#1040: Pickleball After 70: Play Smarter Not harder
#1040: What changes when you’re still obsessed with pickleball but you’re playing into your 70s? Tracie talks with legendary coach Deb “Picklepong” Harrison about how older players can stay competitive by playing smarter, not harder. They dig into surviving hands battles with younger players, knowing when to counter and when to reset, using “space not face” to make opponents move, and why a well-placed dink can be a much better weapon than raw power. Deb also shares practical advice for protecting your body, handling lobs safely, staying hydrated, choosing smarter targets, and continuing to add new tools to your game. Because getting older doesn’t mean lowering your expectations, it just means bringing a little more intention (and moxie) to the court.
In this episode you’ll hear:
Why the first response to pace should often be a compact counter
How to stop “feeding the beast” with balls opponents can easily attack
Why “space, not face” is a smarter way to choose targets
When a boring little reset to the middle is exactly the right shot
Why older players should think twice before backpedaling after a lob
How hydration, strength, flexibility and protecting your eyes can keep you on the court longer
Why knowing where you are on the court should determine whether you’re attacking or defending
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