Ever feel overwhelmed when stepping onto the pickleball court, especially when you're playing against unfamiliar opponents? Professional pickleball player Jessie Irvine has a refreshingly simple yet incredibly effective strategy: pre-plan your first few shots. This approach aims to reduce on-court thinking and allow you to play more instinctively and confidently.
Why Pre-Planning Works
Jessie's philosophy is about simplifying the game from the very first point [00:38]. By having a clear blueprint for your initial shots, you eliminate hesitation and can focus on execution rather than immediate decision-making. This takes a significant mental load off your shoulders, making the game feel easier and more fluid [00:58].
You can watch Jessie explain her tips in action here:
How to Implement This Strategy:
Before the match even begins, or even before a specific point, Jessie suggests deciding in advance where you will place your:
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Serve: Know where you want your serve to land [00:28]. Are you aiming for a specific opponent's backhand? Deep in the court?
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Third Shot: This is critical. Decide if you're going for a third-shot drop or a third-shot drive [00:28, 00:48]. Having this decision made beforehand allows you to execute it with conviction.
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Fourth or Fifth Shot: Depending on the rally's progression, have a general idea of your next couple of shots [00:28, 00:48]. This doesn't mean every shot is rigid, but it provides a framework.
The Benefits of a Pre-Planned Start
By pre-determining these initial shots, you create a foundation for your game. This strategy helps you:
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Reduce Mental Clutter: Less thinking means more reacting and better execution.
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Build Confidence: Starting with a clear plan can boost your confidence and set a positive tone for the match.
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Adapt More Easily: Once the initial shots are out of the way, you'll have a better feel for your opponents' tendencies and can adapt your strategy accordingly.
Jessie encourages all players to try this simple yet powerful strategy on the court [01:03]. You might be surprised how much it simplifies the game and improves your overall performance!
