How to Ace Your Pickleball Game

Caught the pickleball bug? You’re not alone! It’s officially the “it” sport in the Philippines, with packed mall courts, a giant tournament-grade center being built, and Pinoy players racking up international medals.

It’s relatively easy to get started and learn the sport. And best of all, it’s a fun enough reason for you to go out and get active. If you’re pumped up and ready to start or level up your pickleball game, read on for some helpful tips.

Start by looking for a court that’s accessible to you. Because the more accessible it is, the less likely you’ll skip practice.

As for a coach, a good match is key. Do you prefer someone that does one-on-one sessions or group classes? Can you learn better with a dynamic teaching style – with YouTube tutorials to boot, or do you prefer a more straightforward approach? Your game will highly depend on your coach’s teaching style and expertise.

Familiarize yourself with the rules before your first pickleball game so you don’t feel lost or overwhelmed with all the new info. Plus, knowing the fundamentals helps shake off first-day jitters! Try watching YouTube videos or reading articles to learn more about pickleball rules and techniques. Better yet, catch it live. Keep an eye out for tournaments and recreational games happening nationwide. You can visit the Philippine Pickleball Federation’s official pages for updates and schedules.

Sportswear that allows you to move freely and comfortably is key, as you’ll need speed and agility to play. Choose moisture-wicking clothes so you don’t feel your clothes uncomfortably clinging onto your body during the game. Invest in shoes that offer grip and support – extra important to avoid injury!

In case your coach doesn’t initiate it, always, always remember to stretch and warm up before your pickleball game. Not only does it prepare your body for action, but it also prevents you from getting injuries. A simple warmup routine can help get your blood flowing and reduce the risk of pulling a muscle.

Learning any new sport can be intimidating but try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Unless you’re secretly Anna Clarice Patrimonio or Dino Jimenez gunning for gold, there’s no need to stress. Everyone needs to know and master the basics first, so don’t rush the process! Be it a shot style or a grip technique – practice, make mistakes, and keep improving.

Don’t get too caught up in all the technicalities and where your level is at. Loosen up and don’t pressure yourself. You’ll eventually get it – and get there. While pickleball is a competitive sport, you’ll learn better and appreciate the game more if you just have fun and take it one session at a time.

Consistency is key if you want to keep improving. Try to practice and train regularly, even if it’s just once a week. Like any skill, the more time you put in, the better you’ll become. Sooner or later, all the pickleball moves will feel second nature to you.

Cooling down is just as essential as warming up. Take a few minutes after your game to shake off your limbs and stretch your muscles. This will help prevent soreness and support your body’s recovery.

Don’t be a nuisance because of poor hygiene! Be sure to come in well-groomed and smelling fresh. Always bring your hygiene essentials with you for your pre- and post-game needs. Try Dove Men+Care Body, Face & Hair Wash Clean Comfort, which makes use of MICROMOISTURE technology to give you a gentle yet thorough cleanse while strengthening your skin barrier. The best part? It’s a 3-in-1 hygiene game-changer that you can use on your hair and body, too.

Finally, up the ante of your pickleball game with exercises and activities that complement the skills you need. Running, cycling, and swimming are some examples of sports that can help boost cardiovascular endurance and agility. Try bodyweight exercises and resistance training to improve your power, reaction time, and lateral movement. Consider yoga or Pilates to help enhance your core strength, flexibility, and balance. Or ask your gym coach to run drills to help you improve hand-eye coordination and quicken your reflexes.

Pickleball is a trendy and accessible sport that anyone can enjoy. With practice, you’ll be playing confidently in no time. Follow these tips to get started, stay consistent, and, most importantly, enjoy your pickleball game!