When you step onto the pickleball court, the ultimate goal is to improve your game. But how do we ensure continuous growth? While playing against players at our level or below provides the chance to polish specific shots, the real growth comes when we 'play up', facing off against players who outclass us.
I've always found myself 'playing up' in singles, going against players with strong tennis backgrounds. The experience has been humbling and enlightening, revealing the strengths and weaknesses in my game. It's been a grind, to say the least, with losses outnumbering victories.
My "nemesis," a current tennis player, gave me a run for my money (and still does!). It took 18 grueling games before I secured my first win. The journey was filled with countless unforced errors, late shot selections, and less-than-perfect court positions. But with each defeat, I emerged stronger and more knowledgeable about the game's intricacies.
Another formidable opponent is a good friend who was a top-ranked tennis player in high school. Despite our close bond, he shows no mercy on the court, and after 6 matches, I'm still hunting for that elusive win. However, each match against him has been a treasure trove of lessons, teaching me to anticipate shots better, move around the court more efficiently, and develop a strong mental game.
Playing up pushes you to your limits, forcing you to adapt, learn, and grow. Yes, the defeats can be disheartening, but each one is a stepping stone towards improvement. When you play up, you expose yourself to varied playing styles, strategies, and levels of aggression you wouldn't typically encounter.
My personal experiences have taught me that playing up is a pathway to becoming a better pickleball player. So, don't be disheartened by a string of losses; instead, view them as lessons in your pickleball journey. Remember, growth comes not from winning easy games, but from learning to navigate challenging ones. So, don't shy away from playing up; it might be the best thing you can do for your pickleball progress!
Yours in Pickleball,
Backyard Pickleball
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