- THE FIT PICKLER
- Posts
- Defensive Strategies to Counter the Power Game
Defensive Strategies to Counter the Power Game
Halloween Humor, PB & Politics, PB & The Law, PB's New TV Show & More!
FIT PICKLER
October 31, 2024
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Health, Fitness, News & Fun for Picklers of All Ages
What's Cooking in the Kitchen This Week:
“GOT IT” CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCED
Defensive Strategies to Counter the Power Game
The Pleasures Of Pickleball
Fitness Expert Glenn Dawson: Mobilize Your Shoulder in 4 Moves
Kamala Harris, Donald Trump Are Using Pickleball To Sway Voters
HALLOWEEN HUMOR: People Edition
Sports And Courts: Learning About Expungement Over A Game Of Pickleball
HALLOWEEN HUMOR: Animal Edition
Pickleball Wellness Cruise Dates Announced!
How Pickleball Became Toronto's Favorite Family Sport
Pickleball TV Series "The Wager" Pits Pros vs. Celebrities
Coach Mary: Overheads & Lobs
🏆AUGUST WINNER OF THE “GOT IT” CONTEST
This month’s Prize:
“If You Want Me To Listen To You, Talk About Pickleball ”
T-ShirtWinner: “Jim B.”
Congratulations!
(Check Your Email for Details)
FOMO? GET YOURS TODAY TheFitPicklerStore.Com
Save 20% USE CODE FITPICKLER20
🥷 SKILLS
Defensive Strategies to Counter the Power Game
Defending Against Bangers!
Understanding the Modern Power Game
The trend towards more aggressive play in pickleball is unmistakable. Players are hitting harder, faster, and with more spin than ever before. This shift is partly due to improved paddle technology, allowing for greater power generation and control. Understanding this evolution is the first step in developing an effective defensive strategy.
Techniques for Handling Power Drives and Smashes
The Block Return
One of the most effective ways to counter a power shot is with a well-executed block return. The key is to hold your paddle firmly but with relaxed arms, angling it slightly upwards. As the ball approaches, step into the shot and use the incoming power to redirect the ball back over the net. Timing is crucial – aim to make contact just as the ball begins to drop.
👏COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT:
The Pleasures Of Pickleball:
A Simple Paddle Purchase
Changes Her Life
Fun, Fitness and a Lot of Laughter!
Julie Richman’s delightful exploration of pickleball reveals how a simple game transformed community dynamics and fostered friendships. Initially hesitant to join the fun, her reluctant purchase of a paddle evolved into a vibrant weekly ritual filled with laughter, homemade treats, and even intergenerational play.
As she shares her journey from borrowing paddles to becoming a proud owner, Richman highlights the joy of staying active and connected, even as life’s challenges arise. Join her as she uncovers the heartwarming moments that make pickleball more than just a sport.
🏋️ STAYING FIT with GLENN
Mobilize Your Shoulder
in 4 Moves
😳 POLITICS
Both Kamala Harris & Donald
Trump Are Using Pickleball
To Sway Voters
The Politics of Pickleball
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are taking a unique approach to the 2024 election season by embracing the unexpected: pickleball. With both campaigns tapping into this booming sport, they're aiming to connect with older voters in key states in a new and energetic way. From customized paddles to pop-up events, this strategy shows how sports can influence politics.
Discover how this unlikely sport is becoming a pivotal player in swaying voters and why it might just be the most unexpected game-changer of the 2024 race. Click here to read more…
👻 HALLOWEEN HUMOR
People Edition
@thekitchenpickleball Weekend vibes. 🦄 (via: twopickleballnerds/fb) #pickleball #unicorn #rubberducky #dinosaur #costumeideas #inflateable #pickleballtiktok #pi... See more
⚖️ LAW AND ORDER
Sports And Courts: Learning About Expungement Over A Game Of Pickleball
Here Comes The Judge…
Pickleball and expungement—two unlikely partners—came together for an event aimed at helping the community on and off the court. Judge Robin Kimbrough Hayes brought her passion for the sport and the justice system together at the Northwest Family YMCA, turning pickleball into a tool for legal education and second chances.
Curious about how a paddle and a legal record can go hand-in-hand? Watch this short video to see how this creative initiative is changing lives, one swing at a time:
🎃 HALLOWEEN HUMOR
Animal Edition
@tobyddood #dogcostume #halloweencostume #pickleballislife #doodlecostumes
🛳️ PICKLEBALL & WELLNESS
CRUISE DATES ANNOUNCED
From Pickleball International: Registration is now open for our 2025 Royal Caribbean Pickleball Cruises! Join us for two luxurious voyages packed with pickleball, fitness, and adventure:
1. 3-Night Luxe Getaway (June 17-20, 2025): Sail from LA to Ensenada and back with elite pickleball tournaments and exclusive excursions.
2. 5-Night Cabo Escape (June 20-25, 2025): Enjoy two full days in Cabo, pickleball clinics, and tournaments onboard.
Indulge in world-class amenities, including private pickleball coaching, wellness activities, and exquisite dining.
Use Special Discount Code: FPSAVE10
GET ALL THE DETAILS HERE!
Book your spot now!
🇨🇦 GLOBAL COMMUNITY
How Pickleball Became
Toronto's Favorite Family Sport
Pickleball in Canada
Pickleball has taken Toronto by storm, transforming into the city’s go-to family sport. From teenagers to grandparents, it’s bringing generations together on the court, creating lasting bonds and unexpected rivalries. Families are discovering the joy of this simple, low-commitment game that’s more than just exercise—it’s a way to strengthen relationships.
See why pickleball has become a favorite family pastime and how it’s changing the way Toronto families connect. Click here…
🤩 ENTERTAINMENT
Pickleball TV Series: "The Wager"
Pits Pros Against Celebrities
Lights, Camera, Dinking
Pickleball is getting the Hollywood treatment in The Wager, a new celebrity series hosted by Jason Kennedy that’s set to stream on Roku, Tubi, Xumo, and Pluto later this year. From light-hearted rivalries to high-stakes bets and surprise outcomes, this series offers more than just matches—it’s a chance to see your favorite stars compete and connect in unexpected ways.
Find out which celebrities are taking to the court and what antics might unfold in this one-of-a-kind show. Click here…
🧭 COMMUNITY NEWS
RALLY RUNDOWN:
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS
SARASOTA, FL: Pickleball Tournament To Benefit Hurricane Victims
LEXINGTON, OH: Ohio Sports Introduces Pickleball To Combat Social Isolation Among Richmond County Seniors
CHARLOTTE, NC: Love And Pickleball
EAST LANSING, MI: Michigan State Student Pickleball Surges With New Members
DULUTH, MN: Pickleball Association Hosts Glow-In-The-Dark Event To Spread Awareness About Breast Cancer
ABINGDON, VA: Abingdon Secures $300K For New Multi-Use Tennis And Pickleball Courts
DOWNINGTOWN, PA: Triumphant Teens Rally To Smash Cancer Costs
GLENDALE, CA: Pickleball Tournament Serves Up Support For Live-Saving Medical Equipment
SOUTH MILWAUKEE: Milwaukee County's Only Indoor Pickleball Complex Opens In Fall 2024
DO YOU HAVE LOCAL NEWS TO SHARE? REACH OUT TO US AT
[email protected] and send us a link to your story!
HOLDING COURT with
COACH MARY
💪 OVERHEADS & LOBS
First, a quick note: If we all had this philosophy, we would all be Happy Picklers! 😀
OVERHEADS and LOBS
I wanted to get back to Simone Jardim and Sarah Ansboury this week, since I have not highlighted them lately. They are both outstanding instructors and players.
A lob can be offensive from the NVZ line, and a lob from the baseline can help you recover to the net if you have depth and topspin. Check out the attached videos that cover lobs and overheads.
Overheads: Check out both Sarah’s and Simone’s videos on overheads – good, simple.
Sara Ansboury-Overhead (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPAIE6Z2uIo)
Simone Jardim-Overheads (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDoVXMmWxNA)
Catherine Parenteau (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGXs5klrzKY)
Offensive lob from the NVZ:
This is short and sweet. She shows paddle position, and when to hit this shot (when your opponent is leaning into the Kitchen). Disguise it!
Basic Points-Overheads
· On overheads, turn sideways, scratch your back with your paddle, and point with your non-dominant hand to the ball.
· Snap the paddle over the top of the ball, follow-through across your body, contact the top of the ball.
· Hit it deep or on an angle, not straight down.
Basic Points-Lobs
· Use topspin, piston your legs, go low to high, and use your torso to create power and depth.
· Lobs from the NVZ: disguise this shot, and make it look like a dink. Piston your legs, use your core and shoulders, lift it to your opponent’s backhand if possible.
· When defending the lob be sure to turn and run if the lob is too deep to use your overhead. Use a “C” pattern to run around the ball to get to the baseline on your forehand side.
· Do not backpedal! Turn and shuffle, slide back or forward. Avoid falling and imbalance.