We have established the importance of consistency, doing repetitive drills, and establishing good muscle memory. The problem is you do not want to be predictable. Yes, you want your shots to be consistent, but if your opponent knows where you will hit the ball, you have given him the advantage. Deception is setting up to hit one shot and at the last minute hitting the ball in a different location. A deceptive shot is especially effective early on in a match to keep your oppon

The Pickleball Cowboy on Competing When the Stakes are High You’re in a tournament. The match matters. Maybe it’s for the gold medal, maybe it’s to avoid a drop in your rating, maybe it’s just a game against a rival you’ve never beaten. You’ve been playing solidly all day—clean serves, consistent dinks, effortless resets. Then the score hits 8-all. And something shifts. Your paddle feels heavier. Your feet slow down. You float a serve long. You pop up an easy third-shot drop.

Elevating your game beyond intermediate isn’t about flashy winners—it’s about mastering essential concepts that improve consistency, control, and point construction. These seven fundamental shots separate a 3.5 from a dependable 4.0+ player, and practicing them with purpose makes all the difference. 1. The Serve Sets the Tone The serve is the only shot you fully control, and at higher levels it’s a tactical weapon that can dictate the pace of a point. A deep, precise serve li

Age: 35 Hometown: Newport Beach, CA Marital Status: Married Ranking: #1 with women’s doubles partner Megan Fudge Favorite Tournament:...