Playing against a former tennis pro in pickleball is a unique challenge. Their hand-eye coordination, court awareness, and competitive mindset are often a step above the average player. In a recent match, I had the opportunity to face off against a seasoned tennis player who was relatively new to pickleball, and it was an eye-opening experience. From the start, it was clear that I needed to adjust my strategy to have any chance of competing.
One of the first things I noticed was their aggressive net play. They were quick to move forward and volley everything, putting immense pressure on my third shot. To counter this, I focused on hitting deep, angled shots to keep them off balance and prevent them from dictating the pace. I also made sure to vary my shot selection, mixing in soft dinks with occasional drives to keep them guessing.
Ultimately, while I didn’t win the match, I learned a lot about adapting to different playing styles and the importance of strategic thinking in pickleball. Facing a former tennis pro forced me to elevate my game and think outside the box, which is a valuable lesson that I’ll carry with me in future matches.
