This is how you TRANSFORM into an advanced pickleball player

[@johnhonsberger]

Your video has met the high standard that I have come to expect from you. The content is rich enough for players to find a focus for a few weeks and then come back to pick the next one. Nice job.

[@Thejoeb]

I consider 4.0 high intermediate. 4.5+ is where advanced play really starts, its more a style of play than anything else that changes- more patience, more resets, more kitchen line play. Less attacking every single ball regardless of position, stability or location. When a player takes that step to be more patient, realize you have much more time than you think and slow the game down that true advanced play becomes your calling card. Its less a rating than a mindset imo.

[@PickleballKitchen]

That's a fair point, thanks for the comment.

[@CraigTemple]

4.0s play the ball well. 4.5s play the opponents well. It’s when the checkers turns to chess. 5.0 are better and more well rounded at that chess.

[@Joe-nh8eq]

Holy shit Elo elitism also exists in pickleball? 😂😂😂 I was hoping it was just a chess thing…

[@CraigTemple]

@@Joe-nh8eq When you get to a certain skill level in pickle (slightly above 4.0), weaker players stop hitting to you. They do it completely subconsciously, not realizing that literally 99% of non-serves and non-smashes go to the other player. They are just naturally making the best shot they can that won’t lose the rally. Until you’ve been on that side of things it feels like elitism when better players don’t want to play with you. In reality it’s that better players just want to play. I’m only about 4.5. I will play ALL day with ‘weaker’ players that hit to me. I tailor my game so that we have a friendly and competitive match. Though there is a part of it where I don’t want all of my games in a week to be ones I have to tailor. I like being pushed too! But I only get invited back to play with 5.0s because I make sure I hit to them when they’re playing next to a weaker partner. 🤷‍♂️ A 4.0 level game is just very different than a 4.5 and a 3.5. The decisions both sides of the net are making are different from a tactical standpoint. Some tactics that work at 4.0 level just don’t above. You literally have to be planning two or more shots ahead. 4.5 isn’t that much different than 5.0 tactically. Just strength of opponent and effectiveness of shot is greater.

[@tsar5117]

@@Largecanyondoghow’s that going for you now?

[@shelbylangston329]

Yes! I absolutely agree! Our inner dialogue is so huge. Our mindset and how we view where we are and where we're going is crucial. we may want to improve, but if we're always telling ourselves we're not good well, we're not going to be good. I hear players talking down to themselves all the time. The truth is we will never out perform our self image. Thanks another great vide.

[@stratelyze2095]

I find Barrett's videos to be some of the best on You Tube. That is what prompted me to sign up for the PK Academy. It was the best $99 I ever spent on instruction. Imagine taking this 14 minute video and creating 15 to 20 minute videos with slow motion and computer editing showing every mechanic of the shots. And there must be at least 12-15 hours of about every topic you can cover in this granular format. That is what you get with PK Academy. No I am not related or paid in any manner whatsoever,, :) just like to mention when I come across nuggets of excellence. Jim C.

[@PickleballKitchen]

Thank you very much, Jim. Means a lot and I’m so glad you’re enjoying it.

[@annchadwick1276]

@@PickleballKitchen I'm so glad he mentioned the slow motion in your PK Academy Video's. That is what I was wanting! My game has improved since watching your video's.

[@Alan_Kirby]

I find that a consistent deep return another key aspect of advanced play. Returns that fall mid court or worse are tough to recover from with good opponents.

[@PickleballKitchen]

That's a good one for sure.

[@marieirwin6791]

Thank you for guiding us through our game, no matter what level we are at. Me, working towards 4.0.🙋‍♀️

[@MonohanMedia]

I love your first point especially. I'm seeing so many people adopt decent roll volley shots - even at the 3.5 level. There needs to be a revision on how the 3rd shots are approached. A floating drop may become a dinosaur.

[@michaelm4021]

This is a good video, as always. Some of the more advanced, experienced players are indeed able to attack that third-shot drop. For example, taller players with longer arms are able to reach-out and smash the ball before it even hits the ground, if the drop carries a little higher and longer over the net. I've noticed that a good low, hard, driving slice can be effective third-shot, as it forces even better players to hit up on the ball (and can be an outright winner against less experienced players). But yes, occasionally, we need to do more with that third-shot than simply loft it over the net.

[@surfineagle6076]

Great videos! As an ex ping pong player I used to use a side spin meaning coming across my body either front or backhand. Have you explored this or maybe already have a video on it? Any info would be appreciated. You’re instructions are so clear and easy to follow, stoked on the guidance and tips.

[@gg80108]

Ben Johns and Dave Weinbach were table tennis players. Do what they do, no crazy side spins for them. Windshield washer motion!

[@MikeCaryNC1]

Awesome video and advice. Thank you. I’ve been thinking third shot dink at the feet, but I love the concept of third shot topspin drive to set up fifth shot drop.

[@arautus]

I'm probably a 3.5 player and still pretty new to the game. This was very helpful. Thanks!

[@PickleballKitchen]

My pleasure, thanks for stopping by. Feel free to go through all the videos here!

[@vkapoor69]

I loved this video. I am developing a VR simulator for Pickleball this was super helpful.

[@zentrader1734]

An 'advanced' player is simply one that has 'game intelligence', meaning a lot of experience, versatile shots, ability to place balls and understanding where to place it in certain situations. Combine that with athleticism and you can be a tough opponent in any game. Also, while it's good to be able to reset and be patient. An advanced player can switch from control to aggressive play quickly and also handle the potential push backs with agility and quick hands. That's how matches are won. It's a mental and game flow kind of thing more than learning spins or certain type of shots. No need to overthink certain techniques in my opinion. Drill the most important shots and increase your ability to read a game, step up aggression when you can and you will always put up a great match.

[@benjaminleavitt3666]

Great editing in this video. Keep up the high quality work and you will continue to dominate KZbin. 💪

[@nerdly]

I've played in a few tournaments since I started playing last August. I'm not 4.0 yet. In all the coaching sessions I've had, we practice these low 3rd shot drops. I've gotten pretty consistent. But in the level I'm playing in, I'm dealing with a lot of straight up bangers. Low, and controlled hard hitting shots. When I block, I find the ball hits fairly high and the opposing team rears up for another super hard shot. Sometimes they go out if I move out of the way in time, but I've found more often than not they're hitting the line and remaining in play. What are some good drills to prepare for controlled bangers?

[@gavinslack2988]

From what I’ve heard there are a few different names for this type of shot but it’s like a “kill ball shot” it’s all about keeping your wrist extremely loose on your grip and just letting the ball hit your paddle, in my experience the ball dies and forces them to start dinking. Best drills would be to have someone hit some bangers at you and just practice what works for you!

[@nerdly]

@@gavinslack2988 That's what we'll do before the next tourney. Just banging 'em right at us over and over. Thanks for the tip!

[@PickleballKitchen]

This is perfect because next Tuesday I release my bangers video. Stay tuned! In the meantime, use short, abbreviated strokes with a loose wrist and soft grip and aim the block to their feet.

[@stratelyze2095]

Covered nicely in Pk Academy, in fact hit 600 balls today on Simon X. Soft hands act like shock absorber, like catching a line drive at shortstop but paddle kills with drop over net.

[@tubytai8558]

For the next video: I would like to see why a strong topspin forehand goes way over or it hits the net. Thank you!

[@MinhNguyen-iu9vt]

Excellent video! Exactly what I am looking for in play style. SUBSCRIBED!!!

[@PickleballKitchen]

Thanks! Enjoy teh videos!

[@angrysnek4445]

Solid vid packed full of good info. Thanks

[@jameshall8419]

Great video and very helpful! Looking to improve always so it’s great advice all around! New racket or is the Prince Response just resting?? 🤪

[@valeriepaul6348]

I have only played about 5 times at the tennis club I belong to. Those five times I have played doubles against a variety of people as each time I went it was a 3 hour event. I have played tennis for about 12 years so the transition was not too difficult - I just wonder what my rating would be.

[@kento1957]

Simplest way to get to advanced is to spend more money on gear. The more you spend, the better you are!😀

[@PickleballKitchen]

lol

[@davidrandall701]

I should be damn near a 5.0 then;)

[@kenbridgeman8590]

This feels right.

[@peaceandfood7952]

It's kinda true though with my ping-pong background I just bought a crbn paddle and my game is day and night with the top-spin that I put on the ball!!!

[@taarria1551]

@@davidrandall701 lmao

[@jackstein5486]

Another terrific tip, thanks!

[@ChantaleGGauvin]

J'ai vraiment aimé votre vidéo! Je continue d'apprendre.

[@gg80108]

Question on the 3rd shot drive. If you can get a short high return(5th shot) and you are in position you volley it hard? If you have to take the short, no mans land, 5th on the bounce hit the dink?

[@PickleballKitchen]

If you have the opportunity to volley a 5th, always take it! But if you're unsure, just dink it cross-court to a backhand instead.

[@rajpatel2002]

Hi! What paddle do you play with? Thank you for the great content.

[@PickleballKitchen]

I’m in between paddles right now mainly due to me doing reviews right now.

[@jamievidd775]

What grip for serve? Continental? Or more western?

[@Mr.Martini549]

Very motivating!

[@barrydawg7544]

curious what you are rated at ?

[@openskyphotography]

What paddle are you using in this video, specifically how many mm thick?

[@PickleballKitchen]

This is the old Diadem Warrior, 16mm.

[@openskyphotography]

Thanks 🙏

[@MatemH]

nice video!, i have the same paddle, love it!

[@PickleballKitchen]

Thanks!

[@davidrandall701]

Good stuff! Thanks!!!

[@PickleballKitchen]

My pleasure, thanks for stopping by again!

[@777chris]

Very helpful. Thanks

[@PickleballKitchen]

My pleasure, thanks for watching.

[@jaybling3189]

I like how you’re thinking here.

[@JohnEpto-ng6ml]

10th minute, what was the grip tip?

[@johntesoriero3382]

Can you talk about how to hit more bangers and winners?

[@gordbarr3118]

Great video!

[@PickleballKitchen]

Thanks for watching!

[@gg80108]

Strokes are only 1/2 the story! You have to learn that your partner can be your enemy. Watch your partner shots carefully to see if they are unattackable so you can approach the net. Learn the technique of sqweezing the court and playing the odds. Nobody like someone who clashes paddles or running into you!

[@barbararobinsonmedia]

Good video!

[@tomclements1458]

Ref your third drop, when teaching that to players I call it a “mini driver”! You can use that! 😉

[@PickleballKitchen]

That’s great!

[@DenverBrad]

What’s the 2015 reference all about? What was going on then?

[@PickleballKitchen]

I think I meant to say 2017, but the game was completely different back then. It's way more aggressive these days.

[@kol_athletics]

✍🏼✍🏼✍🏼 im gonna start telling myself i'm a pro😤

[@Wesquire]

I was playing against and going even with 4.0 players within 2 months of picking up pickleball. I've now been bumped to 4.0 in tournaments and I've still never hit a third shot drop other than some backhanders when I thought my partner was going to take it. So because of that, I'd say advanced has to be 4.5+. Not trying to pat my back, the opposite. I'm not advanced. You can win in 4.0 just from having good slice returns, drives, and being able to end points when opponents make a mistake. In my opinion, 3rd shot drops are not something you should do until higher levels of play. The risk-reward is terrible unless you are extremely consistent with them.

[@kento1957]

Therein lies the problem. Unless you can do consistent drops, you'll forever be stuck at a lower level. Which is why you need to start with the drop training early on in your career, since it will take a lot of practice to master.

[@Wesquire]

@@kento1957 at what level will you be stuck? I'm doing better than average in 4.0 and I've still only been playing for like 3 months. I don't see anything stopping you from playing 5.0 without a third shot drop.

[@kento1957]

@@Wesquire You can "play" at any level. You are not going to win without a consistent drop above 4.0. Your slice returns, drives, and put aways aren't going to be enough. There's a reason why pros drop most of their thirds.

[@Wesquire]

@@kento1957 I doubt it. I was told the same thing going to 4.0 and I'm winning fairly easy without a drop. I watched a pro tournament and counted how many drops vs drives and the point win rate. It was only a 60/40 split and the drives had a higher point win percentage.

[@Vanessa-pe2xs]

@@Wesquire you probably have a racquet background...I agree, you can win tournaments at any level because there are lots of variables...a local club 4.0 tournament is different than a PPA or national 4.0..it also depends on your region...when I travel to other places I notice the skills are significantly different. Pickleball rating is not consist and there are no hard rules to a winning strategy..do what works.

[@kevngu7256]

Is this like manifesting? I’m meditating manifest myself to be the best on the court

[@connieupshaw9545]

Is that a Diadem Warrior?

[@PickleballKitchen]

Yes. Reviewing it. Not switching to it.... or am I? ;)

[@connieupshaw9545]

@@PickleballKitchen a lot of our friends even women love it!

[@PickleballKitchen]

Yeah it's pretty good!

[@ramsineivaz]

that is not backspin sir it is called underspin! using backhand

[@charlieytpw]

I’m sorry but your serves are contacting above waists and paddle verses wrist position is too far. Look careful, many new players are doing this Batters turn not realizing at ball contact how the paddle got there : arch? And height at waist bending body knees etc cause waist to drop below you power serve Perhaps if the nets are raise 2 “ serving contact would not be issue. Look at your videos carefully . Pros are doing this also and jumping at the ball likeTennis players. It’s the newest i recreation and is causing many arguments

[@PickleballKitchen]

No, they’re not.

[@craigmiller6879]

@@PickleballKitchen I get accused of that sometimes too and I disagree like you did. What some people don't realize is "waist high" is defined as your navel in the rule book. Even with that difference you are still hitting it below your waist.

[@afterthesmash]

@@craigmiller6879 It isn't defined that way in the rule book. It was for a while described that way (I think it fell short of definition even then), but that text was removed, and nothing replaced it. When you have a refereed match, essentially the referee decides on a group standard. At the major tournament level, you have a pool of referees and they more or less all fall into line. Maybe a few pros are told behind the scenes that they are treading too close to the line, with the suggestion that they reign it in a bit before it becomes a public spectacle at a major match. I'm 6'5" tall. My navel is _way_ above the net. If I started mashing my serves with insane topspin from this height, there would be complaints. I might technically be within what was once understood as "the" rule, but to what end? It's not really a fair advantage to begin with, especially in mixed recreational play. If exploiting my unfair height advantage was my goal in life, I would have played basketball or joined a rowing crew. I play pickleball because that's not how this community rolls, for the most part. I really wouldn't much police the shorter players on this score unless it becomes rally flagrant. Bean poles like myself need to be self-aware enough not to flaunt it too close to the murky line. I already have a giant frame to power the ball from a regular contact height. In fact, with my frame, my ordinary serve is powerful enough already that I play with a touch paddle instead of a power paddle, and my serve is still fine. So I get to run around with a second step that eats half the court for breakfast, wielding a touch paddle designed to enhance delicate drops and dinks, and when I need power, I obtain power from my body and not from my paddle. I'm nearly impossible to lob and with my long legs I can chase down lobs behind my partner without hardly breaking a sweat. But sure, why not make it a clean sweep of undeserved advantage by also insisting that it's legal for me to cork my serves from navel height? Of course, with that one extra advantage, all the women will swoon, and I'll father a thousand babies. So I guess I have to admit, it's sometimes tempting. 👶👶👶👶👶👶💃💃💃🦒🏅💃💃💃👶👶👶👶👶👶

[@Agent77X]

Dumb thinking!😂

[@songlist4905]

How about doing an actual serve, return and third shot? Receiving the return from the net is just not as accurate as (from) the baseline. Dude, be realistic.