Watching professional pickleball matches, such as the electrifying 2023 PPA Atlanta Open Mixed Doubles Championship highlights featuring titans like Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, Riley Newman, and Lindsey Newman, can be both exhilarating and a bit overwhelming for new players. The speed, precision, and seemingly impossible shots often leave spectators wondering how these athletes execute such advanced maneuvers in pickleball. However, by dissecting these moments, even a beginner can begin to grasp the underlying strategies and techniques that elevate their game.
This article aims to unpack some of the incredible plays showcased in the video, offering simple explanations and insights into how the pros approach mixed doubles pickleball. Understanding these fundamental concepts is crucial for anyone looking to improve their own play, whether it’s learning to control the pace or mastering defensive volleys. By observing the best, one can truly begin to understand the art and science behind high-level pickleball.
Deconstructing Dynamic Mixed Doubles Pickleball Play
The 2023 PPA Atlanta Open provided a masterclass in aggressive yet controlled mixed doubles action. In these high-stakes matches, every shot, every movement, and every decision is meticulously calculated. Consequently, understanding the rationale behind these plays can significantly enhance a beginner’s appreciation and personal game development. The interplay between power, finesse, and teamwork is continuously on display, offering invaluable lessons for aspiring pickleball players.
Mastering the Forehand Flick and Offensive Dink in Pickleball
Observe the video and you will notice moments where players like Riley Newman demonstrate exceptional shot-making. A “forehand flick” is more than just a quick wrist action; it represents an offensive maneuver designed to surprise opponents. Imagine if you could instantly change the trajectory and speed of a dink, turning a neutral rally into an attacking opportunity. In high-level pickleball, this shot often targets opponents’ feet or forces them to react unexpectedly, leading to pop-ups or errors.
Furthermore, an offensive dink serves a similar purpose, aiming to place the ball in a difficult spot within the Kitchen (non-volley zone). Executing these shots requires a delicate balance of touch and deception. It is not merely about hitting hard, but rather about hitting smart and making the ball unreturnable or forcing a weak return. Developing this skill involves practice and a keen understanding of court angles and opponent tendencies.
The Art of Defensive Pickleball and Resets
One aspect that truly stands out in professional pickleball is the spectacular defense. The announcers rightly highlight that “the defense on both sides is spectacular,” emphasizing its critical role. When players are forced deep or are on the run, they must execute flawless defensive shots to stay in the point. The art of defensive pickleball is crucial, and this often involves hitting a “reset,” which is a soft shot designed to bring the ball back into the Kitchen, allowing the defensive team to get back into position and neutralize the rally.
Imagine being caught out of position, far behind the baseline, and still managing to float a soft shot over the net that lands perfectly in your opponent’s Kitchen. This strategic move takes pace off the ball, disrupting the rhythm of the attacking team and giving your partnership a chance to regroup. Consequently, patience and precision are paramount in executing effective defensive resets, transforming what could be a losing point into a prolonged rally.
Understanding the ATP (Around The Post) Shot in Pickleball
The ATP, or “Around The Post” shot, is one of the most exciting and challenging plays in professional pickleball, often eliciting gasps from the crowd. The transcript mentions “What an ATP from Riley Newman!” and notes he “got that with the left.” This shot occurs when a player hits the ball *around* the net post, rather than over the net itself, into the opponent’s court. It is only legal if the ball travels completely outside the net post and does not touch the net structure.
Executing an ATP requires incredible athleticism, court awareness, and hand-eye coordination. Imagine having to sprint wide, near the sideline, and then arc the ball around a physical obstacle with precision. This shot is typically attempted when the ball is hit wide, forcing a player off the court, and offers a low, unreturnable angle. It’s a high-risk, high-reward shot that, when successful, can completely change the momentum of a game and demoralize opponents in pickleball.
Strategic Court Positioning and Partner Communication
In mixed doubles pickleball, success hinges significantly on intelligent court positioning and seamless partner communication. The constant back-and-forth in the video, with players covering large areas and making “great moves,” underscores this fact. A mixed doubles team must work as a cohesive unit, anticipating their opponents’ shots and reacting instantly. For instance, the male player often provides powerful drives and court coverage, while the female player might excel at dinks, volleys, and strategic placements, although these roles are fluid in modern pickleball.
When Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters are playing, for example, their ability to cover the court and communicate non-verbally is exceptional. They instinctively know where their partner will be and which shots they are responsible for. Imagine a scenario where one partner hits an aggressive shot, and the other instantly shifts to cover the exposed court area. This coordinated effort minimizes gaps and maximizes their defensive and offensive capabilities in pickleball, showcasing true partnership synergy.
The Psychology of Pro Pickleball: Pressure and Resilience
Professional pickleball matches are not just a test of physical skill but also mental fortitude. Moments like “Riley Newman punishing Enley Waters” or the incredible rallies where “you think they’re done” only to see a counter-attack, reveal the immense pressure players face. Maintaining composure under pressure, especially during critical points, is a hallmark of champions. Players must manage their emotions, stay focused, and execute their game plan regardless of the score in competitive pickleball.
Consider the instance where “Enley Waters going two service chances to build and close the gap” – this highlights the intense fight for every point. The ability to “pit pocket” an opponent, meaning to outwit them or steal a point with an unexpected shot, speaks volumes about a player’s creativity and mental resilience. Therefore, developing a strong mental game, alongside physical skills, is essential for competitive pickleball at any level.
Leveraging Pace and Shot Selection in Pickleball
The commentary about “missing from their magic that they need to get back to. Pace,” points to a crucial element in pickleball: controlling the tempo of the game. Pace refers not just to the speed of the ball but also to the rhythm of the rally. Top players expertly vary their shot selection, using soft dinks to draw opponents in, followed by powerful drives to push them back. This variation prevents opponents from getting comfortable and anticipating shots, making them more predictable.
Imagine a rally where every shot is either a gentle dink or a lightning-fast drive, constantly forcing your opponents to adapt. This strategic manipulation of pace allows players like Ben Johns, who is “victorious once again,” to dictate the flow of the pickleball game. It’s about choosing the right shot at the right time to create openings or prevent opponents from gaining an advantage. Ultimately, mastering pace is about making thoughtful decisions that control the entire dynamic of the point in pickleball.
Serving Up Answers: Your Mixed Doubles Championship Q&A
What is an offensive dink in pickleball?
An offensive dink is a soft shot aimed to land in the opponent’s Kitchen (non-volley zone) in a difficult spot. It’s used to create attacking opportunities and force weak returns.
What is a ‘reset’ in pickleball?
A reset is a soft, defensive shot designed to bring the ball back into the Kitchen, allowing a team to get back into position and neutralize an aggressive rally.
What is an ATP (Around The Post) shot in pickleball?
An ATP shot is a challenging play where a player hits the ball *around* the net post, rather than over it, into the opponent’s court. It is only legal if the ball travels completely outside the net post.
Why is strategic court positioning important in mixed doubles pickleball?
Strategic court positioning and seamless partner communication are crucial for mixed doubles success. They help a team anticipate shots, cover the court effectively, and work as a cohesive unit.
