Don’t Be in Such a Rush...

To do this in pickleball.

In today’s Bite Size Pickleball newsletter:

1. Don’t Be in Such A Rush

2. Bite Size Pickleball Show Update

When you’re in a rush to hit the ball hard, what often happens is that you aren’t coming from a solid foundation, therefore your mechanics are in jeopardy of going awry. From there, you’re either leaning too far forward, or running right through your hit. Unless you’re a highly advanced player, running through the ball is never a good idea. It is typically always best to strike the ball from a balanced, stable position, and then move forward toward the net.

I play with a few solid, heavy-hitters on the weekends. And while their drives can be highly damaging, they aren’t consistent and they tend to make a bunch of unforced errors. What should they do instead? Wait for it. Wait for the opportunity to hit the ball hard. Be willing to be patient in setting up that moment, and don’t feel like you need to pound the plastic on every possible occasion.

Might often doesn’t make right in pickleball. It comes in handy, that’s for sure, but only at the right moment.

A big part of the problem lies in these lyrics by The Beatles.

Everybody seems to think I'm lazy
I don't mind, I think they're crazy
Running everywhere at such a speed
Till they find there's no need (There's no need)

There really is no need.

Why do people rush their pickleball game? A lot of it has to do with the fact that they rush a lot in their lives and, believe it or not, it carries over to the court. If you want to be a great pickleball player, you’ll need to learn what the path of least resistance is all about and seek more Zen, in both your life and your game. Put another way…

BITE SIZE PICKLEBALL TV SHOW UPDATE

Had a great meeting with a rep from Joola yesterday regarding possible sponsorship of my show. They have never participated in that kind of way with a show. In the meantime, I’m having a blast editing it, and shooting more. Today, I stalked three of my favorite female players and taped them in a segment called, “The Answer Zone.” Quick: How many holes in a pickleball?

Answer: 40 in an outdoor ball, and 26 in an indoor ball. Bet you didn’t know that!

Yesterday I also got a meeting with Vice TV lined up for a couple of weeks from now. Vice is a cable channel that launched in 2016. They are now getting into sports programming. I have an entirely different show I am going to pitch them. Obviously, to fit with their edgy brand, my idea will examine pickleball from a more controversial angle than the current show I am working on, which is all fun and games, and some pickleball trivia!

In other words, there will be no cartoon pickleballs in it! It will be more of a big dill.

Have you heard the Bite Size Pickleball podcast yet? Search for it on your favorite podcast server, or click here.