The Shot Nemesis

Looking at that one shot in pickleball you practice and practice and yet still seem to struggle to implement well in a match.

Who else has that one shot that you practice and practice and yet it seems out of reach to implement it in a match? For me, it is the all-so-popular third shot drive.

Anyone who knows my game, knows I’m known for an aggressive third shot drop. But if you ever (rarely) watch me play singles, you will know I actually can drive the ball, flat, low, and with some pace. I did play tennis and mostly singles. I technically know how to drive the ball if you want me to teach you how to do it.

But, put me into a doubles match and it feels like a disaster. My timing is all off. It usually goes into the net. And probably the biggest annoyance is when I hit it well, my partners are so surprised I drove the ball, that they are all discombobulated.

The worst part is we practice it. We practice it all the time. And then I try to practice it in a game, and I try to force it when it isn’t there because I want to practice it.

And that is the crux of the issue. For me, since it isn’t my go-to, I can’t force it. No matter how much we might want to use a new (or old) shot, if the timing is off, if the ball from the opponents isn’t right, trying to force it will result in a mistake. The same is true if we try to hit an uncomfortable shot under pressure. We greatly increase our chance of making an error.

Embrace those consistent shots you feel confident about. I will take a confident, accurate shot any day. That doesn’t mean stop trying to learn new shots and incorporate them into your game. You have to keep improving and you have to try. But understand the risks involved and understand when to actually try that new shot. Try it when you are relaxed. Try it when your feet are moving well. Try it when the stakes are low.

And maybe, just maybe, you’ll start to see those opportunities as the stakes get higher and the pressure grows. Because remember, most shots in pickleball come from the situation (the angle of the ball, your positioning on the court, where your partner is, and the pace and spin of the ball) rather than from your desire to hit it.

I’m not giving up! I’m just accepting the fact that I can’t force a drive into my game. And in those rare moments I see the gift of the drive truly materializing in front of me rather than forcing it, it’s almost always a winner.

What’s your nemesis on the court? Are you recognizing what is holding you back? Is it technique, is it timing, or is it try to force something that isn’t there? Take this week to drill it, practice it, and embrace its true roll (or lack of roll) in your game. Let us know how it goes!