CJ Johnson Headshot
CJ Johnson
Tony Roig
Tony Roig

The Soft Game – Four ways you can use it to improve your game

The soft game is No. 1. There is just no other way about it. If you are not playing the soft game you are not using the most important part of a pickleball court. In this week’s episode I share with you four specific uses for the soft game: (1) getting out of trouble, (2) serve side (subset of getting out of trouble) (if you do not know the difference between serve side and return side, you need some Better Pickleball in your life), (3) controlling tempo (great way to gain confidence and comfort on the court – and have more fun), and (4) defusing those pesky bangers (me included). In the riff I share with you some ideas to avoid wearing down your wrist and knocking yourself out of play.

Tony Roig

Hola. Hello. Konichiwa. After 40 years playing tennis, I am now a full-time pickleball player and professional. As a 5.0 rated Senior Pro Pickleball Player and an IPTPA-certified Master Teaching Professional, my focus is on helping players like you learn to play their best pickleball. In 2016, shortly after starting to play pickleball, my friend Tom and I jumped into the highest division at the first US Open in Naples, Florida. That morning it became clear just how much there is to learn in this seemingly simple sport – a lifetime of learning if you so choose. Since 2018, I have been on a mission to share my knowledge of pickleball so other players can enjoy the game at a higher level and attain their pickleball objectives. When not studying or playing pickleball, I like to travel with my other half, Jill.

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