Shot Selection in Pressure Situations

$885M Investment into PB, Preventing Injuries Update, Pro Player Lawsuit, USA Pickleball Grants & More

Author

FIT PICKLER
December 05, 2024

Health, Fitness, News & Fun for Picklers of All Ages

What's Cooking in the Kitchen This Week:

  • Shot Selection: Making Smart Decisions Under Pressure

  • Fitness Expert Glenn Dawson: Strengthening Your Rotator Cuff

  • “USA Pickleball Serves” Offers Grants To Grow The Game

  • $885M Whopping Investment Needed to Address PB Demand In America

  • Pro Pickleball Player Sues MLP For Wrongful Termination, Fraud & More

  • Humor: What’s Your Safe Word For When You Lose All Your Matches?

  • Expert Insights Into Preventing Pickleball Injuries

  • Pickleball's Biggest Rivalry Might Just Be “The Serve Rule”

  • Gen Z Getting In On the Pickleball Action!

  • Announcement: BF Sale on RPPA Membership Extended!

  • Rally Rundown: Local Highlights

  • Coach Mary: Pickleball Rules, Changes & A Quiz

🥷SKILLS

Shot Selection
Making Smart Decisions
Under Pressure

No Pressure…Just Get It In!!!

In pickleball, choosing the right shot at the right time can be the difference between winning and losing. While beginners focus on mastering basic skills, experienced players—those with at least a year of experience or who play competitively—know that success often depends on smart decision-making under pressure.

Learn how to improve your pickleball shot selection by analyzing court positioning, game context, and your opponent’s weaknesses. With these strategies, you’ll learn to make confident decisions—even during high-stakes moments.

 Why Shot Selection Matters in Pickleball

Pickleball isn’t just a game of execution; it’s also a game of strategy. The ability to adjust your shot selection based on the situation allows you to:
• Maintain control of the rally.
• Reduce unforced errors.
• Exploit your opponent’s weaknesses.
• Stay calm under pressure.

Mastering shot selection means thinking ahead and balancing offensive opportunities with strategic patience.

1. Assessing the Situation: The Foundation of Smart Shot Selection

To make the best shot choices, you must first assess the game situation before hitting the ball.

 🏋️ STAYING FIT with
GLENN & BRIANNA

Strengthening Your Rotator Cuff

👏COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

“USA Pickleball Serves” Offers Grants
to Grow The Game

Making A Difference

USA Pickleball Serves is putting the spotlight on grassroots growth with its "Grow the Game" grant program. Designed to empower schools and community organizations nationwide, this initiative provides essential resources to spark local pickleball programs.

Applicants can access equipment bundles filled with paddles, balls, and portable nets to kickstart pickleball programs in schools and communities. Applications are open through December 12 and another round is coming next summer. See all the details and how to qualify here…

💼 BUSINESS NEWS

$885M Whopping Investment Needed to Address PB Demand In America

Calling All Billionaires….

As pickleball continues its meteoric rise, the demand for dedicated infrastructure has skyrocketed, leading to a staggering $855 million investment projection to keep up with its booming popularity. With participation numbers surging 223.5% in just three years and millions of new players embracing the sport, cities across America face a major challenge in meeting this unprecedented growth.

Discover how this massive investment plan could transform your local courts, reshape your city’s pickleball scene, and ensure the sport’s growth stays unstoppable.
Read more here…

Pro Pickleball Player Sues MLP For
Wrongful Termination, Fraud & More

Order in the Kitchen!

In a groundbreaking lawsuit, professional pickleball and tennis player Rianna Valdes has taken Major League Pickleball (MLP) to court, alleging wrongful termination and unpaid wages. The case pulls back the curtain on potential financial strains within MLP and the challenges faced by players under exclusive contracts.

With claims of late payments, contract disputes, and termination motives under scrutiny, this legal battle could have significant implications for the rapidly growing sport. Explore the details behind Valdes' fight for justice and what it reveals about the professional pickleball world. See More Here…

🤣HUMOR

What’s Your Safe Word For When
You Lose All Your Matches?

💼 HEALTH NEWS

Expert Insights Into Preventing
Pickleball Injuries

The Doctor Is IN

With pickleball's explosive growth, more players are stepping onto the court—often without realizing the strain it puts on their bodies. Dr. Eric J. Lullove, an expert in sports medicine, shares why common injuries like Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and ankle sprains are on the rise and how simple changes in preparation can prevent them. From dynamic warm-ups to muscle-strengthening strategies, his insights are game-changers for anyone passionate about staying in the game.

Discover the essential tips to protect yourself and elevate your play. Read the full article to learn how to keep your body strong and injury-free! Click here…

🤨 PRO CONTROVERSY

Pickleball's Biggest Rivalry Might
Just Be “The Serve Rule”

Do This, Not That, No This….

Pickleball is no stranger to spirited debates, but superstar Anna Leigh Waters is spotlighting one rule that’s stirring up the most tension: the serve. From precise underhand motions to restrictions on paddle height and ball spin, serving rules are drawing fire from players worldwide—Waters included.

With multiple governing bodies like USAP, PPA, and MLP enforcing slightly different rules, even the pros are feeling the frustration. Could this rivalry with the rulebook be pickleball's toughest opponent yet?

Keep reading to explore the complexities and what they mean for the future of the game.
Click Here…

🗞️ NEWS
Gen Z Getting In On The Pickleball Action

Yeet! I love Pickleball. Bet!

Once seen as just a pastime for retirees, pickleball has found a surprising champion in Gen Z. With its mix of social play, affordability, and wellness benefits, the sport is quickly winning over younger players who value fun and connection.

Find out how this generation is reshaping the future of pickleball and bringing new energy to the court, read more here…

📜 ANNOUNCEMENTS

JOIN RPPA TODAY & GET 75% OFF
ONLY $25/Year Extended BF Sale
Plus 6-pack DIADEM Official Pickleballs
As Our Thank You - Use code BF50

USE CODE BF50

The Recreational Pickleball Players Association has just added several new features on our way to becoming your ONE STOP SHOP for all things Pickleball. As Founding Members, you will have a say in the future of the Association. Our first members asked for Court Scheduling Software - We got it! They asked for a Court Finder - We got it!
They wanted to find coaches who worked remotely - Done! They wanted a Forum to share thoughts and advice - Ready! This is in addition to our Exclusive Discount Travel site!! PS: FREE memberships available as well!
Learn more about RPPA here…

🧭 COMMUNITY NEWS

RALLY RUNDOWN:
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS


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

  💪  Pickleball Rules, Changes
& A Quiz

PICKLEBALL RULES, CHANGES & A QUIZ

Lately, I have been answering questions from my students about some rules when they are out playing in the community, rotating sometimes with players they do not know.  They have been challenged about the rules, questioned about their knowledge, and sometimes, criticized for their execution of the skills.

Pickleball rules change every year.  There are various ways to keep score, and various ways to rotate on and off the courts.

Here are a couple of websites that offer the 2024 rule book showing UPCOMING CHANGES and Test Your Knowledge with this rule quiz.

 A few key points:

** Did you know that you must call out the score prior to starting your service motion?

** Did you know that the drop serve can bounce more than once?

** Did you know that your paddle, hat and sunglasses cannot touch the NVZ if you contact the ball in the air?  But, if your partner is contacting the ball, it is okay for your paddle to touch or drop into the kitchen.

** Have you ever read the rules book?  Check it out.

** Have you ever taken a rules quiz?  Now is your chance!

Be a student of the game and learn as much as you can about the rules from the best source: USA Pickleball.

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving and are thankful that you can play pickleball. Life is short, enjoy it to the fullest.

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