The around the post shot or “ATP shot” is probably one of the most exciting shots in pickleball! I love it when players get so much joy out of executing perfectly crisp ATP shots. The ATP shot requires many hours of practice to master but is definitely worth practicing. I have hit a few ATP shots in my social play and it often causes cheering from teammates and opponents as it is a rare and fun shot in comparison to the standard groundstrokes. So if you want to spice up your pickleball games, exploring the ATP shot may be the shot for you.

Firstly, let’s define the lob shot. I consider the lob shot in pickleball as a specialty shot. Meaning, it is not a shot that I use as often as standard groundstrokes and volleys in a game, same goes for other players. It is a shot that I will use in specific situations where it would be advantageous to deploy. Hence, the reason it is important that we are aware of the techniques and strategies surrounding the lob shot before we are able to use it with optimum efficiency or as I like to call it, Pickleficiency.

Here I will be sharing my story on how I mastered the backhand slice. This groundstroke is one of my deadliest weapons on the court when deployed at the right moments. An effective slice shot stays low and skids through the court at a speed which makes my opponents yelp.

I am fierce in the mind, sharp in the body and fluid in my motions. Fully focused on striking the return with aggression so I can charge to the kitchen line to dominate the point. In order to execute devastating returns in the most efficient manner, I ensure my mentality is aggressive on the return.

Mastering the pickleball backhand has been a tough journey, involving many hours of practice, sweat and tears. Ever since I started playing pickleball, the backhand has been an area of confusion in terms of which techniques to employ. Here I will be sharing what I learned over many hours of dedicated backhand training.

Pickleball is a fun and accessible sport that I enjoy playing with friends and family. Being from a very competitive sports family, when it comes to doubles matchplay, we tend to take winning pretty seriously. Therefore, a solid doubles strategy is crucial for increasing chances of victory! Here I will be sharing a useful strategy called “stacking”.

Having the ability to generate topspin has been an absolute game changer in my competitive and social pickleball matches. Topspin helps me to get my pickleballs to dip into the court while swinging with speed; topspin helps me control my shots and makes it more difficult for my opponents to return the ball.

When it comes to playing pickleball in a social setting or competitive scene, hitting a legal serve is crucial to avoid sticklers and fouls. Executing an underarm pickleball serve may seem simple but for many it is surprisingly complex to consistently hit an effective pickleball serve that is in accordance to the official rules.

He was everywhere! In the right place at the right time. Point after point, I found myself scrambling for every ball with not much time to think. Feeling helpless and out of breath, it was here I learnt that pickleball has so many more aspects than I first thought.

I emphasize the importance of practicing dinks to my students who are keen to get their game to the next level. This involves many sweaty hours of dedicated dink drills near the non-volley zone.