“Forehand takes the middle.” How many times have you heard it said on the courts? Even though it is uttered innocently enough, this “truism” is unhelpful and oftentimes will lead you to the wrong answer. There are multiple scenarios where a player may incorrectly conclude that “forehand takes it.” In this week’s episode we reveal the fallacy of this well-ingrained “rule” and provide you with an alternative framework that is more constructive and will lead to you having better answers on the cour...
Feb 25, 2022•18 min
Bangers are gonna bang. What to do about it? You can try to out-bang the banger. That is an option sure. But is it the best option for you? Another option is to use your best weapon against the banger: the out of bounds directly behind you. Let some of the bangers' balls go and see what happens. You have agency over what you do on the court. And letting balls go is part of that agency. In this episode we discuss the rationale for letting balls go and give you some suggestions for doing so. In th...
Feb 18, 2022•16 min
Pickleball offers a paradox: the best players in the game use a strategy that is available to all players. This is different than most other sports, where the top performers do things that us mere mortals are simply unable to do or which we would have to dedicate every waking moment to perhaps master. The strategy used by the best players in the game, when all the chips are in the middle of the table (when everything is at stake) is the soft game. Watch a pro match and see what they do the vast ...
Feb 11, 2022•14 min
The soft game is No. 1. There is just no other way about it. If you are not playing the soft game you are not using the most important part of a pickleball court. In this week’s episode I share with you four specific uses for the soft game: (1) getting out of trouble, (2) serve side (subset of getting out of trouble) (if you do not know the difference between serve side and return side, you need some WeArePickleball in your life), (3) controlling tempo (great way to gain confidence and comfort o...
Feb 04, 2022•14 min
In this week’s podcast, we look at pickleball from the vantage point of one of the best players in the game and break it down into the Mechanical, Strategic, and Athletic Pillars (the Three Pillars of Pickleball™ that we are known for at WeArePickleball). Some key takeaways: · Mechanical: consistency · Strategic: intentionality · Athletic: prepared body and calm mind In the riff we give you a challenge for you to do the next 7 days. The challenge will help your pickleball and, importantly, your ...
Jan 28, 2022•13 min
“The was my forehand.” How many times do we hear that on the pickleball court? Is Forehand in the Middle really a thing? Well … it depends. And it certainly does not overcome some other principles (not all the time), such as Respect the “X.” What is important to continue to better understand the game so that you can determine what makes sense when. It is what we call the Strategic Pillar at WeArePickleball. In this week’s podcast, we explore forehand in the middle and suggest when it might apply...
Jan 21, 2022•17 min
There is one shot that you must have to play pickleball and which, even if you have it, is costing you points or helping you win games. If you can focus on this one shot, and get it as good as it can get, you will see radical improvement in your play and results. Guaranteed. In the episodes, we also give you some tips on how to work on improving your shot. In the riff we discuss the ladder of pickleball play and what you should do once you have climbed up. You can find out more about our WeArePi...
Jan 14, 2022•18 min
I am joined this week's podcast by CJ Johnson from Better Pickleball and WeArePickleball. CJ conducted a survey of hundreds of pickleball players to find out what they are needing to improve. In this week's podcast we discuss the top three and give you our thoughts on how you can use this information to best improve your game. In the riff, I turn the microphone over to CJ to let her share her thoughts about the mental part of the game with you. This stiff is powerful. You can find out more about...
Jan 07, 2022•26 min
There is some suggestion that pickleball is becoming a hard game. The pros are hitting harder, attacking more often. But is that really the case? In this week’s podcast we explain why the soft game is ALWAYS the right answer to the game. It is the approach to the game used by the pros when the stakes are highest. Yet it is a strategy that any player can use, regardless of background, size, age, etc. Adopting the soft game can radically alter your game. In the riff we discuss minimizing injuries ...
Dec 31, 2021•19 min
Consider adding the soft game to your pickleball game. Even the odds, set the tone, and gain a ton of confidence with these skills; which are available to all players regardless of background, age, size, etc. In the riff we talk about paddle weight - how important is it and what is it???? Get the same visual training that CJ and I use to improve our vision, our game, and our lives (better night driving included). Visit here for more information. You can find out more about Tyrol shoes here. Regi...
Dec 17, 2021•18 min
If you want to get better at pickleball, you first need to know what might be wrong. Oftentimes pickleball players focus on the “wrong” areas. By focusing on higher impact areas of the game you can see better results faster. In the riff we talk about what to do when the wrong score is, inevitably, called by your opponent. Get the same visual training that CJ and I use to improve our vision, our game, and our lives (better night driving included). Visit here for more information. You can find out...
Dec 10, 2021•13 min
Are your shots intentional? If not, how can you improve as a player ? Adding intentionality to your shots – and the other parts of your game – is critical. In the riff we give you 3 weeks of intentionality to add to your game. Get the same visual training that CJ and I use to improve our vision, our game, and our lives (better night driving included). Visit here for more information. You can find out more about Tyrol shoes here. Register to get our weekly VIPickleball emails and get your FREE fr...
Dec 03, 2021•15 min
Are you out there looking for the “W”s when you play pickleball? Is that the right metric for you and your pickleball objectives? I am going to guess no, but perhaps I am wrong about that . Listen to the podcast and let me know. In the riff we get into how your paddle is holding you back from the play you are capable of. Or is it? Get the same visual training that CJ and I use to improve our vision, our game, and our lives (better night driving included). Visit here for amazing Black Friday spec...
Nov 19, 2021•13 min
We all play open play. In this episode we share with your ideas to get the most out of your open play experience: both in terms of improvement as well as enjoyment. Are you improving in open play? If not, check out this week’s episode where we share with you specific things you can do to maximize your improvement – even at open play. Are you losing when ahead? Perhaps losing focus towards the end when you are up 9-3? In the riff we share some ideas to help shore up that part of your game. We ans...
Nov 12, 2021•19 min
Were you given an Instruction Manual when you first started playing pickleball? We weren't. In this episode we share with you stories about how we built our manual so that you can do the same. In the riff, we discuss the new serve rules for 2022 and talk about a rule that is still there that may cause some mischief with our game. You can read our blog post about the serve rules here. If you or a loved one wants to learn pickleball, check out Play Pickleball, a Beginner's Guide - available at In2...
Nov 05, 2021•17 min
Pickleball expectations might be sapping your enjoyment of the game. Read our full post here: https://wearepickleball.com/make-pickleball-fun-again/ You can find our comprehensive ready position video at In2Pickle on YouTube. 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) . You can find out more about the Diadem Icon paddle by visiting Diadem Sports here. Use the code VIPickleball to get ...
Oct 29, 2021•18 min
When we think of winning as getting to 11 first and losing as when our opponents get to 11 before we do, we rob ourselves of the benefits that can come from score losing a game. The only way we grow as pickleball players is when we are pushed to do so - this often means losing in terms of the score in a game or match. Take advantage of these growth opportunities by focusing on what you can do to improve as opposed to just the L that you get after that "loss." In the riff, we get into what it mea...
Oct 22, 2021•16 min
Players ask CJ and me all the time what the best way to improve is. Should they take lessons or maybe a clinic? Is self-study enough to accomplish my objectives? What about a camp - I hear those can be fun? In this Bonus episode I touch on all four and give you some of the pros and cons of each. Get more information about our camps here (there are some spots still open at our upcoming camps in Folsom and Concord, CA - there is even some sort of discount that CJ put in there): https://wearepickle...
Oct 15, 2021•13 min
There are two you's on the court, Self 1 and Self 2. Self 2 is your ally when you play pickleball. Self 1? Not so much. Self 1 just yaps your ear off with nonsense while Self 2 is trying to get the work done. In this week's podcast we talk to you about the difference between them and how to quiet Self 1. In the riff, we discuss pickleball empathy. Trust me - this is worth a listen. The Inner Game of Tennis by Tim Gallwey - an amazing book. You can find out more about the Diadem Icon paddle by vi...
Oct 15, 2021•17 min
Do you understand the concept of playing high to low - as opposed to low to high? If not, you may be getting yourself in trouble on the pickleball court. In this podcast we explain it to you and tell you how to stay out of these murky waters. In the riff we discuss whether you "belong" on a certain court in your community. The answer might surprise you. You can find out more about the Diadem Icon paddle by visiting Diadem Sports here. Use the code VIPickleball to get our discount at checkout (us...
Oct 08, 2021•15 min
What is it that the advanced pickleball players in your area do that you may not be taking full advantage of? In this podcast we share with you the No. 1 key to what they do that you can add to your game to help you continue your improvement. Link to the video: https://youtu.be/jCjPmaYsnLU In the riff we discuss an out calls controversy that was shared with us. What to do when the players disagree on the out call?? Listen and find out. You can find out more about the Diadem Icon paddle by visiti...
Oct 01, 2021•19 min
If you are facing bangers, there is only one solution: use the out of bounds. If you hit every ball banged at you, it will make for a long day on the courts. In this podcast we share with you how to neutralize bangers and give you some helpful tips for dealing with out balls. In the riff we discuss how to deal with the player at the courts who makes your experience a negative one. No thank you is all you need. We give you some clues on how to deal with it. You can find out more about the Diadem ...
Sep 24, 2021•19 min
Red herrings can distract us on our pickleball improvement paths. They take away time and focus from the areas that we need to work on. This particular red herring, however, can actually undermine your game by adding unnecessary errors. Is the windshield wiper stroke undermining your game? Rec play is awesome. Socialize, relax, play some ball. But if you want to improve you need to consider adding some competitive play to your weekly schedule. Stay tuned to the riff to hear more on this. You can...
Sep 17, 2021•14 min
Pickleball is a game of error reduction. True. But to improve you also have to learn how to take advantage of opportunities that arise. In this episode we explain what we mean and get you to think about the game a bit differently (at least that is the objective). Rally scoring is coming to pickleball. At least that is what the tea leaves are saying. Am I excited about rally scoring coming into the game? No. But will it prevent me from playing? Also no. Stay tuned to the riff to hear more on this...
Sep 10, 2021•16 min
This is our 1 year episode (at least if you subscribe to the 52-week year). During the past year we have traveled quite a ways down our pickleball path; sharing ideas about the game and how to enjoy a better life at the same time. In this episode we look back to some of the highlights over the past year and share some of our favorite topics and ideas. We appreciate you listening and helping our podcast reach other players out there for whom, like you, pickleball has become an important part of t...
Sep 03, 2021•10 min
Are you a pickleball athlete? It depends. Are you a pickleball athlete? Why would I ask that question twice like that? It is because the answer is wholly up to you. You are a pickleball athlete if you say you are. If you take care of your body and mind. Do the things that an athlete does when they want to perform at their best. Then you are an athlete. You can find out more about the Diadem Icon paddle by visiting Diadem Sports here. Use the code VIPickleball to get our discount at checkout (usi...
Aug 27, 2021•16 min
If you are engaging the "out" balls, you are leaving points on the table (court?) and not playing your best pickleball. In this episode we tell you how you reclaim those points. Let us know if you want to be notified about our January camps in Tampa, Florida by emailing us at camps@wearepickleball.com. In the riff we talk about the downside of the popcorn ceiling. Register to get our weekly VIPickleball emails by signing up here . Join us at our immersive pickleball learning community - VIPickle...
Aug 20, 2021•12 min
There are three pillars to you playing your best pickleball. In this podcast we delve into the first pillar: the mechanical one. Let us know if you want to be notified about our January camps in Tampa, Florida by emailing us at camps@wearepickleball.com. In the riff we talk about shot arcs (and arches). A way to avoid those attackable popups. Register to get our weekly VIPickleball emails by signing up here . Join us at our immersive pickleball learning community - VIPickleball. Find out more at...
Aug 13, 2021•13 min
Lynn Cherry, the host of Pickleball Fire Podcast shares with us some of her thoughts about pickleball, including some solid tips for how to maintain a healthier perspective out on the court. You can connect with Lynn at pickleballfire.com . Also make sure you subscribe to her podcast, Pickleball Fire. Good perspective on the game In the riff we talk about your journey; what it is and how to keep it yours. Register to get our weekly VIPickleball emails by signing up here . Join us at our immersiv...
Aug 06, 2021•19 min
You are working on improvement; on becoming a better Pickleball player. But how do you know if you are, in fact, getting better? In this episode we offer you 3 suggestions that might help you make the determination. In the riff we talk a little Olympics, at least what we can learn from it to give us some perspective out there. Register to get our weekly VIPickleball emails by signing up here . Join us at our immersive pickleball learning community - VIPickleball. Find out more at wearepickleball...
Jul 30, 2021•14 min
