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Topspin, Slice & Flat Shots | 3 Serve Secrets | Summer Programs Are HERE

Universal Rackets Weekly Pickleball Update: Coaching - News - Tips

May 20, 2026

In partnership with

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Let’s Talk About Your Pickleball Game…🎯 🔥 

Stop Using Only One Type of Spin

One of the biggest mistakes players make in pickleball is relying on only one type of shot.

High level players understand how to mix spins, change rhythms, and keep opponents uncomfortable.

Think of it like golf.

You would never play an entire round using only one club.

The same applies in pickleball.

If you only use one type of spin, your game becomes predictable.

The three main spins every player should understand are topspin, flat, and slice.

Topspin is your insurance policy. By brushing up the back of the ball from low to high, you create downward rotation that makes the ball dip back into the court. This allows you to swing more aggressively while still maintaining margin for error. Topspin is ideal for drives, serves, and returns because it helps keep the ball lower and pushes your opponent back.

Flat shots are hit more directly through the ball with less upward motion. These shots travel faster through the court and take time away from your opponent. While flat shots have less margin for error, they are extremely effective for speed ups and put away volleys when you want to finish the point quickly.

Slice is the opposite of topspin. Instead of brushing low to high, you swing high to low with a slightly open paddle face to create backspin. Slice keeps the ball low, disrupts timing, and forces opponents to hit from uncomfortable positions. Slice is especially effective on returns, drops, and defensive shots because it slows the game down and changes the rhythm of the rally.

The best players do not hit the same ball over and over again.

They mix spins, speeds, and trajectories to keep opponents guessing.

Learning when to use topspin, flat shots, and slice will instantly make your game more dynamic, more unpredictable, and much more difficult to play against.

Universal Rackets Owner Tyler Stroyek Featured in The Pickleball Weekly Magazine

We’re excited to share that Universal Rackets owner and founder Tyler Stroyek was recently featured in Pickleball Weekly Magazine.

Tyler was recognized for his impact on the pickleball community through coaching, content creation, and building one of the fastest-growing pickleball and tennis program providers in the country through Universal Rackets.

From creating thousands of online coaching videos to helping run programs across multiple states, Tyler continues to focus on growing the game and making pickleball more accessible, structured, and fun for players of all ages and skill levels.

What started as a passion for teaching has grown into a nationwide platform featuring clinics, camps, tournaments, leagues, online coaching content, and community events.

Philly Area Pickleball Summer Programs Are In Full Swing!

What We Offer:

✅ Adult Clinics
✅ Junior Clinics
✅ Pickleball & Tennis Summer Camps
✅ DUPR Rating Clinics
✅ Competitive Tournaments
✅ Indoor & Outdoor Options
✅ Multiple Skill Levels
✅ Weekday & Weekend Offerings

Whether you’re just getting started, looking to improve your rating, or ready to compete — our programs are built to help you play smarter, move better, and gain confidence.

👉 Secure your spot today before programs fill up!

👟 Quick Tip Of The Week: Slice vs Topspin vs Flat Spins

3 Serve Progressions That Improve ANY Pickleball Serve

No matter how you serve, whether it is a drop serve, traditional serve, running serve, hard, soft, flat, or with spin, every great pickleball serve follows the same progression.

If you build your serve in the correct order, it becomes more consistent, more accurate, more powerful, and far more reliable under pressure.

The first progression is synchronization and rhythm.

Before worrying about power or spin, your paddle and ball need to work together. The ball drop and swing should feel smooth, connected, and relaxed. Most serve mistakes happen because timing is rushed or out of sync. When rhythm improves, tension disappears and the serve becomes much more repeatable.

The second progression is rotation and acceleration.

Once rhythm is established, controlled speed can be added. This does not mean muscling the ball harder. It means using body rotation, allowing the paddle to drop naturally, and accelerating smoothly through contact. Rotation happens first, acceleration second. When done correctly, topspin appears naturally, serves travel deeper, and the serve feels effortless instead of forced.

The third progression is legs and momentum.

Power comes last, not first. Advanced players generate pace by using their legs, weight transfer, and forward momentum together. When the body moves as one unit, power appears automatically without extra arm effort. This creates effortless pace while improving consistency and reducing stress on the shoulder and arm.

The biggest mistake players make is skipping steps and immediately trying to serve harder.

The best serves are built progressively:

• Synchronize the paddle and ball
• Rotate and accelerate smoothly
• Add legs and momentum

Follow that progression and any serve style will improve.

Program Spotlight #1: Jersey Shore Pickleball Clinics Start In June!

Summer Camps, Pickleball Clinics, and Tennis Clinics are returning to:
• Stone Harbor/Avalon
• Sea Isle

Come train with one of the fastest growing racket sports communities on the Jersey Shore this summer.

Programs available for juniors and adults of all skill levels from beginner to advanced. Whether you are looking to improve your game, stay active, meet people, or have fun with family and friends, we have something for everyone this summer.

Limited spots available for many programs.

Program Spotlight: Universal Rackets Summer Camps Are HERE!☀️

Our 2026 Pickleball & Tennis Summer Camps are officially open for registration!

With 70+ camps running across Pennsylvania and the Jersey Shore, Universal Rackets offers one of the largest summer racket sports camp lineups in the area.

Designed for all skill levels, our camps focus on:

🎾 Skill Development
🏃 Movement & Athleticism
🔥 High-Energy Drills & Games
🤝 Confidence, Competition & FUN

📍 Programs available across PA, Sea Isle City, and Stone Harbor / Avalon.

Whether your child is brand new or already experienced, our structured camps are built to help players improve while loving the game.

Lesson of the Week: Return Of Serve Masterclass

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

-Universal Rackets