- Pickleball Journey Newsletter
- Posts
- Speedups, Mental Game, Proton Flamingo!
Speedups, Mental Game, Proton Flamingo!
Welcome to YOUR Pickleball Journey!
Keagan Forst-Jerden & Justin Ancona
March 03, 2025
MISTAKE #1 - Out of Position!
When you’re out of position and decide to speed up, your opponent has clear gaps to counter to, let alone you yourself won’t be ready for their counter!
Instead, try to ONLY speed up when you’re in good position!
MISTAKE #2 - No Spin!
Sometimes all you need on a speed up is spin! Power isn’t everything, but spin will keep your speed ups in the court!
Give a low to high semi-open paddle face!
MISTAKE #3 - No Target!
Speeding up just because is a calling for disaster!
Find the “chicken wing”, line, or dominant shoulder of an opponent, pick one depending on your positioning, and go for it…. but remember the other tips to make sure it goes in as well!
Watch the rest of the 4 key tips and get visuals with a 1on1 teaching session here!
Subscribe to Pickleball Journey!
MISTAKES #1 - Handling the Rollercoaster of Emotions!
The mass majority of players have a problem relaxing themselves, focusing, and breathing when the opponents call a bad out ball, when they get bagged, or 5 net cords in a row!
Whatever it is frustrating you, whether your own game, luck, or your opponents, you need to find ways to remind yourself to breathe and focus back up! Some will tap the back wall before a point, pull their finger, etc!
NEVER FORGET TIME OUTS! They’re perfect for and can absolutely change the momentum of the game. Hence why pros take a time out almost every match!
MISTAKES #2 - Not Having Targets!
When it comes to heated moments within the match, being able to rely on the fundamentals can be a game changer. For example, hitting to the target on the move, or simply moving your opponents around if they have bad footwork, hitting to backhands, etc.
MISTAKES #3 - Poor Shot Selection!
Taking disciplined shot choices in big moments will get you to the higher levels quicker than impulsive chaotic players! You can never be perfect, but doing your best to make smart choices will up your game quicker than anything else! Give yourself the advantage with your shots!
Watch the rest of That Pickleball Guy’s video here!
This is a very in depth video topic that a lot of creators don’t cover!
Subscribe to ThatPickleballGuy here!
TIP #1 - RIP That Serve!
Hitting a hard, deep serve will likely make your opponents hit a weak return! This will allow you to drop or drive easier, and get to the kitchen, or even cause an error by your opponents!
TIP #2 - Hybrid Drive-Drops!
Combining a drive with a drop at about 50-60% power, prioritizing top spin will make your shot dip down right as it gets over the net! This forces your opponent to hit upwards, allowing you or your partner to come crashing in!
TIP #3 - Topspin Roll Dink!
Applying pressure in a patient way at the kitchen forces your opponent to be defensive, and if they mess up it is a combo setup for you or your partner!
Watch the rest of Tanner Pickleball’s video here!
PADDLES
WHAT’S NEW
Paddle Stats Spreadsheet - HERE for discounts, and stats!
The paddle Quang Duong switched to and had some controversy over!
Our RPM test came out to - 2078
Our MPH test came out to - 63mph
DISCOUNTS
WAYS TO SAVE
JustPaddles + Pickleball Journey Discount
Do you want a drilling partner who doesn’t talk smack? Here’s the SpinShot with $50 off!!!
Thanks for reading. Share with your pickle people and we can grow more for big giveaways, exclusive deals, and offers! See you next time!
- The Pickleball Journey Team