How being a US Open Ballperson taught me to be a better pickleball player

sports
Published

September 13, 2024

How being a US Open Ballperson taught me to be a better pickleball player

  • Anticipate, anticipate, anticipate As a ballperson, we need to act quickly and make sure the balls are on the correct side of the court and immediately available for the players. We’re taught to anticipate our next move so that once the play is over we’re ready. Just like how a 2nd baseman needs to be prepared to turn 2, our reaction cannot interupt the flow of the game and is therefore a part of the game.

  • Set yourself up and start moving as soon as the ball is hit, movement

Pickleball can be a game of quickness. By having your hands up and your body ready to react, it’s much easier to get at any quick balls that might be coming your way.

I noticed that tennis players were always on their feet ready to return that 100+mph serve. While the pickleball is not moving as fast, same should be done by a pickleball player.

  • Discuss strategy and communicate to your partner

Tennis pros will signal with their partner at every point, I go here and you go here. They have a plan for how they’ll act their opponent. Each team will play different depending on their strengths.

The same should be done in pickleball, are you planning on driving more or dropping more? Was the drop good and your partner should move in, or should they move back and be prepared to defend.

  • Goal should be to win, not to hit the hardest

Often I find that pickleball players enjoy hitting the shit out of the ball more than winning. What I appreciated about watching tons of tennis is that you see players of heights and sizes compete. Placement of the ball can be a key to a winning match.