Universal Rackets Weekly Update!

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The Secret To A Better Return of Serve

In Pickleball: when you are moving forward you are on offense when you are moving backward you are on defense. You do not want to be on defense, you ALWAYS want to be moving forward until you are at the kitchen. When you are at the kitchen you are in the best position to win. As a returner you get the first opportunity to the kitchen (in an offensive position) as the server has to stay back for their 3rd.

Too many players think you have to stand on the baseline in order to return, while this is true for the serve, this is not true for the return! In general most serves land deep, if you stand close to the baseline the first thing you have to do in order to hit the return is MOVE BACK to adjust to the shot. When you “move back” you are on DEFENSE. Not only you are moving backwards, but moving backwards will cost you time, so when you hit your next shot you will be further back in the transition zone limiting your ability to hit an offensive or even neutral shot.

The secret to a better return of serve? Stand 2 to 3 steps back compared to where you typically stand for a return of serve (stand behind the baseline), now if you receive a normal pickleball serve, you will be hitting the ball while MOVING FORWARD and you will be on OFFENSE. By moving forward your next shot will be closer or at the kitchen allowing you to hit a neutral or offensive shot.

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

PA & New Jersey Fall/Winter Programs Are Here!

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 La Salle University Fall Classic Pickleball Tournament on October 19th

No More Nerves During Competitive Pickleball: Steal This Strategy!

Many beginner/intermediate players come out “full swinging”. As soon as their match starts, they come out trying to play like Ben Johns, pulverizing each ball, trying to hit it as hard as they can. Soon they find themselves only starting to miss, making a ton of unforced errors. If you set the bar too high, the only way you can go is down!. When you start out on court, start slow and work your way up. Think of pickleball like riding a mountain bike. Start on gear 1, once you pick up speed you shift to gear 2, gear 3, you keep on shifting until you reach top speed. What about when you encounter a hill, or some form or resistance? You down shift! Maybe go back to gear 2, maybe even go back to gear 1, surely once you pick up speed you will work your way up again. We need to approach matches like this. When you feel good, increase speed, increase precision when you feel bad ease off. If you miss a couple of serves/returns/drops in a row “downshift” (take speed off/add more margin). If you start to get consistent with your shots “upshift” (increase speed/become more precise). Some matches you will find out that you will not even have to go up to gear 7! One time you may be able to beat a player on gear 2 or 3. Only shift up when needed. Many pros use this technique, think of Ben Johns playing a first round match against a qualifier (During this match Johns might not exceed gear 2) versus Johns playing McGuffin in the final. (During this match Johns might go as high as gear 10!) Give this a try next time you are on court!

If you feel like you get “tight” during matches, if you struggle with nerves during competition this is a great mindset to have. Doing this will allow you to work your way up and gain confidence throughout the match rather than going all out at first. Think you will gain 1000x more confidence and feel better making 20 returns at 70% power than missing 10 out of 20 returns hitting at 100% power. You will gain 1000x more confidence and feel better aiming drops with higher margin making 90% of drops rather than hitting 50% of drops into the net trying to be precise. Try it, have less nerves and win more points!

Stay Hydrated: The Key to Peak Performance on the Pickleball Court

Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining peak performance during pickleball, especially as temperatures rise and matches become more intense. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, and a decline in focus—all of which can negatively impact your game. Here’s why hydration is essential and how you can keep your body properly fueled on the court.

1. Why Hydration Matters: Hydration is vital for regulating your body temperature, lubricating your joints, and delivering nutrients to your muscles. When you sweat during physical activity, your body loses water and electrolytes, which need to be replenished to maintain energy levels and prevent overheating. Even mild dehydration can decrease your performance and increase the risk of injury.

2. Start Hydrating Before You Play: Don’t wait until you’re on the court to start hydrating. Begin drinking water several hours before your match to ensure your body is well-prepared. Aim to drink about 16-20 ounces of water two to three hours before playing. This gives your body time to absorb the fluids and get ready for the physical demands of pickleball.

3. Hydrate During Play: During your match, make it a habit to drink small amounts of water regularly. Taking a few sips during breaks or between games can help keep your hydration levels steady. For longer matches or particularly hot days, consider incorporating an electrolyte drink to replenish the salts and minerals lost through sweat. Look for drinks that are low in sugar but rich in essential electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium.

4. Know the Signs of Dehydration: It’s important to recognize the signs of dehydration before they affect your performance. Symptoms can include thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, and fatigue. If you notice any of these signs, take a break, move to a shaded area, and rehydrate immediately. Ignoring dehydration can lead to more severe issues like heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

5. Post-Match Hydration: After your match, continue hydrating to help your body recover. Drinking water or an electrolyte-rich beverage can aid in replenishing the fluids lost during play. If you’ve had an especially intense match, consider adding a recovery drink or snack that includes a balance of protein and carbohydrates to support muscle recovery and restore energy levels.

6. Listen to Your Body: Everyone’s hydration needs are different, so it’s important to listen to your body and adjust your fluid intake accordingly. Factors like temperature, humidity, intensity of play, and your own sweat rate will influence how much you need to drink.

By staying mindful of your hydration, you’ll ensure that your body remains in top condition, allowing you to play your best on the pickleball court. Remember, proper hydration isn’t just about quenching your thirst—it’s about maintaining your overall health and performance. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll stay refreshed and ready to dominate your next match!

Universal Rackets Influencer PickleballwithTyler met with Dr. Mafdali from Baptist Health to learn more about hydration on the pickleball court. Click here to see Dr. Mafdali’s top hydration tip!

Lesson of the Week: Pickleball Footwork Masterclass: Serves, Returns, Transition Zone, Kitchen and More!

Click here to view this week’s lesson

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

-Universal Rackets