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- The #1 Goal in Pickleball | Attack or Defend? | The Topspin Serve
The #1 Goal in Pickleball | Attack or Defend? | The Topspin Serve
Universal Rackets Weekly Pickleball Update: Coaching - News - Tips
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Universal Rackets Weekly Update!
Let’s Talk About Your Pickleball Game…
Takeaways
🔑 Key Takeaways
🎯 The #1 Goal in Pickleball
⬆️ When To Be Offensive & Defensive
👟 Forehand Slice DIY Drills
🚨 CRBN TruFoam™ Paddle Giveaway
📍 2026 PA & NJ Programs Are Live
🏕️ Junior Tennis & Pickleball Summer Camps Are Open
🎥 Topspin Serve Masterclass Inside
What Is The #1 Goal In Pickleball? (Most Players Get This Wrong)
Is it to stop popping the ball up?
To hit at your opponent’s feet?
To get to the kitchen?
You’re thinking too detailed.
Let’s simplify it.
The actual #1 goal in pickleball is this:
Get the ball in.
You might be thinking…
“Really? This is what I’m reading right now?”
Yes. Stick with me.
Players are afraid to pop the ball up at the kitchen… so they hit dinks into the net.
They try to paint the lines… and miss wide.
They aim serves right on the baseline… and miss long.
They worry their third shot drop will be too high… so they dump it short.
They have an overhead… worry their opponent might get it back… and overswing long.
What do all of those examples have in common?
Your opponent didn’t win the point.
You gave it to them.
It doesn’t matter who you’re playing.
Your opponent could drop their paddle.
They could be standing still.
If your ball is in the net, long, or wide…
It’s 100% their point.
No debate.
If you want to win more, focus less on perfect shots and more on reducing errors.
Make one more ball than your opponent.
That’s it.
Pickleball is played with a wiffle ball for a reason — the game is designed to allow rallies. The more balls that come back, the more opportunities your opponent has to miss.
You don’t need more winners.
You need fewer errors.
And if you simply commit to getting one more ball in play each rally…
You will win twice as many points.
2026 PA & NJ Pickleball and Tennis Programs Are Here!
More Programs Announced! New Locations and New Offerings
Universal Rackets is excited to roll out our Spring & Summer Pickleball programming, offering Adult Clinics, Junior Clinics, and 50+ Summer Camps designed for all ages and skill levels and built around fun, structure, and real improvement.
✅ Adult Pickleball Clinics
✅ Junior Pickleball Clinics
✅ Pickleball Summer Camps
✅ Indoor & Outdoor Options
✅ Multiple Skill Levels
✅ Weekday & Weekend Offerings
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to sharpen your skills, our programs are built to help you play smarter, improve faster, and enjoy every session.
👟 Drill of the Week: Forehand Slice DIY Drills
When it all clicks.
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🚨 GIVEAWAY ALERT: WIN A CRBN TruFoam™ Waves Pickleball Paddle! 🚨
We’re excited to announce that one lucky Universal Rackets reader will win a brand-new CRBN TruFoam™ Waves Pickleball Paddle 🎉
Here’s how to enter:
Purchase any Universal Rackets Adult Clinic, Junior Clinic, Summer Camp or eBook between February 11th and March 10th, and you will be automatically entered into the raffle.
One lucky winner will be chosen at random on March 11th Newsletter. Good luck!
How To Know When To Be Offensive & Defensive At The Kitchen
Should I dink the ball back, should I dink the ball back or should I speed it up? If you second guess yourself you will end up missing or popping the ball up. When you are up at the kitchen there is NO TIME. You have to go with your first choice. To make life easy, use the diagram above. If the ball is above the net be offensive, if the ball is below the net or at the net be neutral or defensive. Even simpler… anything above the net HIT HARD. Anything below the net HIT SOFT.
Let’s explain why: when the ball is above the net the only way to hit the ball in is DOWN. You are swinging DOWN on the ball therefore you can be aggressive. When the ball is BELOW the net in order to get the ball in you have to hit UP. If you try to be aggressive (at a club level) you will hit the ball long.
Today, tomorrow or next time you are out on court. Use this up at the kitchen and see how many extra points you will win. Click here for a quick video example on this!\
Program Spotlight #1: We Hosted A Corporate Pickleball Event In A Courtyard!
When we say we can host a pickleball event on any flat surface we mean it! With our temporary setup Universal Rackets can make your team building pickleball event happen anywhere. Click here to book your next team building activity
Program Spotlight #2: JUNIOR TENNIS & PICKLEBALL SUMMER CAMPS ARE HERE!
Summer is coming fast — and our Junior Tennis & Pickleball Summer Camps are officially open for registration!
Universal Rackets summer camps are designed to do more than just keep kids active. Our camps focus on skill development, confidence, teamwork, and FUN, all in a structured, positive environment led by professional coaches.
Whether your child is brand new to the sport or already competing, our camps meet them where they are and help them level up — both on and off the court.
What to Expect at Universal Rackets Summer Camps:
• Tennis & Pickleball options
• Ages grouped by age and skill level
• Beginner → Advanced instruction
• High-energy drills, games, and point play
• Emphasis on fundamentals, movement, and sportsmanship
• A fun, welcoming environment kids love
Our coaches create an experience that keeps kids engaged, learning, and excited to come back each day — while parents can feel confident their child is in great hands.
📍 Multiple Locations Available
📅 Weekly & Multi-Week Options
🎾 Tennis & Pickleball Camps Offered
Spots fill quickly every summer — especially beginner and prime-time sessions.
Lesson of the Week: Topspin Serve Masterclass How To Hit A Topspin Serve
Thank you for reading and we can’t wait to see you on court!
-Universal Rackets