Advanced Pickleball Strategy
There are many resources available online for helping you improve your game.
Jeff Shank Strategy Videos
The following videos were put together by Jeff Shank, a 5.0 player from Florida. The seven videos combined are a little over an hour in length.
Video #1
8:47Return of serve vs. bangers
10:02Holding your paddle up
10:45How to stand when your partner is receiving the serve
11:58Taking the third shot down the middle
Video #2
0:14Where to stand to get ready
0:47Reason for choosing a drop shot
1:21Demonstration of drop shot
2:12Working your way up to the non-volley zone (kitchen)
2:38When your partner hits the third shot
4:28Learning the drop shot
5:07Key things for third shot (placement, watch the ball, move to the ball, practice and drill)
6:54When not to do a drop shot
Video #3
0:00Pregame communication
1:40Etiquette in open/rec play - hit to better player
7:41If you hit a good lob
8:45If you hit a net dribbler
10:11If your opponent hits a net dribbler
Video #4
0:00These are tips, not the only way
1:00Why hit the ball deep
2:11Playing against a lefty/right combination
3:35Being supportive of your partner
4:16Staying square to the ball
5:23Smooth, unhurried stroke
5:45Keep your wrist stiff
6:00Dink cross-court or to the middle
6:20Flat trajectories vs. curved
7:54Stay close to the kitchen line
10:44Playing with a better player
Video #5
0:00Play to opponents' weaknesses
1:03Power of the soft game
3:41Play with players a little better than you
4:20Making good decisions vs great shots
7:11Learn forehand and backhand equally
7:49Watch top players on YouTube
9:04High bounces close to the net
Video #6
1:02Lift balls at your feet
2:15Hit harder or higher when backpedaling
4:22"Around the Post" defense
5:05First shot against bangers
6:22Serving against spinners
7:04Hit higher to hit deeper
7:33Hit short hops for time management
8:24Hitting overhead smash
9:21Hitting a short shot when opponents are back
Video #7
0:23Hit serve return to better poacher
1:12Let person who calls "Mine" take the ball
2:06Let middle ball go through if you can't see your partner
4:40Half volley/short hop when dinking
7:00Location more important than power
7:33Hit short hops for time management
8:32One opponent up and one back
9:55If partner is up and you are back
Joe Baker Strategy & Drills
