To play your best pickleball you need to "see" the game. This is where the Second Pillar comes in. It is not just how to hit the ball. It is what shot to hit when. The when and the why if you will. If you do not have this understanding of the game, that you can apply in real time, then what will your results on the court look like? Your paddle is our in front. But are you ready? Maybe - maybe not. Click here to learn more about the Second Pillar. Click here for our Respect the X video . If you m...
Jul 23, 2021•10 min
It is common to feel a bit frustrated out there. We expect X from ourselves and often end up with Y. We can work harder to improve but, perhaps, we can also reframe the narrative in our mind. If we are playing at a Y level, then expect Y. In the riff we share some words of wisdom from our friend Deb Harrison - even as accomplished a player as Deb continues to grow with the game. You can connect with her at www.picklepongdeb.com . If you missed it, you can find out more about THE Pickleball Summi...
Jul 16, 2021•12 min
There is a lot to learn in pickleball. A lot. The endless nature of learning in pickleball can seem a downside. It can lead to frustration and dismay. But what if you look at it as a gift - a never-ending fount of knowledge from which you can drink and drink. Listen to how Glen Peterson and Coach Pete approach it and you might be convinced. In the riff we share a stat with you - one that will hopefully convince you to focus your energies on the neutralizing objective when you are serving. If you...
Jul 09, 2021•15 min
THE Pickleball Summit gathered nearly 30 presenters all experts in their field covering a wide range of topics pertinent to your improvement as a pickleball player. In this podcast CJ and I riff about the Summit, share some of our thoughts about what happened and what we learned and share some news about upcoming events. If you missed it, you can find out more about THE Pickleball Summit by clicking here . Copy this into your browser if the link does not work for you: https://www.wearepickleball...
Jul 02, 2021•31 min
Two these became apparent from THE Pickleball Summit presenters: 1. the soft game will improve your play and 2 keep it simple (CJ and I are all about fundamentals at VIPickleball). Sign up for THE Pickleball Summit 2021 here: https://the-pickleball-summit-2021.heysummit.com . Register to get our emails so you get the "out" balls decision tree and other information by signing up here . Join us at our immersive pickleball learning community - VIPickleball. Find out more at wearepickleball.com . If...
Jun 27, 2021•5 min
Much rec play in pickleball is bang-bang and then bang some more. If you are the biggest banger in your group, then this works out pretty well for you. But what if you are not? In this podcast we discuss a strategy to slow things down out there and take the bang out of the bang-bang. We also share with you a surprisingly effective drill technique. Sign up for THE Pickleball Summit 2021 here: https://the-pickleball-summit-2021.heysummit.com . Register to get our emails so you get the "out" balls ...
Jun 18, 2021•12 min
If you are looking to play optimal pickleball, you need two things: (1) the ability to hit the shot you are trying to hit (third shot, serve, punch volley, etc) and (b) the knowledge of what shot to hit given the context of the rally (what are you trying to accomplish at that stage of the rally?). In the podcast we explore these two facets of the game and give you some tips for improving in both. Sign up for THE Pickleball Summit 2021 here: https://the-pickleball-summit-2021.heysummit.com . Join...
Jun 04, 2021•12 min
Focusing on the score can distract you from obtaining the best results for your game. Focus instead on the next rally or, better yet, the next shot. The results - the score - will come. In the riff, I share some thoughts about the multiple facets of pickleball - there is more than just the third shot. Register for THE Pickleball Summit - here: https://the-pickleball-summit-2021.heysummit.com . Join us at our immersive pickleball learning community - VIPickleball. Find out more at wearepickleball...
May 28, 2021•12 min
Are you targeting or being targeted when you play pickleball? In rec play? Tournament? This week we address this often mis-used strategy. In the riff, I share a sean peek into our interview with Tennis Hall of Fame Gigi Fernandez about pickleball skills that translate to tennis. Join us at our immersive pickleball learning community - VIPickleball. Find out more at wearepickleball.com. If you or a loved one wants to learn pickleball, check out Play Pickleball, a Beginner's Guide - available at I...
May 21, 2021•14 min
Too often we focus on our results. This can distract us from progress; progress which is made by focusing on the process. A sound process will give you the results you want. Improve your process and the results will follow. In the riff, I share my thoughts about how to deal with that player that just makes the game unenjoyable. Join us at our immersive pickleball learning community - VIPickleball. Find out more at wearepickleball.com. If you or a loved one wants to learn pickleball, check out Pl...
May 14, 2021•17 min
Bad advice can hurt more than just your chances of winning a rally or a game. It can significantly derail your progress as a player. In this podcast we tackle one of the most damaging pieces of bad advice: rushing to the non-volley zone. In the riff, I give you some tips to spot bad advice. If you want some more help on how to avoid bad advice, check out CJ's video on this subject (curious note - this is CJ's first Pickleball video - that is how important it was to her when she started her pickl...
May 07, 2021•15 min
Why are you popping the ball up? Hitting the smashes 3 feet out of bounds? Probably because of your stroke being too long. Find out what I mean in the podcast. In the riff I share with you some recommendations about the winner's metric - what do we define as winning? Join us at our immersive pickleball learning community - VIPickleball. Find out more at wearepickleball.com. Download the Free Stacking Guide here: https://www.wearepickleball.com/pl/2147487615 If you or a loved one wants to learn p...
Apr 30, 2021•18 min
The best players do nothing special. They know winning is about doing the mundane. Over and over. That is how you win. Join us at our immersive pickleball learning community - VIPickleball. Find out more at wearepickleball.com. Download the Free Stacking Guide here: https://www.wearepickleball.com/pl/2147487615 If you or a loved one wants to learn pickleball, check out Play Pickleball, a Beginner's Guide - available at In2Pickle.com (digital) or Amazon (paperback). Check out Coach Peter Scales B...
Apr 24, 2021•5 min
How do you know if you are improving - moving forward? Use time as a metric to determine whether you are headed in the right direction. Longer game = better play. Shorter game = the opposite. In the riff we share with you some ideas about preparing for big events or games, like the US Open starting next week. Join us at our immersive pickleball learning community - VIPickleball. Find out more at wearepickleball.com. Download the Free Stacking Guide here: https://www.wearepickleball.com/pl/214748...
Apr 16, 2021•11 min
You can have a place for your serve and return, and even a target for your third shot. But after that there are too many variables in play for a set formula to work. Will an inside, inside, outside pattern work? Impossible to say without knowing the rest of the story. Instead of formulas, focus on understanding fundamentals and understanding the concepts of the game. In the riff we share with you some indicators you can use on court to correct stroke mechanic issues. Join us at our immersive pic...
Apr 09, 2021•11 min
Can you improve off court? Absolutely, unequivocally and, in case that is not clear enough, 100%. In this episode we share 3 specific tips you can use to improve your pickleball game when you are off court. In the riff we share an easy way to remember to stack - be the protagonist when you are out there. Join us at our immersive pickleball learning community - VIPickleball. Find out more at wearepickleball.com. Download the Free Stacking Guide here: https://www.wearepickleball.com/pl/2147487615 ...
Apr 02, 2021•11 min
Stacking is a skill that is available to all levels and it can allow you to take control of the game. We discuss it in the podcast. In the riff we talk about what it means to be a thinking pickleball player. Join us at our immersive pickleball learning community - VIPickleball. Find out more at wearepickleball.com. You can watch our Serve Webinar here: https://www.wearepickleball.com/febserve Want help with a Video Analysis - email us at Coaching@wearepickleball.com If you or a loved one wants t...
Mar 26, 2021•13 min
Change the framework of your mind as you play. Understanding the probabilities when you are on court will help you have a better perspective. In the riff we talk about the paddle(s) I am using these days. Join us at our immersive pickleball learning community - VIPickleball. Find out more at wearepickleball.com. You can watch our Serve Webinar here: https://www.wearepickleball.com/febserve Want help with a Video Analysis - email us at Coaching@wearepickleball.com If you or a loved one wants to l...
Mar 19, 2021•14 min
Looking for a paddle? Listen to the riff before you buy. Before that, we are entering (if not already arrived at) information overload. We talk about it and how to avoid it derailing your improvement. Join us at our immersive pickleball learning community - VIPickleball. Find out more at wearepickleball.com. You can watch our Serve Webinar here: https://www.wearepickleball.com/febserve Want help with a Video Analysis - email us at Coaching@wearepickleball.com If you or a loved one wants to learn...
Mar 12, 2021•17 min
Are you pickleball ready? Not sure? Then stay tuned for the riff at the end of the podcast. Before that, I give you an update of our tournament. And not just for update sake. There are lessons in there for me. And hopefully for you as well. Join us at our immersive pickleball learning community - VIPickleball. Find out more at wearepickleball.com. You can watch our Serve Webinar here: https://www.wearepickleball.com/febserve Want help with a Video Analysis - email us at Coaching@wearepickleball....
Mar 04, 2021•22 min
Play pickleball singles? If not, maybe give it a try. In this podcast we talk about the sport in general and give you some specific tips, including the serve and return of serve. The drop serve is sexy. It is new. But is it right for you? Probably not. We explain why inside. Join us at our immersive pickleball learning community - VIPickleball. Find out more at wearepickleball.com. You can watch our Serve Webinar here: https://www.wearepickleball.com/febserve Want help with a Video Analysis - em...
Feb 19, 2021•16 min
Are you hitting with intentionality? If not, then you are probably hitting unintentional intentional popups: balls that can be attacked by your opponents not because of an error in your shot but because your shot had no intention to not be attackable to begin with. We also discuss an effective tool for your self-improvement that you have in your pocket or hand right now. Join us at our immersive pickleball learning community - VIPickleball. Find out more at wearepickleball.com. You can watch our...
Feb 13, 2021•12 min
Trying to copy the pros can be "dangerous" to our game. There are things that pros do that maybe we are not ready for ... yet. But there are definitely things that the pros do that we should emulate regardless of our level. One of those is the third shot. The higher the level of player (and, by turn, the higher the level of the player's opponent), the higher their third shot apexes over the net. Seems counter-intuitive but it makes perfect sense once you reflect on it. The pros know there is one...
Feb 05, 2021•10 min
Want to play better pickleball? Then you have to understand the game - how it is constructed. In this episode I share with you the serving/scoring framework. Score more points once you understand the system's framework. Join us at our immersive pickleball learning community - VIPickleball. Find out more at wearepickleball.com. You can also join our 8-week Fitness Challenge at wearepickleball.com. Our video on Scoring in Five here: https://youtu.be/dRX8cQzglnk If you or a loved one wants to learn...
Jan 09, 2021•12 min
Use these 5 pickleball fitness tips to get ready for 2021. Let's make it our best pickleball year yet. Join us at our immersive pickleball learning community - VIPickleball. Find out more at wearepickleball.com. You can also join our 8-week Fitness Challenge at wearepickleball.com. If you or a loved one wants to learn pickleball, check out Play Pickleball, a Beginner's Guide - available at In2Pickle.com (digital) or Amazon (paperback). If you like the podcast, please share it with your friends. ...
Dec 31, 2020•9 min
The new Drop Serve Rule is causing lots of consternation out there. In this episode we tackle it and discuss potential next steps with it. Join us at our immersive pickleball learning community - VIPickleball. Find out more at wearepickleball.com. If you or a loved one wants to learn pickleball, check out Play Pickleball, a Beginner's Guide - available at In2Pickle.com (digital) or Amazon (paperback). If you like the podcast, please share it with your friends. If you like it, they probably will ...
Dec 24, 2020•9 min
Prepare for battle BEFORE you step onto the court. It will give you more enjoyment and tranquility out there. In the riff we talk about the importance of movement as part of your pickleball growth. You can find out more about VIPickleball at wearepickleball.com. Play Pickleball, a Beginner's Guide, is available at In2Pickle.com (digital) or Amazon (paperback). You can get some awesome In2Pickle gear at In2Pickle.com. If you like the podcast, please share it with your friends. If you like it, the...
Dec 11, 2020•8 min
Setting reasonable expectations can help us all enjoy our on-court time a little better. Don't let the lizard part of your brain ruin your day. Also learn the story of Mr. Julius Yego. It is an inspiring story that you can apply to your own learning and improvement. You can find out more about VIPickleball at wearepickleball.com. Play Pickleball, a Beginner's Guide, is available at In2Pickle.com (digital) or Amazon (paperback). If you like the podcast, please share it with your friends. If you l...
Dec 05, 2020•12 min
Let's take this time to think about giving Pickleball to someone we care about. And also giving it back to ourselves. In the rif we talk about elongated paddles - let us know what you think. You can find out more about VIPickleball at wearepickleball.com. Play Pickleball, a Beginner's Guide, is available at In2Pickle.com (digital) or Amazon (paperback). If you like the podcast, please share it with your friends. If you like it, they probably will too. Happy Thanksgiving and be well. Tony --- Sup...
Nov 26, 2020•12 min
Paddle construction - the core, face and edge guard. What you need to know. Paddles, paddles, paddles. Hard to pick one. So much information. In this series we bring you specifics about what matters and what does not with paddles. You can get more information in the below videos or by visiting In2Pickle.com. 3 Tips to Get your Pickleball Paddle ready for battle (or play - however you think about it): https://youtu.be/snzGyMp3SxE How to Pick a Pickleball Paddle that's Right for YOU: https://youtu...
Nov 07, 2020•10 min
