Universal Rackets Weekly Update!

Let’s Talk About Your Pickleball Game

🎯 1 Easy Fix To Block Back Fast Shots

Many players struggle when they have to return a ball that is hit hard and fast at them. This one simple fix below paired with strategy tips will allow you to block & defend hard shots with ease.

Here is why players can’t hit hard shots: because they are having their paddle meet the ball. In other words: they are up at net, the ball is coming (hard & fast) and while the ball is traveling they have to get their paddle out to reach the ball and they are late, jammed and cannot hit the ball back

Here is how players can hit hard shots: players should have the ball meet the paddle. That means already having the paddle out in front. In other words: as soon as they notice a hard shot is coming, players should stick the paddle out prior to the ball even crosses the net, now the ball meets the paddle, they are early, out in front, and can block the ball back with ease.

When a ball comes hard you need to BLOCK, NOT SWING!

Remember the rule of 10: 1 being the slowest 10 being the fastest, 1 being the smallest swing, 10 being the longest swing. If the ball is traveling at a “9” (super fast), then you need to swing at a “1” (super short). If the ball is traveling at an “3” (slower than average), then you need to swing at a “7” (larger than average). The faster the ball the shorter a swing, the slower the ball the larger of a swing. When fast keep your swings short and compact!

Click here for a full video on how to INSTANTLY Improve Your Return

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!

Click here to view all of our programs!

Big News: Our First Annual Universal Rackets Northeast Staff Workshop!

We’re excited to share that we recently hosted our First Annual Northeast Staff Workshop—bringing together the amazing coaches, instructors, and team members who lead our tennis and pickleball programs across the region. This workshop was all about investing in our team so we can continue delivering the best experience possible to our communities. From program planning and teaching techniques to fun team-building on the courts, it was a day filled with connection, collaboration, and a shared passion for growing the game. With Universal Rackets now serving over 35+ communities and 10,000+ players, we’re more committed than ever to providing high-quality instruction, memorable events, and inclusive programs for all.

Inside Our Junior PicklePalooza!

💥 Stop Hitting Winners — Start Forcing Errors

Everyone wants to hit winners in pickleball… but the smartest players know: you win more by forcing errors, not going for highlight shots.

Let’s break this down:

At lower to intermediate levels, 70-80% of points are lost, not won. That means your job isn’t to be flashy—it’s to be consistent, smart, and apply pressure.

Here’s how to do that:

🎯 Be a Wall at the Kitchen

You don’t need to hit hard to win points.

You need to stay balanced, control your paddle face, and keep your dink unattackable. Your goal? Give them nothing to work with. They get impatient. They pop it up. Then you attack.

👀 Make Them Move

Most players prefer hitting from a comfortable, balanced stance. Take that away.

 • Dink wide and slow to open up space

 • Attack off the bounce to catch them on their heels

 • Hit into their body to jam them

A well-placed, medium-paced shot does more damage than a full-speed drive that goes out.

🤔 Think One Shot Ahead

Instead of trying to end the point, ask yourself:

 • “If I hit this shot, what will their next shot be?”

 • “Will it be easy or hard for them?”

You don’t need to win the rally now—you just need to control it.

💪 Drill It: The Unforced Error Challenge

In your next practice or rec game, try this:

 • Play a game where you’re not allowed to go for any winners

 • Focus only on hitting neutral balls, resets, and dinks

 • See how many points your opponents give you just by messing up

You’ll be surprised how many games you win just by being solid.

👉 Bottom line:

Let your opponents lose the point.

Stay calm, stay consistent, and let the errors pile up.

Lesson of the Week: The Ultimate Forehand 3rd Shot Drive Footwork Guide

Click here to view this week’s lesson

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

-Universal Rackets