Pickleball players often receive advice from fellow players, but some of this advice may be outdated or misguided. Top APP pro and coach Jilly B has identified five pieces of bad pickleball advice that players should ignore, and instead, adopt more effective strategies to improve their game.
Bad Pickleball Advice to Ignore
According to Jilly B, the following five pieces of advice are no longer effective in modern pickleball:
- Only Attack Green Balls: This advice, also known as the "red, yellow, green rule," suggests that players should only attack balls that are above net height. However, Jilly B argues that this rule is outdated and that players should instead focus on attacking balls that are "dead," meaning they have little pace or spin, regardless of their height.
- Hit It High, You Die: This phrase suggests that hitting a high ball will automatically result in losing the point. However, Jilly B disagrees, stating that players can counter a high ball by taking a step back, putting their hands up, and hitting a controlled shot. She notes that most recreational players will hit the ball back hard, but not necessarily with placement, making it easier to counter.
- Dink Crosscourt: While many players believe that dinking crosscourt is the safest option, Jilly B argues that this shot can actually be more vulnerable to attack. She suggests that players should instead focus on hitting shots down the middle, as this is often the most undervalued and underprotected spot on the court.
- Always Play Safe: Although not explicitly stated in the article, Jilly B's advice implies that players should not always play it safe. Instead, they should be willing to take calculated risks and attack the ball when possible, rather than simply playing defensively.
- Focus on Power Over Placement: The article does not explicitly state this as one of the bad advice, however, it can be inferred from Jilly B's comments on the importance of placement and control in modern pickleball. She emphasizes the need for players to focus on hitting shots with placement and control, rather than simply trying to hit the ball as hard as possible.
Jilly B's advice emphasizes the importance of adapting to the modern game, which is faster and more aggressive than in the past. By focusing on attacking "dead" balls, countering high shots, and hitting shots down the middle, players can improve their chances of success and take their game to the next level.
