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The Purpose of Warming Up

When I get to the courts, the first question I'm asked is "Do you need to warm up?" Sure I do, but how do you want to warm up? Last week our foursome warmed up by hitting forehand and backhand groundstrokes. This is a great way to get large muscle groups going, but what about the strategy of using different strokes for your game?

I like to warm up by dinking. It allows me to concentrate on the ball and the control I can get when I don't force a hard slamming groundstroke at my opponent. Actually, dinking is a true mind game of strategy and patience. It can really take your game to the next level by slowing down a hard game and strategically placing the ball to catch your opponents off guard. Ah, yes, and then there is patience. If you become impatient chances are you will make a mistake and either give the ball to your opponents to slam or you will slam it into the net. I've seen games where dinking is the star shot of the game and often allows a team that winning point. So next time you go to warm up, try dinking instead of groundstrokes.

Here's a couple of good dinking warm up drills to try:

Instead of dinking back and forth without moving, try dinking with movement--both starting at one side of court,either left or right at the non-volley zone and slowing work your way to the opposite side of the court. This will give you a feel of control and placement of the ball.

Next, have one partner at the left side of the opposing side's non-volley zone and you on the right side of your non-volley zone. You can now practice cross-court dinking, which by the way is an excellent way to draw your opponent out of position during a game.

A good game of Pickleball uses strategy combined with the ability to execute strong strokes. Remember to vary your game--slow to fast, high to low and add a few different strokes to keep your opponent guessing.

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