If you’ve ever played pickleball, you know that one of the most frustrating things that can happen is when you hit a shot that goes too high, giving your opponent an easy winner. Not only is it frustrating, but it can also give your opponent a big advantage in the game. That’s why it’s so important to learn how to avoid popping up the ball.
In this guide, we’ll cover the common causes of a popped-up ball, techniques for avoiding it, and practice drills that can help you improve your ball control and avoid this frustrating mistake. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pickleball player, read on to learn how to keep the ball low and in play.
Understanding the causes of a popped-up ball
There are a few common causes of a popped-up ball in pickleball. One of the main causes is improper grip and wrist action. If you grip the paddle too tightly or use too much wrist action when hitting the ball, it can cause the ball to go too high.
Another cause of a popped-up ball is improper footwork and body positioning. If you’re not in the right position when you hit the ball, it can be difficult to generate the power and control needed to keep the ball low and in play.
It’s important to understand these causes so that you can work on correcting them and avoiding a popped-up ball. A good grip and wrist action are essential for good ball control, so it’s important to practice using a relaxed grip and avoiding excessive wrist action. Proper footwork and body positioning are also crucial for generating power and control, so it’s important to focus on these aspects of your game as well.
By understanding the causes of a popped-up ball and working on correcting them, you’ll be well on your way to improving your ball control and avoiding this frustrating mistake.
Techniques for avoiding a popped-up ball
Here are a few effective techniques for avoiding a popped-up ball in pickleball:
Use a relaxed grip: It’s important to grip the paddle lightly and avoid gripping it too tightly. A tight grip can cause you to use too much wrist action when hitting the ball, which can lead to a popped-up ball. Instead, try to use a relaxed grip and focus on using your arm and shoulder to generate power and control.
Focus on proper footwork and body positioning: Proper footwork and body positioning are crucial for generating power and control in pickleball. Make sure you’re in a good position to hit the ball and use your feet to help generate power and control.
Use the right amount of power and spin: It’s important to use the right amount of power and spin on the ball. If you use too much power, you may hit the ball too high, while too little power can result in a weak shot that’s easily returned. Experiment with different amounts of power and spin to find the right balance.
Practice good ball control: As with any skill, the more you practice good ball control, the better you’ll become at it. Try practicing hitting against a wall, playing mini-games that focus on ball control, or hitting with a partner and focusing on keeping the ball low and in play.
By following these techniques, you’ll be well on your way to avoiding a popped-up ball in pickleball.
Practice drills for improving your ball control
Here are a few practice drills that can help you improve your ball control and avoid popping up the ball in pickleball:
Hitting against a wall: One of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your ball control is to hit against a wall. Start by standing a few feet away from the wall and hitting the ball softly, focusing on keeping it low and in play. As you improve, you can gradually increase the power and spin you use on the ball.
Playing mini-games: There are many different mini-games that you can play to improve your ball control. One example is to set up a small target on the court (such as a hula hoop or a bucket) and try to hit the ball into it as many times in a row as you can. You can also play games that focus on keeping the ball low, such as trying to hit the ball back and forth with a partner without letting it bounce more than once.
Hitting with a partner: Another effective way to improve your ball control is to hit with a partner. Try to focus on keeping the ball low and in play, and try to hit shots that will challenge your partner. This can help you develop better ball control and improve your overall game.
By practicing these drills regularly, you’ll improve your ball control and be less likely to pop up the ball in pickleball.
Conclusion
In conclusion, avoiding a popped-up ball in pickleball is an important skill to master. It can give your opponent an advantage and make it easier for them to hit a winner, so it’s worth taking the time to work on your ball control.
By understanding the causes of a popped-up ball, using effective techniques to avoid it, and practicing good ball control through drills and mini-games, you can improve your ball control and avoid this frustrating mistake. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pickleball player, take the time to work on your ball control, and you’ll see your game improve significantly.