ALL EPISODES
#1007: Be Kinder to Yourself on the Court
Coach Mindy Yoder points out the ways that we can undermine ourselves on the court (name calling ourselves lazy, stupid) and suck the fun out of the game. If you’re being harsh to yourself, Mindy talks about how to interrupt and change that thought process. Is there anything you can do when a partner is being unkind to him/herself since it affects you.
#1006: "Respect the X" — Do People Really Know What it Means?
This is an often-used but greatly misunderstood saying about which player takes the ball, depending on the angle at which it crosses the net. Coach Deb Harrison thinks beginners and intermediates may have never heard the phrase, whereas more advanced players think they know what it means...but there's a good chance they don't! Coach Deb calls the middle of the court between the partners "Divorce Court" because players miss the ball but blame each other because they aren't clear whose ball it is.
#1005: "Sorry Not Sorry" — Is That Funny or Snarky?
Coach Leia Miller talks about common smirking reaction to making a point off a net cord hit — "Sorry... not sorry" and asks whether its funny — or rudely snarky? Other pickleball etiquette issues are responding to partners' errors with eye rolls and a "resting bitch face" instead of smiling and being encouraging for the next shot. Or guys who lose their cool about their own errors by swearing, smacking their paddle on their thigh, or slamming it on the net — without considering the negative affect it has on everyone else on the court — or even adjacent courts!
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#1004: “Down the Middle Solves the Riddle”
When opponents miss a shot between them and people say "Down the middle solves the riddle," Coach Greg Dedrick says it's nonsensical! There should be no riddle at all if partners understand which one of them should logically take that mid-court shot (hint: it's not necessarily the player whose forehand it is!).
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#1003: How to Get Faster Hands
Coach Veronica Alteri gives tips on how to speed up your reaction time with your paddle — because some people have naturally fast hands but anybody with the intention can get faster with their paddle.
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#1001: Beating the Bangers
Coach Greg Dedrick talks about how "bangers" has become a dirty word, but with the game itself becoming faster and more powerful, there's a place for hard hitters on the court. However, they won't necessarily win if you follow a few simple suggestions about dealing with their shots.