Okay, so you’re tall, right? And you play pickleball? Coach Mary Barsaleau is dropping some serious truth bombs this week, pointing out what she calls “tall-person syndrome.” This isn’t about shaming, it’s about getting better. Jill Braverman, an online instructor, has specific skills tall players above 5-foot-8 for women and 6-foot for men need to work on. Apparently, about 15 percent of players are in this camp, and a lot of them aren’t exactly known for their mobility. This article is for you if that sounds like your game!
Stop Lunging, Start Shuffling Your Way to Victory
Jill is all about those steps. If you think one big step is enough, you’re dead wrong. She stresses that you’ve got to take *two* smaller, quicker steps instead of one big lunge. This helps you move faster, feel faster. And get low when you contact the ball, then you can stand up, rest, and get ready again. Don’t just follow the ball with your paddle! You need to track it with your feet, knees, and head. Lower your head, and you’ll create more speed-up opportunities. If you’re contacting the ball outside of your knee, rather than in front of you, you’re lunging. That’s a no-go.
Don’t Jump, Shuffle Backwards for Those Overheads
Overheads are tricky, especially for tall players. The key? Shuffle! Turn sideways when that lob goes up. Moving backwards and jumping is not effective, and it is also dangerous. Stop staying square to the net. Shuffle those feet, and let the ball come to you, rather than reaching. Get that first reaction step quicker. And seriously, if you can help it, don’t let those overheads bounce. Take it out of the air! When it comes to hitting out balls, if you stand up tall on your back foot, you’ll hit every single ball. Get low when your opponent contacts the ball. You’ll be ready, and you’ll know to let out balls go. Moving up and down is critical for tall players, giving your legs time to rest in between. Keep that paddle out in front and use that reach!
Lock In That Posture, Stability is King
Jill’s final word of wisdom is all about posture. Stability, folks, stability is King. Paddle in front. Hips and butt are back. Chin is out in front. Don’t let that ball jam you up and come into your body. These are gold for anyone looking to up their game!
So much good info to chew on! For those of you in the desert pickleball scene, there’s an outdoor round robin event at Paradise Pickleball Club on Oct. 18. All skill levels, from beginner to 4.5, are welcome. You can email mgbarsaleau@gmail.com for details. Plus, the construction at the Demuth Park Pickleball venue is almost complete, with 22 upgraded and expanded courts tentatively opening Oct. 14-15. A grand opening is on the way! Lots of pickleball action coming up!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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