Universal Rackets Weekly Update!

Let’s Talk About Your Pickleball Game

The Benefits Of Slice & Topspin

A pitcher has their fastball, curveball and changeup as a pickle baller has their flat, topspin and slice. Variety in pickleball can take your game to the next level. Have you ever played someone much better than you in pickleball and feel as if “you played the best pickleball in your life” but you lost 0-11, 0-11 and you played another player way less killed than you and feel as if “you played the worst pickleball in your life” but you won 11-0, 11-0”? Why is this? Because when you were in a rhythm against the better player, when you play people substantially less skilled you will not be able to get into a rhythm. OR why do you “play so well” only in drilling and not in match play? Because you are in a rhythm when you drill. By incorporating different spins into your pickleball game you will be able to keep opponent guessing, out of a rhythm and win more points.

There are two main spins that you as a pickleballer should know: 1. slice 2. topspin

For Topspin, the ball is spinning downwards, when it hits the ground it will kick up towards your opponent. Topspin allows you to be more aggressive, push your opponents back and also have more margin for error on your shots. A ball that has topspin will dive into a court while a flat ball will go long. If you ever want to “keep your drives in” when you are inside the court you will have to hit topspin. Essentially if you are hitting a ball that is around hip heigh with power from at or inside the baseline the only way you can do this is with topspin. If you do not hit topspin, you will have to slow your shot down and allow gravity to keep the ball in.

For Slice, the ball is spinning backwards, when it hits the ground it will die down and stay low. Slice allows you to hit off speed, disrupt your opponent’s rhythm, and force your opponent to get low and hit up. A ball that has slice will either curve to the left or to the right depending on your swing path. A slice can be used as an offensive or defensive shot. At the beginner/advanced level, many players are not used to returning this type of spin, so it can carry a substantial advantage.

Now how do you hit Topspin? Think 12 o’clock is at your head and 6 o’clock is at your feet. You must swing from 6 to 12, your swing path needs to be vertical and upward, your swing path needs to be low to high. Also, adjust your paddle face and tilt it slightly downward.

Now how do you hit Slice? Instead of swinging low to high like topspin you must swing high to low. Think 12 o’clock is at your head and 6 o’clock is at your feet. You must swing from 1.5 o’clock to 7.5 o’clock. You must swing down/diagonal this will help you get the back of the ball to create backspin. Also, adjust your paddle face and tilt it slightly upward.

Click here for a short video describing topspin vs slice

For both spins: the slower you hit the ball, the more time you will give it to react and exaggerate the spin. Click here to see an example of this (see how in the 2nd set of serves the “dip” is much more substantial.

🗣️ Jersey Shore Pickleball Programming Is Here!

Get ready to paddle up because Universal Rackets is bringing a wave of pickleball excitement to Sea Isle City and Stone Harbor!

Join us for an array of programs catered to all skill levels and ages, including:

• Adult Clinics

• Junior Camps

• Round Robins & Mixers

• DUPR Rating Clinics & More!

Whether you’re a seasoned player or just picking up the paddle for the first time, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

For Sea Isle Programs visit: www.sictennispickleball.com

For Stone Harbor Programs visit: www.7milepickleball.com

Over 60+ Junior Summer Camps Are Starting Soon!

Universal Rackets is thrilled to offer programming at 38+ 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!

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

Lesson of the Week: How To A Smash & Put Away

Click here to view this week’s lesson

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

-Universal Rackets