I think most pickleball players do
NOT play recreational games the same way they play in tournaments. Yes, you are out there playing rec. games
with your friends on a social level. The
only problem is you might be learning bad habits when you are only giving
50-75% during practice.
I observe players in the rec
play. You will see players try shots
they never would even think about doing during a tournament.
Huge serves.
Over-use of the
ERNE.
Over-hitting high
balls.
Over-hitting drives
from the baseline.
Behind the back
shots.
Thru the legs
shots.
Low percentage
shots from no-mans land.
Hitting “out
balls”.
I have been playing for almost two
years and I rarely come across a player that plays rec games at the same level
they play tournaments. One player comes to mind, Riley Newman! Riley gives 100%
every point, every game, every day he is on the court. It is a very “special” skill to have.
Tips to improve
your practice play.
I am not saying to not have fun
during rec play. I am saying to practice
good habits. It is normal to work on “new shots” during rec play. It is NOT good to practice low percentage
shots that you will never use once you get in the head of battle in a
tournament.
Keep your
concentration level at a very high level no matter who you are playing with or
against.
Work on shots that
you struggle with during tournaments.
Practice high
percentage shots.
Remove “stupid”
shots from your shot selection.
Don’t practice
shots that you will never use in a tourney.
Use this code for a 10% discount on a custom paddle
First Time Buyers Only
Why we are different
There are well over 100 paddle manufacturers serving the pickleball industry. We are the ONLY custom paddle manufacturer in the world. In order to understand what it is we do and why it’s unique, it’s necessary to understand how a paddle is made.
Every paddle with few exceptions has a honeycomb core. The different companies in the industry use one of three different materials for the core- aluminum, polymer and Aramid. We use all three. The core provides 75% of the way a paddle performs.
Then the honeycomb core is sandwiched between two thin layers of surface materials. Again, the different companies in the industry use three different materials- graphite, fiberglass composite and carbon fiber. We use all three. The surface material is about 25% of the way a paddle performs. Think of it as fine tuning the paddle’s performance characteristics.
The three different core materials combined with the three different surface materials make 9 different combinations of materials. Each plays differently. We make two (soon to be three) different shapes for our paddles. The Chaos has a large square sweet spot- at 8 1/2”, it is the widest paddle on the market. The Kratos has an equally large rectangular shaped sweet spot. Each combination of cores and surfaces is available in both the Chaos and Kratos shape.
Then we give each player the opportunity to select their paddle’s weight (ranging from 7.4-10.5 ounces).
Now comes the grip. Players can choose one of three different handle shapes, their grip size from 3 7/8” to 6”, one of three different grip materials and more than 10 colors for each grip style.
Now that the player has chosen the best paddle shape, core, surface and grip for their individual game comes the fun part. We can put any custom graphic the player chooses on their paddle face- either one of our many choices or one of their own- a picture, logo or graphic of their choosing.
Now every player can play with a totally bespoke paddle and watch their game immediately improve because they are playing with the right paddle for them in every way.
Every other sport has specialized equipment for every player except pickleball. Not anymore- now pickleball is catching up to other sports. Pickleball players spend a lot of time playing the game they love. Now they can play with the gear that suits them and not be forced to use a one size fits all paddle.
Want to Join Team TSD?
We are actively seeking avid pickleballers with sales experience to educate, demonstrate and promote Third
Shot Drop pickleball paddles.
Please send your prior sales experience, where you play, how often you play, what level player you are, if you
play Tournaments, how many players you can reach and your contact information to:
Ashley@ThirdShotDrop.com