two Balls At Once Drill

Setup:

  • Have you are your partner feed a ball to each other at the same time and hit straight ahead.

  • This forces you to be ready, takes time away and stay controlled

Rules:

  • try to count how many you can get in a row

Goal:

To practice playing under pressure, sticking to a goal (a normal dink( and urgency n a controlled environment. By having two balls at one you will have to be ready faster and place your dink a certain way to make it continuous for yoru partner

🌊 Big News: CRBN TruFoam Wave is OUT NOW!

CRBN is changing the game again with the release of the TruFoam™ Wave Series=

🔥 What’s New?

  • 100% Foam Core – delivers maximum legal power.

  • More Spin & Control – cutting-edge core tech gives you a bigger sweet spot.

  • Early Access available now at CRBN Pickleball.

Special Discount for Our Players

As part of this partnership, all Universal Rackets players get 10% off their CRBN orders.

👉 Use code UNIVERSAL at checkout and save today!

Bottom Line: CRBN makes some of the best paddles on the market, and we’re thrilled to bring this partnership to our players. Don’t miss your chance to try them out — risk-free, with 10% off.

🍂 Fall 2 Programs Are Here!

Universal Rackets is kicking off another exciting season — now offering indoor and outdoor programs at 38+ locations across PA, NJ, TX, FL, and IL!

Whether you’re looking for:

✅ Adult or Youth Clinics

✅ Rating Clinics

✅ Ready Set Rackets (Toddler Pickleball & Tennis Programs)

✅ Social Tournaments

✅ Round Robins

✅ Picklepaloozas

✅ Fundraising Events

✅ …or just a great way to play —

We’ve got something for every pickleballer and tennis player, at every age and skill level.

Why Universal Rackets?

As your all-in-one, inclusive community provider, Universal Rackets makes it easy to get involved. We offer:

  • Flexible scheduling — weekdays, weekends, mornings, and evenings.

  • Expert instruction for all levels.

  • Programs designed to build skills and community.

📍 Register Now by Region

Don’t wait — spots fill fast every fall!

Grab your paddle, invite your friends, and join us on court this season.

🏓 Adjust Your Paddle Face to Hit Better Volleys

The angle of your paddle face determines where your volley goes — and whether it stays in the court.

  • High Balls → Close the Face

    When the ball is high, you need to hit “down” to keep it in play. Slightly close your paddle face so the ball drives back into the court instead of sailing long.

  • Low Balls → Open the Face

    When the ball is low, you need to lift it over the net. Slightly open your paddle face so the ball travels upward with control and clears the net without popping up.

Mastering paddle-face adjustment will help you control pace, depth, and consistency on every volley — especially when reacting to fast exchanges at the kitchen.

🎾 Program Spotlight: Radnor Champions Pickleball Clinic

This past weekend, we had the honor of hosting the Radnor Township Champions PicklePalooza — a special event designed for boys and girls with special needs. 🎉

The goal of this event was simple: to create a fun, inclusive, and encouraging pickleball experience for kids with developmental differences. The clinic focused on teamwork, communication, social skills, and learning the fundamentals of pickleball — all in a friendly, low-pressure environment.

Our incredible team of professional coaches and dedicated volunteers ensured that every participant felt supported, confident, and celebrated. From smiles on the court to new friendships formed, it was an unforgettable day for everyone involved. 💙

We’re thrilled to announce that our next Champions PicklePalooza will take place on Sunday, November 16th!

➡️ Register now at www.radnorpickleball.com

Lesson of the Week: How To Get Good At Pickleball Fast - Best Tips & Tricks To Improve Quickly

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

-Universal Rackets