I have a new tattoo on my chest. I didn’t get it at the local parlor or lose a bet with my neighborhood
buddies. I didn’t even pay for it. The bright red “X” was a gift from my pickleball partner I earned this
morning resulting from his weak serve return and my standing, feet anchored, at the NVZ line in ‘proper
position’. My mind wandered as my opponent lined up that Franklin X pickleball with my chest in his
sights as to why I didn’t sleep in this morning and why I was so close to the net when there was no
guarantee my partner would not try to get me assassinated.
Quotes are used around ‘proper position’ because as you will learn many of my strategies are a bit
unconventional. We all know when your partner is about to return serve you stand at the NVZ line,
facing your opponent ready to smash a poor third shot. Does this make sense?
Nearly any competent pickleballer will agree close proximity to the NVZ line is the best way to dink and
terminate points in your favor. Getting there is the tricky part. Should you have mobility issues or lack
the skill set to battle four feet behind the NVZ line starting on the line may be your best choice as your
partner returns serve.
Should you have the courage to try something new I propose the following. While your partner
prepares to return serve you remain roughly two full paces behind the NVZ line with your back to your
sideline facing the serving box your opponent is attempting to target. You can now view your partner,
his total swing path and the flight of the ball as it sails from your side of the net toward your opponent.
Service returns deep in the court will enable you to casually take two steps forward, maybe have a
coffee break, take a proper position and await the third shot while at the NVZ line. Returns hit weak and
short in the court will result in you not taking the two steps forward, you will drop your rear and prepare
for that hard hit third shot while maintaining a deeper position enabling a fraction of extra time to perry
that assassination attempt.
In terms even a tennis player may understand, position is vital but your opponent gets a vote, and
should he be able to unleash the fury of a point blank Nadal forehand the best position will be a couple
feet back. Excellent serve returns will allow nearly any player to cover the extra few feet I am suggesting
in plenty of time to be ready to attack, dink or terminate the point.
Placement as stated will also have the effect of causing your opponent to wonder what the heck you are
doing? Calling out the score and watching you out of the corner of his eye may cause a wide or short
serve and make it just a bit easier to flip the switch and earn the right to serve yourself.
For the rest of the day I will be icing my new bright red Franklin X tattoo hoping its permanence is
limited to today. Maybe Acesportsllc.com should open a tattoo parlor next door so the smart folks
heeding my advice can make that bright red X permanent and not feel left out of the fun. When I get
my first real tattoo it will of course say ‘MOTHER’.
Paddles Up,
Mother
I have a new tattoo on my chest. I didn’t get it at the local parlor or lose a bet with my neighborhood
buddies. I didn’t even pay for it. The bright red “X” was a gift from my pickleball partner I earned this
morning resulting from his weak serve return and my standing, feet anchored, at the NVZ line in ‘proper
position’. My mind wandered as my opponent lined up that Franklin X pickleball with my chest in his
sights as to why I didn’t sleep in this morning and why I was so close to the net when there was no
guarantee my partner would not try to get me assassinated.
Quotes are used around ‘proper position’ because as you will learn many of my strategies are a bit
unconventional. We all know when your partner is about to return serve you stand at the NVZ line,
facing your opponent ready to smash a poor third shot. Does this make sense?
Nearly any competent pickleballer will agree close proximity to the NVZ line is the best way to dink and
terminate points in your favor. Getting there is the tricky part. Should you have mobility issues or lack
the skill set to battle four feet behind the NVZ line starting on the line may be your best choice as your
partner returns serve.
Should you have the courage to try something new I propose the following. While your partner
prepares to return serve you remain roughly two full paces behind the NVZ line with your back to your
sideline facing the serving box your opponent is attempting to target. You can now view your partner,
his total swing path and the flight of the ball as it sails from your side of the net toward your opponent.
Service returns deep in the court will enable you to casually take two steps forward, maybe have a
coffee break, take a proper position and await the third shot while at the NVZ line. Returns hit weak and
short in the court will result in you not taking the two steps forward, you will drop your rear and prepare
for that hard hit third shot while maintaining a deeper position enabling a fraction of extra time to perry
that assassination attempt.
In terms even a tennis player may understand, position is vital but your opponent gets a vote, and
should he be able to unleash the fury of a point blank Nadal forehand the best position will be a couple
feet back. Excellent serve returns will allow nearly any player to cover the extra few feet I am suggesting
in plenty of time to be ready to attack, dink or terminate the point.
Placement as stated will also have the effect of causing your opponent to wonder what the heck you are
doing? Calling out the score and watching you out of the corner of his eye may cause a wide or short
serve and make it just a bit easier to flip the switch and earn the right to serve yourself.
For the rest of the day I will be icing my new bright red Franklin X tattoo hoping its permanence is
limited to today. Maybe Acesportsllc.com should open a tattoo parlor next door so the smart folks
heeding my advice can make that bright red X permanent and not feel left out of the fun. When I get
my first real tattoo it will of course say ‘MOTHER’.
Paddles Up,
Mother

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