Brilliant tips, they’ve already given me a slight edge in winning more points. Love your energy and succinct lessons. Thx. so much, you’re the best online instructor thus far. Waiting to watch and support you on the pro tour. Good luck.
Hey Tanner would it be possible for you to video one of your tournaments win or lose. It would be interesting just to watch you play instead of always being coached, if not coaching is always good too
i completely agree with the first tip Ive been playing pickleball for a couple weeks, but already realized this coming from a long tennis background. All the more experienced pickleballers kept telling me to 3rd shot drop, but i felt like it was way more risky. U have to hit a perfect 3rd shot drop just to neutralize the point and get into a 50/50 scenario with the opponent at the net. If you do a 3rd shot drive, u most likely will get a 5th shot opportunity. Its really not that hard to do a 3rd shot drive if you have a decent groundstroke. Whereas a 3rd shot drop is completely touch based and highly dependent on how the opponent returns.
Your conclusion is completely based on your stated inability to hit consistent third shot drops. If you couldn’t a third shot drop consistently you’d find a very different conclusion
but this could be said in reverse as well. People might come into the conclusion that 3rd shot drops are better because they cant consistently hit a 3rd shot dipping drive. I think there's a possibility pickleball is changing because of all the tennis players switching over to it and the new paddles are way spinnier than they use to be. I think the game is changing a little bit and the old gen is uncomfortable with that. Pickleball is experiencing what tennis did when we switched from wooden racquets to carbon. The old gen kept saying we should serve and volley as much as possible, but meanwhile the new gen kept playing baseline rallies cuz getting passed at the net became easier with the new tech. Im just saying theres no definites in sports, and experimentation is what allows us to go to the next level. It gets dangerous when everyone keeps telling you one thing is the best and u should only do that. If you want to be like everyone else, then just do what everyone is doing. If you want to be better, then you have to innovate. @@steveb6764
I’m sending this to my tournament partner for this Saturday!!! Great info and since we practice “placement over pace”, the drive to the chest may get a lot of mileage this weekend!
Awesome video, Tanner! 🏓 Your tips for a 5.0 Level Tournament are spot on. Clear and practical advice - love it! Looking forward to more. 🙌 Suggestion: How about a video on playing against bangers? Your insights would be super helpful! 🎥🔥
Hi Tanner, I generally agree with your tips but for #1 the vast majority of pros still tend to drop the 3rd (one notable exception that comes to mind is Jack Sock).
the most important part of the 1st tip is to drop the 5th. the discipline it takes to drop it and move in is the biggest difference for higher level players. I see too many players drive the 5th then the 7th etc. They don't prioritize moving in after their 3rd. I think the meta of dropping the 3rd came about because it takes less discipline to know you're dropping the 3rd every single time vs driving/reacting and forcing yourself to drop the 5th. Lower level players will struggle driving and being able to have the touch on the 5th too. I think drilling that transition with driving then dropping is really strong at high-level play because it is does reduce mistakes, like you say in the video. In the end though, mixing it up will always be best. Of course disregard if you are Jack Sock
Hey Tanner, I agree @ drive. And I also hit to the chest when my opponent is moving up to the line. However, in my opinion, the chest is risky when they are very near or set at the kitchen line. Some sit on a ping pong style backhand when at the net, and the ball will come right back fast. Are you still targeting the chest in the said cases?
Hey Tanner! Love your content but I would like to hear why you think hitting high lobs is a good idea for defending. Hitting a lob that high and deep when someone is attacking you is very hard to do (Low percentage shot) At a 5.0 level and especially with how many tennis players are converting, most of them have very good overheads where even when they get a high and deep lob they can still hit very clean. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
Great question! I would start off by trying to hit resets. However, if things get out of hand, going to the sky lob is a great option! Like you said, players have fantastic overheads, so trying to reset the ball is very challenging. Hitting lobs are not as hard as you may think, since they are hitting so much power, all you have to do is angle your paddle up and the ball will rocket off! That is much easier than trying to turn their power into a drop in the kitchen!
James Ignatowich also recommends this since players without a tennis background (even at the pro level) will tend not to hurt you with their overhead off of a high lob--ruclips.net/video/uDl-5YdrcsU/видео.html
Hi Tanner, can you explain what and why you have your off hand on your thigh. I see a lot of players at your level do this or they just keep their elbow really high and back while dinking. Is it for balance? Thank you for all your content
I feel way more comfortable this way, you should give it a try! I'm not sure the exact reason for it, I just know, if I do not do it, I tend to miss a bunch of dinks!
@@tanner.pickleball I think what you, and other skilled players, do with the alternate arm/hand is an athletic move that enables a more full shoulder hinge and therefore reduces/eliminates a wristy swing.
I dont know about the last tip tbh. Everyone I play against at the 4.0 to 4.5 level typically have good top spin drives so any sliced return that is not very low just gets murdered with the extra top spin people can put on it.
Surprised you are recommending a slice return for high level play. Most pros seem to be working that out of their game. I love when I see a backspin return… easy drives and sharp dinks.
I’m a 4.0, and I like to use slice sparingly, depending on my opponent. If it’s someone I play all the time, it’s not very effective because they identify it easily. But, tends to work better on new opponents, especially when I do more of a chip, like in tennis.
Yeah. Most pros and high-level players try to hit more neutral spin returns now. Not because it makes for an easier drive, but it adds to the top spin on the ball when they are hitting their 3rd.
Having a good slice return makes a lot of people miss, especially people that look to 3rd shot drop rather than drive. Yes, at the highest level, it’s easier to top spin, but there are a lot of players it works well on. Personally, I try to throw it in against certain players more than others. Also he is saying that the alternative is a weak backhand return, which he’s right about that, most people 5.0 and below can’t do much with their backhand return, so a slice is a nice option to have.
Great video! One thing to note is that slicing too much will create top spin… if your opponent have a great top spin drive they will use your slice return against you by creating even more top spin…
While you are correct, one small correction id like make is that slices don’t create top spin for the opponent. Slices just have minimal top spin off the bounce so the opponent will be able to spin the ball more. As opposed to a top spin shot where the opponents top spin will oppose your own.
When you use the backhand and slicing motion from up to down, that ball has top spin from the opponents perspective… that’s what I mean. If the opponent drives with top spin, it creates double the spin and will arc the ball.
I think your comment is in line with Zane Navartil's suggestion that "Pro Pickleball Players NEVER Slice Their Returns Anymore. Here's Why!"--ruclips.net/video/4AbGekujz4k/видео.html
It doesn’t change the fact that I appreciate every single video you put out there with the goal of achieving 5.0 some day. Thank you for all the work and efforts tanner
I definitely find myself dropping more often against better players because I’m afraid of my drives getting countered deep. I’ll try out driving to the chest
I watch all your videos and have agreed with most all. But gotta disagree with you on the slice being your best friend on serve return. I agree with Zane's video where "the pros are no longer slicing." Slicing works for lower level but at 5.0 they know how to combine that forward spin with their top spin to add even more top spin creating that even more deadly downward arc. Since watching Zane's video I know how to hit my drives a little higher to help clear the net all with the added topspin downward arc accelerator. Still evaluating your first point of driving high to the chest. Not sure that they just wouldnt adjust to that... hmmmmm...
Totally fair! The pros are no longer slicing, however the average 5.0 player should I believe! Same reason JW's ready position is very low.. it works for him, I would not recommend it to the average player.
I wish you the best in the pro tour Tanner. I love your videos. You are very clear and to the point. You had helped me a lot. Thank you.
I appreciate that! Many more like this in the making :)
Brilliant tips, they’ve already given me a slight edge in winning more points. Love your energy and succinct lessons. Thx. so much, you’re the best online instructor thus far. Waiting to watch and support you on the pro tour. Good luck.
Great to hear! That means so much as well! Thank you for that support! I will continuously create videos and make you improve :)
Xlnt video, that first tip is so true. A 70% drive to the chest or backhand gives a way easier 5th shot. Good stuff, keep them coming 👍🏽
Thank you!
Fantastic advices! Absolutely love what you do, Tanner… I definitely want to help you live your dream, because you help me live mine 😊
Thank you that is amazing Jeff!
Thank you for all your time you share with us. Its very beneficial. Good luck, you've got this!!
Thank you so much!
Hey Tanner would it be possible for you to video one of your tournaments win or lose. It would be interesting just to watch you play instead of always being coached, if not coaching is always good too
Absolutely I can do this! Be on the lookout for future content :)
i completely agree with the first tip Ive been playing pickleball for a couple weeks, but already realized this coming from a long tennis background. All the more experienced pickleballers kept telling me to 3rd shot drop, but i felt like it was way more risky. U have to hit a perfect 3rd shot drop just to neutralize the point and get into a 50/50 scenario with the opponent at the net. If you do a 3rd shot drive, u most likely will get a 5th shot opportunity. Its really not that hard to do a 3rd shot drive if you have a decent groundstroke. Whereas a 3rd shot drop is completely touch based and highly dependent on how the opponent returns.
Great input. This is spot on!
Your conclusion is completely based on your stated inability to hit consistent third shot drops. If you couldn’t a third shot drop consistently you’d find a very different conclusion
but this could be said in reverse as well. People might come into the conclusion that 3rd shot drops are better because they cant consistently hit a 3rd shot dipping drive. I think there's a possibility pickleball is changing because of all the tennis players switching over to it and the new paddles are way spinnier than they use to be. I think the game is changing a little bit and the old gen is uncomfortable with that. Pickleball is experiencing what tennis did when we switched from wooden racquets to carbon. The old gen kept saying we should serve and volley as much as possible, but meanwhile the new gen kept playing baseline rallies cuz getting passed at the net became easier with the new tech. Im just saying theres no definites in sports, and experimentation is what allows us to go to the next level. It gets dangerous when everyone keeps telling you one thing is the best and u should only do that. If you want to be like everyone else, then just do what everyone is doing. If you want to be better, then you have to innovate. @@steveb6764
Watching and learning from your content is like a cheat code for those of us who are newish 😂 Thank you for your videos!
Of course! Let’s do it!
I’m sending this to my tournament partner for this Saturday!!! Great info and since we practice “placement over pace”, the drive to the chest may get a lot of mileage this weekend!
Fantastic!
Thankyou for the honest and straight forward advice. Definitely subscribed!
Thats awesome! Thanks!
Love your tips. Keep them coming!!
Thank you! Will do!
Awesome video, Tanner! 🏓 Your tips for a 5.0 Level Tournament are spot on. Clear and practical advice - love it! Looking forward to more. 🙌
Suggestion: How about a video on playing against bangers? Your insights would be super helpful! 🎥🔥
Thank you!! And funny enough, I recorded a video to deal with bangers yesterday!! It will be the next video uploaded :)
Hi Tanner, I generally agree with your tips but for #1 the vast majority of pros still tend to drop the 3rd (one notable exception that comes to mind is Jack Sock).
Hi Grant! Totally agree with you. I made sure to make the video how to win a 5.0 level tournament, professionally is a completely different ball game.
Very helpful! Great advice
Glad it was helpful!
Great video.....always such a great attitude!
Thanks!!
This was amazing info. Can't wait to drill and test these ideas.
Glad it was helpful!
3:30 the woo's kill me. love it
Hehehehehe
the most important part of the 1st tip is to drop the 5th. the discipline it takes to drop it and move in is the biggest difference for higher level players. I see too many players drive the 5th then the 7th etc. They don't prioritize moving in after their 3rd. I think the meta of dropping the 3rd came about because it takes less discipline to know you're dropping the 3rd every single time vs driving/reacting and forcing yourself to drop the 5th. Lower level players will struggle driving and being able to have the touch on the 5th too. I think drilling that transition with driving then dropping is really strong at high-level play because it is does reduce mistakes, like you say in the video. In the end though, mixing it up will always be best. Of course disregard if you are Jack Sock
Great input / advice! I totally agree with your statement.
Hey Tanner, I agree @ drive. And I also hit to the chest when my opponent is moving up to the line. However, in my opinion, the chest is risky when they are very near or set at the kitchen line. Some sit on a ping pong style backhand when at the net, and the ball will come right back fast. Are you still targeting the chest in the said cases?
Great question! In this case, I try to get the ball as low to the net toward their paddle side hip to get an easier ball back!
@tanner.pickleball Perfect. That's my target as well. I also go for the paddle side elbow. I enjoy your videos.
Great tutorial Tanner!
Glad you liked it!
Enjoyed the tips!
Glad it was helpful!
Good luck on your career, hope to see on a tv tournament soon!
I hope so too! Thank you so much!
Hey Tanner! Love your content but I would like to hear why you think hitting high lobs is a good idea for defending.
Hitting a lob that high and deep when someone is attacking you is very hard to do (Low percentage shot)
At a 5.0 level and especially with how many tennis players are converting, most of them have very good overheads where even when they get a high and deep lob they can still hit very clean.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
Great question! I would start off by trying to hit resets. However, if things get out of hand, going to the sky lob is a great option! Like you said, players have fantastic overheads, so trying to reset the ball is very challenging. Hitting lobs are not as hard as you may think, since they are hitting so much power, all you have to do is angle your paddle up and the ball will rocket off! That is much easier than trying to turn their power into a drop in the kitchen!
James Ignatowich also recommends this since players without a tennis background (even at the pro level) will tend not to hurt you with their overhead off of a high lob--ruclips.net/video/uDl-5YdrcsU/видео.html
That guy knows his stuff!!!@@wizardnone
Learned a lot of good tips, thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Hi Tanner, can you explain what and why you have your off hand on your thigh. I see a lot of players at your level do this or they just keep their elbow really high and back while dinking. Is it for balance? Thank you for all your content
I feel way more comfortable this way, you should give it a try! I'm not sure the exact reason for it, I just know, if I do not do it, I tend to miss a bunch of dinks!
@@tanner.pickleball I think what you, and other skilled players, do with the alternate arm/hand is an athletic move that enables a more full shoulder hinge and therefore reduces/eliminates a wristy swing.
Rooting for you to be able to live your dream!
Thanks Ben!
Another banger, thank you!
Any time!
Thanks so much 🙏
You’re welcome 😊
I dont know about the last tip tbh. Everyone I play against at the 4.0 to 4.5 level typically have good top spin drives so any sliced return that is not very low just gets murdered with the extra top spin people can put on it.
Definitely feel it out per each opponent!
Surprised you are recommending a slice return for high level play. Most pros seem to be working that out of their game. I love when I see a backspin return… easy drives and sharp dinks.
Pros definitely can take advantage of it! I would say the average 5.0 cannot!
I’m a 4.0, and I like to use slice sparingly, depending on my opponent. If it’s someone I play all the time, it’s not very effective because they identify it easily. But, tends to work better on new opponents, especially when I do more of a chip, like in tennis.
Yeah. Most pros and high-level players try to hit more neutral spin returns now. Not because it makes for an easier drive, but it adds to the top spin on the ball when they are hitting their 3rd.
@@bladegetsbusy5873 Yea, which makes for much easier drives. Hard to attack a drive that finishes below the net.
Having a good slice return makes a lot of people miss, especially people that look to 3rd shot drop rather than drive. Yes, at the highest level, it’s easier to top spin, but there are a lot of players it works well on. Personally, I try to throw it in against certain players more than others.
Also he is saying that the alternative is a weak backhand return, which he’s right about that, most people 5.0 and below can’t do much with their backhand return, so a slice is a nice option to have.
Great video! One thing to note is that slicing too much will create top spin… if your opponent have a great top spin drive they will use your slice return against you by creating even more top spin…
While you are correct, one small correction id like make is that slices don’t create top spin for the opponent. Slices just have minimal top spin off the bounce so the opponent will be able to spin the ball more. As opposed to a top spin shot where the opponents top spin will oppose your own.
When you use the backhand and slicing motion from up to down, that ball has top spin from the opponents perspective… that’s what I mean. If the opponent drives with top spin, it creates double the spin and will arc the ball.
Good point! Generally at the 5.0 level a hard slice works more often than not!
I think your comment is in line with Zane Navartil's suggestion that "Pro Pickleball Players NEVER Slice Their Returns Anymore. Here's Why!"--ruclips.net/video/4AbGekujz4k/видео.html
It doesn’t change the fact that I appreciate every single video you put out there with the goal of achieving 5.0 some day. Thank you for all the work and efforts tanner
I definitely find myself dropping more often against better players because I’m afraid of my drives getting countered deep. I’ll try out driving to the chest
Yessir!
Good luck with your pickleball career as a player or later on as a coach.
Thanks!!
You are the best
Thanks!
Well Tanner!
Thanks :)
Oh shit. This dude is laying down the pickleball life.
Yessir!
Unless you're opponents are tall😂 I have a partner that hit 3 or 4 consecutive high lobs that got slammed each time.
Ahh yes haha!
I watch all your videos and have agreed with most all. But gotta disagree with you on the slice being your best friend on serve return. I agree with Zane's video where "the pros are no longer slicing." Slicing works for lower level but at 5.0 they know how to combine that forward spin with their top spin to add even more top spin creating that even more deadly downward arc. Since watching Zane's video I know how to hit my drives a little higher to help clear the net all with the added topspin downward arc accelerator. Still evaluating your first point of driving high to the chest. Not sure that they just wouldnt adjust to that... hmmmmm...
Totally fair! The pros are no longer slicing, however the average 5.0 player should I believe! Same reason JW's ready position is very low.. it works for him, I would not recommend it to the average player.
I think a guy I played last night had just watched this. Miserable.
Ahhhh