Springtime means a lot of things to a lot of different people. But for Pickleball fans, that could only mean one thing, it's time to hit the courts!
Whether you're a seasoned Pickleball veteran or just getting started, there are plenty of things you can do to improve your game. Read on to learn some tips from Pickleball Court Supply on how you can get back in action and how to get the most out of your Pickleball game this spring.
1. Strengthen the lower extremities of your body.
Pickleball is a sport where players use their whole body. It requires balance, coordination, agility, strength, endurance, and quick reflexes. The key to all these starts with your legs. If you want to play at the highest level, you must be able to move quickly and efficiently from your feet up through your hips and torso.
You should also make sure that your knees and ankles are strong enough to withstand the impact of playing Pickleball.
To strengthen your lower extremities, start doing exercises such as squats and lunges. These exercises will help you build muscle mass and increase your leg strength.
2. Hydrate.
When you exercise, your body needs more water than usual. That’s why it’s essential to drink lots of water before, during, and after your workout. Besides, water helps keep your muscles flexible and healthy, which makes them stronger as well.
You must also remember that dehydration may cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and even muscle cramps. So, if you want to play better, skip those caffeinated and sugary drinks, and go for plain, old water instead.
3. Make sure you're following a healthy diet.
Sports performance and nutrition go hand-in-hand.
Your body needs fuel to perform well, so you need to make sure you eat right. A balanced diet will provide the energy you need to power through your workouts. Besides, eating right gives you the nutrients you need to recover properly after each workout session, Pickleball included. If you're having trouble maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, try planning your meals.
Also, avoid those sugary snacks and drinks, and opt for healthier options like fruits, vegetables, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains instead. If you do, we're pretty confident you'll see improvements in your energy levels and, eventually, in your Pickleball game.
4. Get into the habit of stretching.
We all know that post-winter feeling - when we feel like our muscles are stiffer than they used to be.
Stretching is a great way to loosen up those tight muscles and prepare yourself for the Pickleball season ahead. Doing stretching regularly will help prevent injuries and allow you to maintain flexibility throughout the year (and not just during the spring and summer months). Stretching is also an excellent way to relieve stress and tension.
By taking a few minutes every day to stretch, you can reduce the risk of injury while improving your overall health. Some of the easiest stretching exercises you can gradually incorporate into your routine include the following:
- Arm circles
- Neck exercises
- March-in-place exercise
5. Don't skip the cardio!
Cardio is one of the most effective ways to improve sports performance. It improves blood circulation, boosts metabolism, increases endurance, and builds stamina.
You don’t need to spend hours running marathons or cycling around town to reap the benefits of cardiovascular training, though. Simply walking briskly for 20 minutes three times per week should do the trick.
Of course, you can always do more as you become fitter to prepare for your upcoming Pickleball games.
6. Don't forget about those paddle balance exercises!
Hand-eye coordination is essential in racket sports like Pickleball, but it's not always an easy skill to master. For one, you need to learn how to control the ball as it bounces on your paddle. Otherwise, you might have a hard time perfecting your serve or the accuracy of your hits.
Fortunately, there are a few exercises that you can do to improve your ability to keep your paddle steady. To start, all you need to do is balance your Pickleball on your paddle. Once you've done that, you need to bounce the ball off your paddle. Do this at least 20 times and repeat this as many times as possible. Doing the paddle balance exercise daily will help you develop better eye-hand coordination.
If you want to take things a step further, you can practice hitting balls against a wall. Think of this wall as your practice partner. Start by bouncing the ball off your paddle and then hitting it back at the wall. Continue doing this until you can consistently hit the ball back at the wall with enough force to make contact. This is a great way to improve your hand-eye coordination and hitting consistency.
7. Practice your shots.
Pickleball requires precision and timing, which means you must be able to react to the ball quickly. If you're looking to improve your game, you need to practice your serves, forehands, backhands, volleys – basically all the shots you need to play the game.
Practice makes perfect, so you need to dedicate time to perfecting each shot. When practicing, focus on technique rather than power. Try to strike the ball cleanly without any unnecessary movements. Keep your feet flat, and your knees slightly bent. Use a smooth motion when serving and follow through after striking the ball.
To improve your service, you may also want to try using different types of paddles – just to see what works best for you. And if you've got the time, try to practice your shots on different Pickleball courts. Who knows? You might be able to discover new strategies that could help you win more matches.
It takes time and effort to get ready for the spring season. But once you’re ready, you’ll feel confident and relaxed during your next match. So go ahead and enjoy this year's Pickleball season.
And if you're looking to purchase Pickleball supplies, check out our shop today!