Want to Reach 5.0 in Pickleball? Watch This.
Summary
Ava Ignatowich (PPA pro) shares three fastest ways to improve, aimed at players trying to break a plateau on the way to 5.0. 1) Drilling that plays out points: the dink game (half court, start with a few dinks, then anything goes: dinks, speed-ups, lobs) and 7-Eleven (one player starts at the baseline and must work up and win 7 points before the kitchen player wins 11). She prefers these to long stationary drilling, because games are played on the move. 2) Watch yourself play: put a phone on a tripod behind the court and review your shot selection, form and court positioning. When you watch pros, follow one player, including what they do off the ball and how they build points. 3) Play every game at maximum intensity: three games at full effort beat ten paced ones. Bend your knees, lean forward and move your feet. The description also promotes her paid ‘roadmap’ program.
Key takeaways
- Drill in formats that play out points (dink game, 7-Eleven)
- Record yourself; you often aren’t doing what you think you are
- Watch pros by following one player, including off the ball
- Play every game at full intensity
Action items
- Play the dink game on a half court: start with dinks, then anything goes
- Play 7-Eleven: baseline player to 7 vs kitchen player to 11
- Set up a phone tripod behind the court and review shot selection and positioning
- Next session: three full-intensity games with knees bent, leaning forward, fast feet