As the game of pickleball continues to gain momentum, there are more and more 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5 ranked players. Yet, 5.0 players are still few and far between.
You may think becoming a 5.0 player is out of the question for you — that you need to be younger, faster, or hit harder. However, pickleball is a game of skill and likely what you need most to boost your game are a few tips on how to play smarter.
The Paseo Club is a private club in Santa Clarita with a full-scale pickleball department and eleven well-lit courts. In this article, we will share top tips from our pros on how to become a 5.0 pickleball player.
5 Top Tips to becoming a 5.0 pickleball player
Tip #1 Defend softly — and to the middle
When you're scrambling under pressure, it's instinctual to hit hard and fast. Yet, pickleball is not a game of power, it is a game of finesse.
The net is two inches lower in the middle (34 inches), compared to the sides (36 inches). Take advantage of this dip in height to improve your odds. When you land it in the middle, your opponents have fewer angles they can access. A soft reset also buys you time to get back into position and prepare for the next attack.
Tip #2 Play hard(er) on the right side
Experienced pickleball players know that the right side of the court is the area where they should play strongly and assertively. Do not hang back and defend, instead attack your opponent. Take advantage of high balls or weak dinks. Look for your partner’s setup to poach the ball for an unexpected offensive move.
Tip #3 Volley low
A 5.0 player is a controlled and restrained player. They volley with the ball in front of their body and keep it low, aiming for their opponent's feet. High balls or popups are express invitations for easy putaways, so avoid this at all costs.
Tip #4 Pause
One small step that will give you more control is to pause — just for a millisecond — before making contact with the ball. This simple action gives you time to strategize your next move. Just as importantly, it throws your opponent off their game, causing them confusion. Pausing also gives you the opportunity to speed up to the ball and then drop a buttery smooth dink, faking your rival out.
Tip #5 Leverage the non-dominant hand
It is natural to put all your focus on the hand that holds the paddle. However, the non-dominant hand is responsible for counterbalancing your dominant hand. This aids in executing shots and affects how you control the paddle face, the direction of your shot, and the amount of spin you place on it.
Your non-dominant hand can also help you develop a compelling two-handed backhand.
Bonus Tip #6 Strength train
Your stamina, strength, endurance, coordination, and stability do not improve by pickleball alone. All professional athletes cross-train with strength training, and pickleball players are no different.
DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) recommends strength training twice a week to optimize your game. They suggest targeting basic functional fitness movements, such as pushing, pulling, hinging, squatting, twisting, and carrying.
Taking the time to cross-train will also minimize your chance of strain, pain, and injury.
Leveling up your pickleball game
Improving your pickleball game takes time and consistency. The Paseo Club offers drop-in and reserved play, drills, private lessons, leagues, and tournaments. The club is a great place to meet other players and find new partners to compete with.
The Paseo Club offers over 60 fitness classes each week. You can attend yoga, Pilates, strength training, HIIT, water aerobics, cycle, and more — all great options for cross-training.
If you haven’t been to the club before you can schedule a tour or request a day pass. If you are ready to join the preeminent pickleball community in Santa Clarita, you can join today and get instant access to all eight acres of our facility. Join now!
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