Stop Following the Ball With Your Paddle Tip
Summary
Matt’s Pickleball pushes back on the popular ‘follow the ball with your paddle tip’ tip. Tracking with the tip means when the ball is sped up you must move the paddle back to a defensive spot — and you’re often late. Better players also read your paddle and go elsewhere. Prefer preparation over anticipation: expect a speed-up from anywhere, keep the paddle in front ready to counter, and you’ll still put away high balls.
Key takeaways
- Tip-tracking makes you late on speed-ups
- Your paddle position telegraphs coverage
- Preparation (ready for anywhere) beats guessing
- Paddle stays in front, not chasing the ball
Action items
- Kitchen dinks: paddle stays centered; no tip-chase for 10 min
- Partner speed-ups from both sides; only counters from front-ready
- Film: is tip chasing the ball before contact?
- Cue: ‘front ready, not tip chase’