Tip of the day
You know the ball. It floats up the middle, you both watch it go by, and somebody says sorry.
Blake makes videos for doubles players over 50, and his claim is simple. The best player on the court is very often just the one who talks the most and leads the best.
Each of these calls wins points without you hitting a better shot. Mine or yours, so a ball doesn't die in the middle, bounce it on a ball you think is going out, switch when you have crossed sides, and I've got the lob.
The talking carries on between points too. Quick plans like let's both watch their backhand, or I'll take the middle this time.
A team that communicates like that feels like a machine to its opponents. A silent team beats itself.
Being a great communicator has nothing to do with age or athleticism, he says. Anyone can be the calm, clear voice that organizes the team.
He is also honest that talking feels awkward at first. It is easy to go quiet exactly when a point gets fast and tense, which is when it matters most.
So start with two words, mine and yours, and use them religiously until they are automatic. Then add bounce it, and build your vocabulary one word at a time.
Encourage your partner between every point as well. Become the voice and you become the leader.
The video lays out five more strategies around this one, and the one he saves for last is a poach timed off a soft, floaty ball heading to your partner.
Key points
The best player on the court is very often the one who talks the most and leads the best.
Call mine or yours on middle balls, bounce it on balls going out, switch when you cross, and I've got the lob.
Make quick plans between points, like both watching their backhand or one of you taking the middle.
Talking matters most exactly when a point gets fast and tense, which is when it is easy to go quiet.
Start with mine and yours until they are automatic, then add bounce it, one word at a time.
Deal of the day
Meme of the day
Your type B pickleball friend 🤣
That’s it for today! As always, thank you for reading. 🙏
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Happy pickling,
Paul
