Thanks for the advice. I really like these lessons a lot, but, imo there’s too much filler and I often find myself FFWD-ing through. For example, in this video, the target content (point 1 of 5) doesn’t start until after 2:35 into the video! As a fan, I'd say just introduce yourself and dive right into the first point. > There’s no need to sell us on the importance of the lesson. We’ve already demonstrated interest by clicking the link. > Edit for redundant, off-topic, or unnecessary commentary While there are some interesting points, much is repetitive or only indirectly related to the theme. (E.g. the evolution of the game, the background of the featured player, etc.) Either cut this filler, or, if the info is worthwhile, perhaps create a different video or blog post. > Shorten and relocate the paid pitch. While I get the importance of presenting the paid course, maybe tone it down--mention it and offer a link. Save any longer, deeper sales pitch until the end. If the content is compelling people will stay through the full video. Better yet, let the quality of the video lesson be your pitch for the paid content. People seeking help will see you as a credible source and check it out. Again, just some feedback as a fan. Imo, If this were a 3 minute (versus 10 minute) video, the lesson would stick better, more people would watch it through, and more people would click on the link to the sales page for the paid course.
I agree with the above. I nearly skipped this video suggestion in my feed just because the filler and sales pitches aren't necessarily worth the lessons learned. I will say for this video -- thanks for the tips! I'm still pretty new to pickleball and it's been a great gathering tips from various channels!
I have to say I think this was one of your best videos. Defending when your team serves up a cherry comes up all the time. Some of the folks I play with like to throw in some lobs, often short .... when they do I seem to always be the recipient on my opponents overhead smash. Being able to back up a bit, get set, hit a reset and move back forward is super satisfying to do. I will be incorporating these tips into my practice sessions so I can be more consistent at it.
Really great content! Thank you! I like the teaching methodology: 1) Tell them what you're going to tell them, 2) Tell them, 3) Tell them what you told them. Perfect!
I always have problems defending fast shots at my feet. This video is making it much easier to understand the proper defense. Excellent explanation & demonstration. Thank you again.
You are certainly right about backpedaling instead of holding your ground at the net. I have only been playing Pickleball for less than one year and as an ex-tennis player myself we would backup in order to give us more time to either extend or reset a point. Using your body as a form of energy absorption also helps with maintaining touch and control of your shots. Your lessons have helped me tremendously.
I love that last point. Was just doing that resetting drill that Riley was doing in the TZ with my sister last night...but I like that modification of starting at the line and then backing up, resetting, and then coming back to the line...will have to add that to my drill list! Thanks!
Awesome! Yes, backing up and timing you split step as well in addition to getting balanced and a slight lean forward is a separate skill entirely and worth training. Glad you caught that :)
It took a while to get to the suggestions, but once there the ideas are solid. I especially liked the tip that you need to practice moving back and then getting your feet under you before the attack. My only suggestion is to talk about how high to hold your paddle when being attacked. When the attack comes from a head-height ball, the paddle should be around the ankles. A chest-level attack should bring the paddle to around waist level. Overall, a helpful video that I will share. Thanks
As an ex-tennis player, backing up to defend comes naturally. There's something very satisfying about getting a bit of paddle on a hard shot to my feet, dinking it back into the NVZ and advancing to put away what is often a bit of a pop-up from the opposition, who are often rather surprised to find they have to play another shot. It's harder than hitting a regular 3rd shot dink, which I also relish. Just feels like the essence of good Pickleball to me...
Absolutely Andy! When you get one of their best shots back it can be pretty demoralizing for them and you chip away at their confidence which helps you in subsequent points.
Nicole, this is excellent! I've been working on these skills and am seeing much improvement, though I still have partners who say, "Don't back up!: LOL All I can do is say to them, "that's old school advice." Or ignore them. :( My 70 plus years keeps me continually learning and improving my game. It's never too late. Thanks again for all of your well constructed videos. :)
That defense leg/ footwork fast shuffle back after you've hit a pop-up is so key. I practice that during my pre-game warm-up. Seems like slammers and bangers are the norm now in pb. The sport is definitely more aggressive as more 20 - 30 year olds move from other sports into pb.
Great video. Muchas Gracious. My 1st issue is I was not turning my torso for backhand shots and pulling/injuring my shoulder. My 2nd issue I was not hitting the ball in front of my body, but rather on the side of my body and this was causing me to lose tracking of the ball and to lose speed/reaction time to hit the ball.
Great tips! The tip that resonates with me the most is to do specific training for this defense of pop-up returns. I look forward to working on it at some point. Unfortunately, I suspect that my inability to make this type of return will keep me as part of the "rest" separate from the "best" as you say in your video for a number of reasons: 1. I usually don't realize I've popped it up catastrophically until it's too late to back up - after all, I didn't pop it up on purpose! 2. Half the time it's my partner who popped it up and it's also hard for me to realize the problem until it's too late for me to back up (and get set). 3. Often, when I've popped it up it's because I was off-balance when I made the shot which adds to the difficulty of retreating from that off-balance position. 4. Some physical constraints such as a bad knee make it difficult for me to move back, get set, and get low with substantial knee bend in a short amount of time. Nonetheless, I'm looking forward to giving your drill a try. If I make some progress, great, if not, well, I wasn't planning on going pro anyway! 😀
Hi Bret! All this makes a lot of sense. As far as recognition, a lot of progress can be made there by focusing on that as you play. Off balance pop ups, that's where getting your legs under you quickly can help but I can understand how a bad knee impacts that.
My wife and I have been working on resets and blocks in the transition zone for weeks, with success, but you have added a new dimension. Backing up with intention at the NVZ!
Well conceived and executed Nicole. Not only is defending and resetting an important skill to progress in your PB game, it's also a blast and a conference builder.
Great to get validation for something I've been instinctively doing (backing up to give myself time when I know a tough attack is coming) but have been corrected for doing!
I’d say the #1 point you make is that tightening up is the killer on almost all up close pressure situations. More practice needs to be on pressure defensive positions so that when it comes time for an actual match, the adrenaline is lower and your mind is more relaxed.
I've been struggling with understanding how to recover when I pop the shot up (which I also need to work on) but it happens a lot. I love these videos and appreciate all the tips. Drilling is everything but only when you really understand each component of the drill. I love that non-specific drills are called out here - you can spend a lot of time and work really hard and not advance when you are not intentional - in life and in pickleball :)
Awesome video! A couple of comments. As you mentioned (but it may get buried within the comments) due to mobility issues it may not be possible to back up(and to back up as far and as quickly as demonstrated is impossible for many of us...but we can still get part way there in time!!) And perhaps some well intentioned advice about not backing up might be getting mixed up within the not getting into a firefight from that part of the court advice?
Yes, get back as far as you reasonably can given your mobility, sit and defend. Right, if you're well back off the line, somewhere in the mid court, it doesn't make sense to get into a firefight with opponents that are up at the line. You're losing the ground war and will lost a firefight from that area of the court IF your opponents can volley and handle some pace.
As a beginner I've been instructed to stay at the NVZ line and not back up to "no man's land". I liked the strategy of backing up and defending. What would be your recommendation for a newbie? Thanks......David
Sometimes newbies are too quick to back up and/or they don't realize they're backing up. I'd work your volleys against a wall to improve your hand eye coordination and hand speed. Stand your ground as much as you can and block but if you hit a really bad pop up then back up like I show in the video. The better you blocking is at the NVZ line, the less you will have to back up.
I recently discovered PB and love it. I have no racquet sport experience (distance runner, Spartan races and strength training), but want to develop my serve, slices and top spin. Are there any drills I can perform on my own to develop these?
I shared that video with a student of mine who had problems in that area. Seeing the video examples from the third person perspective helped her. Thank you!
Excellent Video AND I disagree somewhat on tip #1! If you watch goaltenders in hockey and lacrosse and soccer they come FORWARD to face power shots one on one to cut down on available angles AND have less horizontal distance to cover. At recreational levels I find the natural instinct is to retreat and as you point out so well...how you retreat makes a huge difference. Unless someone PROVES retreating is the better option in play...I generally will get low and balanced and stand my ground and use the time available to focus on the opponents body position and arm and paddle face BEFORE the slam to have my own body ready for where I think it will go AND I believe that gets me a lot more resets than opening up the available space they have to hit at. Those with slower reactions might find backing up more prudent and successful. I think you need to be able to do both things as it is largely situational IMO...and Dekel Bar would have me always following your advice! LOL...thanks for a great video and topic.
As a tennis player. The RPM on a tennis ball and pickleball are much faster than a lacrosse ball throw or soccerball kick. Backing up gives u enough time to react and of course extend.
@@erwinb9035 pickleballs hit on in-game slams have a speed of 50 mph or so...not over 100 like a tennis racket AND the ball doesn't stay on the "strings" and spin is almost non existent on overhead slams like we're talking about. A lacrosse ball goes 30mph FASTER than a pickleball as does a soccer ball. And do you know what the curved sticks in hockey can do with a puck at 100 miles an hour? Yet the keepers CLOSE the distance from the shot to have the best chance of stopping the shot from going where it is meant to.
@@SailCamaraderie respectfully disagree. I serve 120mph in tennis and in pickleball i can overhead slam 65-70mph so you are you saying you want to move forward and close the distance as im about to slam it at your face? Experienced players especially in pb know that the further the ball travels it will drastically lose speed. In other words, back up when under attack (eg overhead slam).
@@erwinb9035 right back at you and I must call BS on your overhead slam claim. Here's the latest speed test on the top power paddles....10 hits as hard as possible with each one and TOP speed of 57mph recorded on radar. YES it is WAY slower than you think. ruclips.net/video/KmDLtedidUQ/видео.html
It all depends. Yes, they have to prove it...totally agree there. If their pace won't overwhelm you then stand your ground and I did mention that. I'm not sure how closely the hockey, lacrosse and soccer comparisons apply here. I agree that they move forward to close angles but in all those cases the offensive player is coming from a great distance. In PB you're very close to the offensive player and the balance of cutting angles vs. having time is not good if they can bring the heat.
Thankkkk you!!! For the first debunk rule! It’s gets so annoying now I’m still new but even I learned by now staying at the front line at times can be sooo stupid!since I’m new I constantly hear people side coaching saying. Run to the front fast don’t stay in the middle. Then when they play they get pushed back and win the point I hate this Dino rule always knew it was a dumb one! Countless times I have listened to that rule and just get scored or slammed hard on. Don’t get me wrong after a good dink or knowing my opponent is not gonna slam im at the kitchen line but the rule of always running to it is fawkin horseshit. It depends on the situation. You see pros push back alll the time. Read the situation don’t want to get caught running up while someone is throwing deep shots or get lobbed beach
Exactly, you have to read the situation. In once instance it will make sense to do this and in another to do some other thing. There's too much blanket advise out there.
I gotta say one thing.. I play with some AWESOME players men and women. Sometimes, when the going gets brutal, I'm happy if I can even get a hook on the ball! When they're polishing my shoes with the hammer of Thor, if I can even get a piece of it, I'm all , like, "OH, YEAH, BABY!" Sometimes it actually drops on their baseline and they curse my name!
Thanks for saying this. I really don't like players who think they are great, and tell me I need to get and stay at the kitchen line. And then they miss it when the ball gets hit to them. Or they pop it up and get me amost killed. Do you agree some think you need to stand your ground at the kitchen line no matter what?
I don't agree with that at all which is why this video was made. If you can handle the opponents pace then yes, stand your ground. If, from up there, you can't then do what I suggest in this video. That's the plan in a nutshell.
All of my teachers always say to get up to the NVZ line and stay there - why? We are also cautioned to never step bsckward, but to turn sideways instead, to avoid falling. Is this all antiquated advice?
In my view, it is, but it’s important to point out that a high level of quickness and athleticism is required to do this. For those where this is not going to be achievable for one reason or another then you’d have to think twice before going in this direction. Might not want to in some cases.
@@primetimepickleball Thank you! My reaction time is not super quick, so if I'm right at the line the ball can whiz right by me if I don't have time to react. It makes more sense to be a little farther back, as you said -- thank you!
I've always been told not to run backward, due to the possibility of falling. One guy recently shuffled back, stumbled, and fell, resulting in a significant head injury. But it looks like in the video, she is leaning forward and not looking up for a ball. Maybe she can keep a better balance this way?
You need to back up and get set with some forward lean just BEFORE they are making contact. That' the key. You shouldn't still be backing up while they are hitting. It's too late at that point. There is a way to back up well like she does in the video but a lot of people are too upright and don't get the footwork right. You have to get low as you move back. Practice it without a ball first.
Get low as your backing up and don't lean back. Be balanced as you move. Practice the movement back without a ball or anyone on the other side. Just simulate it.
Once a smart opponent figures out your knack for quickly stepping back, they will begin to target your feet again in a bad way. How much of this works only because your opponent fails to adjust to a difficult and unusual skill set?
This works and is used all the way up to the highest level (pro) because it's smart. It gives you time. Standing your ground at the NVZ line won't work if they bring massive power. The game has evolved.
@@primetimepickleball Sorry if I sounded a bit sharp, but I was legitimately confused. Maybe it does work, but it's probably not because your feet aren't in the line of fire. Timing the step back still strikes me as a fairly difficult skill to master. And then it buys you all of about 3 feet in digging a howitzer out of your shins. Pros clock the ball at up to 40 mph (circa 60 feet/second). Maybe not quite so hard with less backswing from the NVL. But in the worst case, the extra 3' buys you 1/20 of a second to track the ball in flight. 50 ms is _really_ just a blink of the eyes. I still have to think it must somewhat depend on the player on the other side not managing to fully accommodate in their targeting your hasty retreat. Balls hit to where you used to be would definitely be more playable. Has the game evolved, or has only one side of the game evolved? Well, if your feet are a moving target because you sometimes step back, the other side does need to pay more attention to bang it into your feet quite as consistently. I don't doubt that there's upside here. What I doubt is whether there's much upside below the professional level, given the small advantage gained from mastering what looks like a fairly difficult skill. If you practice instead reducing all your popups by 1", would you not be further ahead by the end of the match? 2 inches? What's the economic margin here for time invested in training by a relatively hardcore amateur?
This video is good. The strategies are important and well illustrated. But it's 5 minutes in before you get to #2 and #1 is not hard to understand. Cutting this video in half at least would make it much, much better.
Haha wowww ignorant AND arrogan! Listen, if your opponent is about to overhead smash it, and you really think your best strategy is to "stand your ground" at the kitchen line, then you lack basic reasoning skills. You need to maximize your reaction time more than anything in this scenario, and adding distance is the only thing that affords you that time. Perhaps you're playing against 2.0s who have unable to hit an effective overhead with pace....
The whole point is to defend and come back up so you shouldn't be surprised by that shot, it's what you're looking for. Notice how Kady's partner nearly always hits it back soft and Kady comes back in.
Nicole I love your helpful videos. However, your graphics are distracting. I am trying to focus on what you are saying and all these different graphics keep coming up. And I find it difficult to focus on what you are teaching. Please simplify. Thanks!
Thanks for the feedback Penny! If you click on the little gear icon in the control bar of the video there is a "playback speed" option. You can slow down the speed of the video and that could help.
@@primetimepickleball I don't mean to sound harsh but people today will not listen to the content with so much other stuff in the video. Just click on over to something else. Again, thanks for the video though. And I agree with the strategies. Will use them.
I personally enjoy the broken down videos. I think it’s important for students of the game. After all this is somewhat an instructional video right? Perhaps in order to appease the other end of the audience you can introduce, in this case ‘mistakes,’ in the introduction portion of the video and then proceed to break down.
@@primetimepickleballI actually think Primetime's videos the best. It's the most comprehensive that I've seen so far. Other videos are too short and explanations are too general and not in context of other game situations. Keep up the great work, Primetime!
You can also stand your ground at the kitchen line and return a hard upward shot that defeats your opponent’s timing, bringing a soft shot you can attack. Don’t attempt to soften your reply to dink into the kitchen. This will likely only result in a soft, too high shot that your opponent can put away.
That can only work if they won’t overwhelm you with power on the initial attack. In this scenario, as I mentioned, we’re assuming a high enough pop up and a skilled enough opponent that brings big power. Standing you ground won’t work in the situation and your chance to counter attack is also non-existent.
Thanks for the advice. I really like these lessons a lot, but, imo there’s too much filler and I often find myself FFWD-ing through. For example, in this video, the target content (point 1 of 5) doesn’t start until after 2:35 into the video!
As a fan, I'd say just introduce yourself and dive right into the first point.
> There’s no need to sell us on the importance of the lesson. We’ve already demonstrated interest by clicking the link.
> Edit for redundant, off-topic, or unnecessary commentary While there are some interesting points, much is repetitive or only indirectly related to the theme. (E.g. the evolution of the game, the background of the featured player, etc.) Either cut this filler, or, if the info is worthwhile, perhaps create a different video or blog post.
> Shorten and relocate the paid pitch. While I get the importance of presenting the paid course, maybe tone it down--mention it and offer a link. Save any longer, deeper sales pitch until the end. If the content is compelling people will stay through the full video. Better yet, let the quality of the video lesson be your pitch for the paid content. People seeking help will see you as a credible source and check it out.
Again, just some feedback as a fan. Imo, If this were a 3 minute (versus 10 minute) video, the lesson would stick better, more people would watch it through, and more people would click on the link to the sales page for the paid course.
Thanks so much for the thoughtful and well written feedback. All feedback is always considered.
I agree with the above. I nearly skipped this video suggestion in my feed just because the filler and sales pitches aren't necessarily worth the lessons learned.
I will say for this video -- thanks for the tips! I'm still pretty new to pickleball and it's been a great gathering tips from various channels!
I have to say I think this was one of your best videos. Defending when your team serves up a cherry comes up all the time. Some of the folks I play with like to throw in some lobs, often short .... when they do I seem to always be the recipient on my opponents overhead smash. Being able to back up a bit, get set, hit a reset and move back forward is super satisfying to do. I will be incorporating these tips into my practice sessions so I can be more consistent at it.
"serves up a cherry". lol... so well put. Thanks Jim! So glad you enjoyed the video and will be using the tips in your training :)
Really great content! Thank you! I like the teaching methodology: 1) Tell them what you're going to tell them, 2) Tell them, 3) Tell them what you told them. Perfect!
Thank you so much! Some people claim it’s fluff and preamble but I’m glad someone get it. 😊
I always have problems defending fast shots at my feet. This video is making it much easier to understand the proper defense. Excellent explanation & demonstration. Thank you again.
Thanks Ed! Glad you found it helpful to better understand how to deal with fast shots at your feet. Those are some of the toughest to handle.
You are certainly right about backpedaling instead of holding your ground at the net. I have only been playing Pickleball for less than one year and as an ex-tennis player myself we would backup in order to give us more time to either extend or reset a point. Using your body as a form of energy absorption also helps with maintaining touch and control of your shots. Your lessons have helped me tremendously.
Thank you! Glad the videos have been helpful to you. 😊
Best tip by far is the technique-specific drill at the end. It helps SO much to see an actual drill for working the skill. Thanks!
Glad this helped you Lisa. Thanks for the comment.
I love that last point. Was just doing that resetting drill that Riley was doing in the TZ with my sister last night...but I like that modification of starting at the line and then backing up, resetting, and then coming back to the line...will have to add that to my drill list! Thanks!
Awesome! Yes, backing up and timing you split step as well in addition to getting balanced and a slight lean forward is a separate skill entirely and worth training. Glad you caught that :)
"Time, space and balance". Exactly. Thanks Nicole. 👍
Thanks Jim! Glad you got a good takeaway from it and agree 😊
Love the 3 simultaneous frames #1-#3 -- extremely helpful! Excellent work and a great content.
Awesome, thank you!
Back-up + Reset Training, LOVE IT - thank you!
Fantastic!
It took a while to get to the suggestions, but once there the ideas are solid. I especially liked the tip that you need to practice moving back and then getting your feet under you before the attack. My only suggestion is to talk about how high to hold your paddle when being attacked. When the attack comes from a head-height ball, the paddle should be around the ankles. A chest-level attack should bring the paddle to around waist level. Overall, a helpful video that I will share. Thanks
Thanks for the feedback Garth! Glad you found it helpful. Good points about paddle height. Thanks for sharing!
Love it, have to practice now!
Y I’m on l I’m😊
Very clear instruction and video to demonstrate the skill and drill. Thanks
Thanks Kim! Glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks; I trust that the "transition zone" is the posterior area ... a couple yards anterior to the base line. Utmost blessings.
Hi! Yes, it's the range from about 3 feet back from the NVZ line and a couple of feet inside the baseline.
As an ex-tennis player, backing up to defend comes naturally. There's something very satisfying about getting a bit of paddle on a hard shot to my feet, dinking it back into the NVZ and advancing to put away what is often a bit of a pop-up from the opposition, who are often rather surprised to find they have to play another shot. It's harder than hitting a regular 3rd shot dink, which I also relish. Just feels like the essence of good Pickleball to me...
Absolutely Andy! When you get one of their best shots back it can be pretty demoralizing for them and you chip away at their confidence which helps you in subsequent points.
Nicole, this is excellent! I've been working on these skills and am seeing much improvement, though I still have partners who say, "Don't back up!: LOL All I can do is say to them, "that's old school advice." Or ignore them. :( My 70 plus years keeps me continually learning and improving my game. It's never too late. Thanks again for all of your well constructed videos. :)
Thank you! Keep up the great work!
Great video and advice without talking too much. Clear and concise instruction.
Awesome! Thanks!
Thanks for all the quality lessons. Great videos.
Thanks Wong! Glad you enjoy the lessons.
That defense leg/ footwork fast shuffle back after you've hit a pop-up is so key. I practice that during my pre-game warm-up. Seems like slammers and bangers are the norm now in pb. The sport is definitely more aggressive as more 20 - 30 year olds move from other sports into pb.
glad it's helping you Ann. Yes, the extra time makes a difference for sure.
Great video. Muchas Gracious. My 1st issue is I was not turning my torso for backhand shots and pulling/injuring my shoulder. My 2nd issue I was not hitting the ball in front of my body, but rather on the side of my body and this was causing me to lose tracking of the ball and to lose speed/reaction time to hit the ball.
Great observations! good work!
Great tips! The tip that resonates with me the most is to do specific training for this defense of pop-up returns. I look forward to working on it at some point.
Unfortunately, I suspect that my inability to make this type of return will keep me as part of the "rest" separate from the "best" as you say in your video for a number of reasons:
1. I usually don't realize I've popped it up catastrophically until it's too late to back up - after all, I didn't pop it up on purpose!
2. Half the time it's my partner who popped it up and it's also hard for me to realize the problem until it's too late for me to back up (and get set).
3. Often, when I've popped it up it's because I was off-balance when I made the shot which adds to the difficulty of retreating from that off-balance position.
4. Some physical constraints such as a bad knee make it difficult for me to move back, get set, and get low with substantial knee bend in a short amount of time.
Nonetheless, I'm looking forward to giving your drill a try. If I make some progress, great, if not, well, I wasn't planning on going pro anyway! 😀
Hi Bret! All this makes a lot of sense. As far as recognition, a lot of progress can be made there by focusing on that as you play. Off balance pop ups, that's where getting your legs under you quickly can help but I can understand how a bad knee impacts that.
One the best videos I've seen... precise.. makes sense... thank you
So glad!
My wife and I have been working on resets and blocks in the transition zone for weeks, with success, but you have added a new dimension. Backing up with intention at the NVZ!
Thanks Angelo! So glad you were able to take away another dimension to apply to your training.
I also like the idea of backing up some & getting low & then quickly moving back to the line after returning the ball.
Nice! It works. It’s what the pros do.
Very good tips. The suggestion to add backing up to the drill is a better method as it is, as you stated, much more like an actual game. Thanks
Yes, the more you can simulate reality, the better.
Well conceived and executed Nicole. Not only is defending and resetting an important skill to progress in your PB game, it's also a blast and a conference builder.
Thanks Ken! Yes, they’re fun 😊
confidence?
Very good tips on this, because it's what I struggle with. I'm glad the advice regarding backing up is changing, because it makes so much sense.
Yes, it's a key skill to develop as you move up in levels. A must!
Great to get validation for something I've been instinctively doing (backing up to give myself time when I know a tough attack is coming) but have been corrected for doing!
Nice! Way to be smarter 😊
Me too!
Good instincts! If someone corrects you for this, obviously they don’t know, and should be ignored.
Thank you! That was very informative!
You’re welcome! Glad it was useful to you.
Excellent video with great advice. Thanks!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Well presented
Thank you!
I really appreciate this - so helpful. Thank you 🙏
Thanks Anita! Glad you like it.
I’d say the #1 point you make is that tightening up is the killer on almost all up close pressure situations. More practice needs to be on pressure defensive positions so that when it comes time for an actual match, the adrenaline is lower and your mind is more relaxed.
Love it!
Awesome instructions.
Thank you Nate!
I've been struggling with understanding how to recover when I pop the shot up (which I also need to work on) but it happens a lot. I love these videos and appreciate all the tips. Drilling is everything but only when you really understand each component of the drill. I love that non-specific drills are called out here - you can spend a lot of time and work really hard and not advance when you are not intentional - in life and in pickleball :)
You nailed it Sene! I’m so glad you caught that. It’s SO key to be specific and intention yet so often overlooked.
So helpful
Glad you think so!
Thanks. I really need help on my game . Just miss too many balls, but I love the game . Maybe o will sign up for training
Keep at it and keep having fun.
Awesome video! A couple of comments. As you mentioned (but it may get buried within the comments) due to mobility issues it may not be possible to back up(and to back up as far and as quickly as demonstrated is impossible for many of us...but we can still get part way there in time!!)
And perhaps some well intentioned advice about not backing up might be getting mixed up within the not getting into a firefight from that part of the court advice?
Yes, get back as far as you reasonably can given your mobility, sit and defend. Right, if you're well back off the line, somewhere in the mid court, it doesn't make sense to get into a firefight with opponents that are up at the line. You're losing the ground war and will lost a firefight from that area of the court IF your opponents can volley and handle some pace.
Awesome content I learned a lot in a short video thanks for sharing with us!!
Thanks Michael! Glad you got a lot out of it 👍
Great tips thank you
You are so welcome!
As a beginner I've been instructed to stay at the NVZ line and not back up to "no man's land". I liked the strategy of backing up and defending. What would be your recommendation for a newbie? Thanks......David
Sometimes newbies are too quick to back up and/or they don't realize they're backing up. I'd work your volleys against a wall to improve your hand eye coordination and hand speed. Stand your ground as much as you can and block but if you hit a really bad pop up then back up like I show in the video. The better you blocking is at the NVZ line, the less you will have to back up.
I recently discovered PB and love it. I have no racquet sport experience (distance runner, Spartan races and strength training), but want to develop my serve, slices and top spin. Are there any drills I can perform on my own to develop these?
Yes, see these two videos: ruclips.net/video/JfH6chk2UJg/видео.html and ruclips.net/video/Sw9Y9Q5XJ-c/видео.html
Nice content, thank you!
Glad you liked it!
Awesome advice
Thanks Sofia!
Another great video with excellent explanations!
Thanks Drew! Appreciate it.
I shared that video with a student of mine who had problems in that area. Seeing the video examples from the third person perspective helped her. Thank you!
Excellent Video AND I disagree somewhat on tip #1! If you watch goaltenders in hockey and lacrosse and soccer they come FORWARD to face power shots one on one to cut down on available angles AND have less horizontal distance to cover. At recreational levels I find the natural instinct is to retreat and as you point out so well...how you retreat makes a huge difference. Unless someone PROVES retreating is the better option in play...I generally will get low and balanced and stand my ground and use the time available to focus on the opponents body position and arm and paddle face BEFORE the slam to have my own body ready for where I think it will go AND I believe that gets me a lot more resets than opening up the available space they have to hit at. Those with slower reactions might find backing up more prudent and successful. I think you need to be able to do both things as it is largely situational IMO...and Dekel Bar would have me always following your advice! LOL...thanks for a great video and topic.
As a tennis player. The RPM on a tennis ball and pickleball are much faster than a lacrosse ball throw or soccerball kick. Backing up gives u enough time to react and of course extend.
@@erwinb9035 pickleballs hit on in-game slams have a speed of 50 mph or so...not over 100 like a tennis racket AND the ball doesn't stay on the "strings" and spin is almost non existent on overhead slams like we're talking about. A lacrosse ball goes 30mph FASTER than a pickleball as does a soccer ball. And do you know what the curved sticks in hockey can do with a puck at 100 miles an hour? Yet the keepers CLOSE the distance from the shot to have the best chance of stopping the shot from going where it is meant to.
@@SailCamaraderie respectfully disagree. I serve 120mph in tennis and in pickleball i can overhead slam 65-70mph so you are you saying you want to move forward and close the distance as im about to slam it at your face? Experienced players especially in pb know that the further the ball travels it will drastically lose speed. In other words, back up when under attack (eg overhead slam).
@@erwinb9035 right back at you and I must call BS on your overhead slam claim. Here's the latest speed test on the top power paddles....10 hits as hard as possible with each one and TOP speed of 57mph recorded on radar. YES it is WAY slower than you think.
ruclips.net/video/KmDLtedidUQ/видео.html
It all depends. Yes, they have to prove it...totally agree there. If their pace won't overwhelm you then stand your ground and I did mention that. I'm not sure how closely the hockey, lacrosse and soccer comparisons apply here. I agree that they move forward to close angles but in all those cases the offensive player is coming from a great distance. In PB you're very close to the offensive player and the balance of cutting angles vs. having time is not good if they can bring the heat.
I love you content once you get there. The talk about the player at the beginning and the several requests for likes and subscribes is flow killing.
Thanks Scott and thanks for the feedback.
Great tips
Glad you like them!
Great video.
😁 thx!
Thankkkk you!!! For the first debunk rule! It’s gets so annoying now I’m still new but even I learned by now staying at the front line at times can be sooo stupid!since I’m new I constantly hear people side coaching saying. Run to the front fast don’t stay in the middle. Then when they play they get pushed back and win the point I hate this Dino rule always knew it was a dumb one! Countless times I have listened to that rule and just get scored or slammed hard on. Don’t get me wrong after a good dink or knowing my opponent is not gonna slam im at the kitchen line but the rule of always running to it is fawkin horseshit. It depends on the situation. You see pros push back alll the time. Read the situation don’t want to get caught running up while someone is throwing deep shots or get lobbed beach
Exactly, you have to read the situation. In once instance it will make sense to do this and in another to do some other thing. There's too much blanket advise out there.
Helpful
Glad to hear that
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it
Very good
Thanks! 😊
Many of these advices are very similar to badminton which make sense since the court is the same size as badminton
Interesting and good to know. I’m not that familiar with badminton strategy.
PLease explain how the rotation works in doubles. I get confused with whose serve it is and from which court.
Search google for how to play pickleball for beginners.
Please see this video: ruclips.net/video/2Vk-c8TdC28/видео.html
Nice video. Ty. J
Glad you enjoyed it John! Thanks for the comment.
A lot to remember while trying to instantaneous react to the opponents shots.
You need to train it until it becomes automatic. Focus on one thing at a time as you train. This is not meant to be thought about in a game situation.
League game tonight. I'll give this a go!
Awesome! Love hearing about immediate implementation.
I gotta say one thing.. I play with some AWESOME players men and women. Sometimes, when the going gets brutal, I'm happy if I can even get a hook on the ball! When they're polishing my shoes with the hammer of Thor, if I can even get a piece of it, I'm all , like, "OH, YEAH, BABY!" Sometimes it actually drops on their baseline and they curse my name!
"polishing my shoes with the hammer of Thor". Soooo good! I'm stealing that. 😂
Thanks for saying this. I really don't like players who think they are great, and tell me I need to get and stay at the kitchen line. And then they miss it when the ball gets hit to them. Or they pop it up and get me amost killed. Do you agree some think you need to stand your ground at the kitchen line no matter what?
I don't agree with that at all which is why this video was made. If you can handle the opponents pace then yes, stand your ground. If, from up there, you can't then do what I suggest in this video. That's the plan in a nutshell.
Great
Thanks Sofia!
Nice video 📸👍
Thanks Yassin! Glad you liked it.
All of my teachers always say to get up to the NVZ line and stay there - why? We are also cautioned to never step bsckward, but to turn sideways instead, to avoid falling. Is this all antiquated advice?
In my view, it is, but it’s important to point out that a high level of quickness and athleticism is required to do this. For those where this is not going to be achievable for one reason or another then you’d have to think twice before going in this direction. Might not want to in some cases.
@@primetimepickleball Thank you! My reaction time is not super quick, so if I'm right at the line the ball can whiz right by me if I don't have time to react. It makes more sense to be a little farther back, as you said -- thank you!
I've always been told not to run backward, due to the possibility of falling. One guy recently shuffled back, stumbled, and fell, resulting in a significant head injury. But it looks like in the video, she is leaning forward and not looking up for a ball. Maybe she can keep a better balance this way?
You need to back up and get set with some forward lean just BEFORE they are making contact. That' the key. You shouldn't still be backing up while they are hitting. It's too late at that point. There is a way to back up well like she does in the video but a lot of people are too upright and don't get the footwork right. You have to get low as you move back. Practice it without a ball first.
@@primetimepickleball makes sense, thank you.
How do you prevent falling when you are moving backward.
Get low as your backing up and don't lean back. Be balanced as you move. Practice the movement back without a ball or anyone on the other side. Just simulate it.
this is the future
Yes it is! And the future is now 💪
Once a smart opponent figures out your knack for quickly stepping back, they will begin to target your feet again in a bad way. How much of this works only because your opponent fails to adjust to a difficult and unusual skill set?
This works and is used all the way up to the highest level (pro) because it's smart. It gives you time. Standing your ground at the NVZ line won't work if they bring massive power. The game has evolved.
@@primetimepickleball Sorry if I sounded a bit sharp, but I was legitimately confused. Maybe it does work, but it's probably not because your feet aren't in the line of fire. Timing the step back still strikes me as a fairly difficult skill to master. And then it buys you all of about 3 feet in digging a howitzer out of your shins. Pros clock the ball at up to 40 mph (circa 60 feet/second). Maybe not quite so hard with less backswing from the NVL. But in the worst case, the extra 3' buys you 1/20 of a second to track the ball in flight. 50 ms is _really_ just a blink of the eyes. I still have to think it must somewhat depend on the player on the other side not managing to fully accommodate in their targeting your hasty retreat. Balls hit to where you used to be would definitely be more playable. Has the game evolved, or has only one side of the game evolved? Well, if your feet are a moving target because you sometimes step back, the other side does need to pay more attention to bang it into your feet quite as consistently. I don't doubt that there's upside here. What I doubt is whether there's much upside below the professional level, given the small advantage gained from mastering what looks like a fairly difficult skill. If you practice instead reducing all your popups by 1", would you not be further ahead by the end of the match? 2 inches? What's the economic margin here for time invested in training by a relatively hardcore amateur?
This video is good. The strategies are important and well illustrated. But it's 5 minutes in before you get to #2 and #1 is not hard to understand. Cutting this video in half at least would make it much, much better.
Thanks for the feedback
Wrong. 1. Backing up gives your opponent better angles and more room to aim at your feet. Stand your ground at the NVZ line.
If that works for you then great. At a certain level of player you face...won't work. Gotta do something else...This!
Haha wowww ignorant AND arrogan! Listen, if your opponent is about to overhead smash it, and you really think your best strategy is to "stand your ground" at the kitchen line, then you lack basic reasoning skills. You need to maximize your reaction time more than anything in this scenario, and adding distance is the only thing that affords you that time. Perhaps you're playing against 2.0s who have unable to hit an effective overhead with pace....
Sidenote...if you aren't even a 3.5, then it's probably silly to rebuke a 5.0 level certified coach by telling them "Wrong".
I try this but a smart player will simply drop the ball in the kitchen and you are too far back to get to the ball or you off balance
The whole point is to defend and come back up so you shouldn't be surprised by that shot, it's what you're looking for. Notice how Kady's partner nearly always hits it back soft and Kady comes back in.
You must be slow.
Definitely a lot harder than it looks.
yes absolutely
I’d like to see so recommendations on the deep lob while your opponents are at the kitchen
hit it! lol. Got it, thanks for the suggestion. Lob is being used more.
TIP: Start at 1:56 to skip intro/etc.
Ok
Nicole I love your helpful videos. However, your graphics are distracting. I am trying to focus on what you are saying and all these different graphics keep coming up. And I find it difficult to focus on what you are teaching. Please simplify. Thanks!
Thanks for the feedback Penny! If you click on the little gear icon in the control bar of the video there is a "playback speed" option. You can slow down the speed of the video and that could help.
Good advice. Too many words. Your videos would be better with a good editor. I jumped past a lot of what you said.
Thanks for the feedback
The screen is too busy and the narrator is too wordy.
This is great information about returns, but too much wordiness.
Thanks for the feedback.
Thanks for the video but PLEASE get to the point.
Thanks for the feedback.
@@primetimepickleball I don't mean to sound harsh but people today will not listen to the content with so much other stuff in the video. Just click on over to something else. Again, thanks for the video though. And I agree with the strategies. Will use them.
I personally enjoy the broken down videos. I think it’s important for students of the game. After all this is somewhat an instructional video right? Perhaps in order to appease the other end of the audience you can introduce, in this case ‘mistakes,’ in the introduction portion of the video and then proceed to break down.
@@primetimepickleballI actually think Primetime's videos the best. It's the most comprehensive that I've seen so far. Other videos are too short and explanations are too general and not in context of other game situations. Keep up the great work, Primetime!
Yeah I mean 4:00 finally has the actual advice....
I fully appreciate your training tip intentions but the videos are excessively wordy.
thanks for the feedback
You can also stand your ground at the kitchen line and return a hard upward shot that defeats your opponent’s timing, bringing a soft shot you can attack. Don’t attempt to soften your reply to dink into the kitchen. This will likely only result in a soft, too high shot that your opponent can put away.
That can only work if they won’t overwhelm you with power on the initial attack. In this scenario, as I mentioned, we’re assuming a high enough pop up and a skilled enough opponent that brings big power. Standing you ground won’t work in the situation and your chance to counter attack is also non-existent.
Talk to much
Thank you for the feedback.
Great
Thanks James!