Coming up on 3 months since I picked up a paddle. Here's what I know, what I've learned and what I am still learning.
I know this sport is growing on me so much that I want to play way more than my time is allowing me. I look forward to the next Friday afternoon the minute I am done playing on Friday and I've got to figure out how to get more pickleball time in.
I've learned a lot about the sport, specifically the equipment is as important as individual play. Not all paddles play the same not even within the same brand and more so from brand to brand. If things aren't working out for you or you are struggling to hit that perfect shot I highly recommend you try other paddles with different cores, different coatings and different lengths. I was surprised to land on a longer paddle with a shorter handle being the one that currently fits me and my play the best. Something else to consider if not already are shoes. I started out with my old racket ball shoes and that didn't work at all. Maybe they were just too old but there was no support and I found that everything from the waist down was hurting more than it should. I picked up a pair of tennis shoes, Nike in my case those work quite well.
I've learned the rules, more about play technique, my serve, being in and around the kitchen, when to dink and when to slam. I've figured out that I have a pretty good upward slicing serve that when dialed in lands in the back left or right corner forcing my opponent to step back even further to return. I've learned more than anything that I've got lots of work to do to refine my skills. I'd consider myself an intermediate player maybe a 3.5 on that scale I have yet to understand all about. I've played a number of different people all with different techniques and play levels. I actually tend to play better with people that are better than me and like a sponge soak up everything they are doing that I should be.
I am still learning about how I handle the ball and the paddle and my confidence that I can hit with a little more intent and know it is going to go in. I am still learning through frustration that I want to be better than I am. I've at least figured out how to understand what I did wrong when the unforced error has me wanting to throw my paddle across the court...
All in all this is not a sport I ever thought I would be playing, if you are wondering whether there is enough intensity to get a work out in let me give you some feedback. Other than the type of play which can be more intense or less depending on your opponents, my legs, quads and glutes are getting some of the best isolated workout they have seen in some time. The more time you spend at the kitchen sliding back and forth like you are speed skating the more your legs will feel the effort the next day. I am hooked...
Comments