4 serving tips

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🌟 Transform Your Serve into a Powerful Weapon! 🌟

Elevate your game right from the serve!

Serving in pickleball is the first stroke of offense and sets the tone for the point.

By refining your serve, you can gain a strategic advantage over your opponent before the rally even begins.

Let's break down the four pivotal tips featured in this week's must-see video, designed to enhance your serving technique and keep your competitors on their toes.

🚀 Optimize Your Contact Point

See and Power Through: Contacting the ball well out in front of your body is crucial. It allows for better vision and maximizes the power you can generate. Imagine reaching out towards your target, extending your arm fully to make contact. This ensures a more controlled and powerful serve.

🛑 Stability Over Wristiness

Steady Wrist, Steady Serve: While a little wrist action can be beneficial for spins, too much can lead to inconsistency. Keep your wrist stable through the motion, then "let it go" only after contact. This stability is key to hitting your intended spot on the court with more consistency.

🎯 Precision Targeting

Strategic Placement: Picking a very specific spot on the court for your serve isn't just about making it difficult for your opponent; it's about playing mind games. Aiming for the right foot of a right-handed player, for example, forces them to choose between a backhand and a forehand, potentially causing hesitation or a misstep.

💪 Engage Your Legs

Leg Power Equals Serve Power: Your legs are the foundation of a powerful serve. Bending your knees slightly as you prepare to serve and then pushing up as you hit the ball adds an extra burst of power. Think of it as coiling a spring – the more you bend, the more force you can unleash.

Player's Insight

"Once I started really focusing on these four aspects, especially targeting and using my legs, my serve went from just starting a point to actively winning them." - Chris L, USPA Member

Incorporating these tips into your serve practice can transform your serve from a mere formality into a dynamic, point-winning shot. Each serve then becomes an opportunity to put pressure on your opponent, making every point start in your favor.

Challenge yourself to integrate these techniques into your serving routine. As you become more comfortable and consistent, watch as your serve becomes a feared weapon in your pickleball arsenal.

Serve smart, play smarter, and watch your game soar to new heights! 🏓 🎯

Pickleball enthusiasts, have you heard the latest buzz?

The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) is stepping off the court and into the concrete, setting up what's touted as the first-ever physical HQ for a professional pickleball league.

And they're not just serving up a standard office space; they're launching "The Fort," a groundbreaking facility in Fort Lauderdale that promises to be a haven for pickleball lovers of all stripes.

Welcome to "The Fort"

Imagine a place where the love for pickleball converges with the spirit of community, all nestled in the heart of one of the sport's most vibrant regions.

That's "The Fort" for you. This facility isn't just about playing; it's about living the pickleball lifestyle to the fullest.

Here's what makes it a game-changer:

43 Professional Courts & A Pickleball Stadium: Yes, you read that right. The world's first pickleball stadium is setting up shop in Fort Lauderdale, accompanied by 43 courts ready for action.

A Community Hub: Beyond the courts, "The Fort" is designed as a gathering place for everyone. With options for eating, drinking, and watching the game from a prime spot, it's the new go-to destination for fans and players alike.

Comprehensive Amenities: From open play to reserved slots, clinics, leagues, and tournaments, this facility is equipped to cater to every pickleball need. Add to that a pro shop, recovery center, and a 4,000 square foot event center, and you've got yourself a pickleball paradise.

Why Fort Lauderdale?

The choice of Fort Lauderdale is no happy accident.

This move is a strategic play by the APP, tapping into one of the sport's most fervent communities. With the Miami-Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area being a hotspot for pickleball activity, "The Fort" is poised to become the heart of the action.

This is not just about creating jobs (over 100, to be precise) but about enriching a community that's deeply passionate about the sport.

A Vision for the Future

APP Founder Ken Herrmann's vision is clear: to elevate the APP into the leading global pickleball organization. "The Fort" is a significant step towards that goal, offering a world-class facility that sets new standards for pickleball facilities worldwide.

As we watch "The Fort" take shape, it's an exciting reminder of how far pickleball has come and the potential it has to grow even further. For the 40+ crowd who've embraced this sport with open arms, this development is not just exciting news—it's a testament to the community's vibrant spirit and love for the game.

So, whether you're a seasoned pro or someone who's just caught the pickleball bug, "The Fort" in Fort Lauderdale is shaping up to be your next must-visit destination. It's more than a facility; it's a beacon for the sport's bright future.

The Financial Serve: Navigating the Earnings of Professional Pickleball

In the vibrant world of pickleball, the sport isn't just a pastime; it's a burgeoning career path for top-tier athletes.

As the fastest-growing sport in America, pickleball has transitioned from a recreational activity enjoyed by diverse age groups to a professional arena where the best in the game can net over $1 million annually through appearance fees, prize money, and sponsorships. Yet, this lucrative summit is reached by a select few, embodying the pinnacle of what many aspiring pros dream of achieving.

The Economic Landscape of Professional Pickleball

For the majority, the financial journey through professional pickleball is marked by modest earnings, with many players juggling day jobs alongside their competitive pursuits. Josh Freedman, the director of pickleball at Topnotch Management, highlights the dual effort required not just on the court but in securing financial opportunities off it. The stark reality is that emerging talents may find themselves endorsing brands for a mere $500 to $1,000, a far cry from the million-dollar headline.

However, the trajectory of professional pickleball suggests a bright financial future. With the sport's growing fanbase and increased investor and sponsor interest, the potential for higher earnings looms large.

Major League Pickleball, a prominent team-based league, projected a $5 million prize pool for 2023, distributed across six events. The league's structure ensures players earn from showing up, with the possibility of making up to $300,000 annually from various income streams. This is expected to be much higher for 2024.

The Challenge of Making It Big

While the top earner in the first three events of 2023 bagged $125,000 in prize money, such success stories are the exception. The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour plans to distribute $5.5 million in 2023, reflecting an 83% increase from the previous year, with the average PPA pro taking home $96,000 in 2022.

The sport's appeal is undeniable, drawing in significant sponsorships from renowned brands like Monster Energy and Skechers. Yet, as Freedman advises, entering the professional pickleball realm requires resilience and hard work, with the rewards potentially offering a fulfilling lifestyle for the dedicated athlete.

The Future of Pickleball Earnings

As pickleball continues to capture hearts and imaginations, its economic landscape for professional players is poised for expansion. The sport's ascent into the mainstream, coupled with increasing sponsorship deals, promises a future where the financial stakes and opportunities for players are greater than ever.

For our pickleball-loving readers contemplating the leap into professional play, the journey is challenging but the potential for success is real and growing.

For those intrigued by the evolving dynamics of professional pickleball earnings and the stories of those who navigate this exciting space, the full article offers a deeper dive into the figures, facts, and forecasts shaping the future of the sport.Read more about the financial aspects of professional pickleball here.

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