When you find yourself in open play competing against younger players with a different skillset, it can be a daunting task. Here are two actionable strategies to help you stay competitive and play your best against these dynamic players;
1. Respect the Power Serve
Younger players often bring a powerful serve to the game. Take Brandon, for example, a formidable young player with a bomb of a serve. The key to handling such power is to respect it.
Position yourself at least three feet behind the baseline. This gives you the space to react effectively to a deep, hard serve. If necessary, step back even further to ensure you’re in a prime position to return it.
By backing up, you prepare yourself to handle the serve with confidence while competing against younger players.
2. Use a Soft Reset Against Spin
Young players not only possess good movement but can also apply spin to the ball, pulling you out wide and causing stress.
The natural response might be to hit back harder, but this plays into their strength. Instead, counter their spin and stress by executing a soft reset shot or a “three-year-old dink” to the center of the court.
When you return the ball softly to the center, it bounces below the net, limiting your opponent’s options and giving you time to regain a neutral position.
By mastering these two strategies, you’ll be better equipped to handle younger, athletic players.
Links Mentioned in the Video
- Check out Pickleheads for more tips and insights where you can find places to play and connect with fellow players.
- We look forward to helping you play your best pickleball at the Better Pickleball Academy!
CJ Johnson
Hey there — I’m a professional three-sport athlete and coach who has spent my entire adult life earning a living from playing and coaching sports. Since I started coaching more than three decades ago, one thing has remained the same: My commitment to see students not as they are but as what they can become and to move heaven and earth to help them realize their untapped potential. You should know that when it comes to helping pickleball players over 50 live their best lives on and off the courts, I'm an expert. Good pickleball is not just technique; it's the mind and body working holistically. That's why I'm also a personal trainer and weight management specialist. When I’m chillin', you'll find me watching Star Trek with my husband John and our two fur babies, Shirley and Ralph. (Yes, Happy Days)