Want to Level Up? Here’s How to Make Rec Play More Meaningful
It is possible that you live in a place where you get lots of pickleball play with a wide variety of opponents. If you’re extra lucky, you also get a steady diet of high-quality matches where you are pushed to your limit – or possibly just beyond it. You may feel like each of your matches is the perfect balance of fun and competitiveness, where even a pick-up game is a fun and stimulating challenge. If this is you, I’m jealous. You’re one of the lucky ones!
For most people, the situation described above is pretty far from reality. It is more likely that you have a limited selection of places to play and people to play with. Perhaps it’s always the usual suspects at your pre-determined drop-in time and while you may enjoy playing with these people, it may feel like it’s starting to get a little old.
Wouldn’t it be nice if these same-old-same-old rec games could feel more meaningful? Well, there are a few things you can do to make this possible.
Hit to the Stronger Player. Unlike some similar sports, pickleball is unique for how easy it is to isolate one person and freeze out the other. If you want to challenge yourself and make your games more interesting, don’t fall into the trap of hitting to the weakest link on the other team. You may win the points, yes, but the victory is a little hollow.
You’ve probably seen this advice elsewhere but it is worth repeating: if you are looking to add some challenge to your rec games, hit the majority of your shots (or all of them if you really want a challenge) to the strongest player on the other side of the net. Can your drive measure up to their volleys? Can you outlast your opponent with your dinking game? While you might be able to get away with lobbing the slower of your two opponents, what about the quick and agile one?
It takes some discipline – and willingness to have a bruised ego – to consistently avoid the weaker opponent. But if you are looking to push yourself a little, it’s definitely worth considering.
Play a Game Inside the Game. One of the best ways to add some spice to your otherwise bland rec play is to introduce some secret mini-games that only you know about. That is, make up a little challenge that you can work toward even if nobody else is in the know. Here are a few examples:
The same person never touches the ball twice in a row. Whenever you hit the ball, you have to always alternate who you send it to. So even if you would normally keep working that crosscourt dink, you force yourself to alternate between hitting diagonally and down the line.
Exploit your own weakness. Rec play is a great chance to work on the things you’re not so good at. Maybe it’s a weak backhand drive. Perhaps your no-look flick is inconsistent. Since these matches ‘don’t matter’, use them as chances to get reps on the things you aren’t so good at.
Over/Under. For this activity you (and your partner if they are up for it) make a plan that you need to win the rally without going above or below a certain number of hits. Let’s say, for example, you decide that 6 is the maximum number of hits you’re allowing your team. This will force you to strategize how you can end the point in 6 hits or less. Do you poach more aggressively? Speed things up a little sooner? Play that risky lob? Alternatively, you can try to draw things out by telling yourselves that you cannot end the rally until after you’ve struck the ball a certain number of times.
Bet. One of the easiest ways to make something more meaningful is to put something on the line. While you could always bet money, this may not be your cup of tea. There are other kinds of wagers you can make as well – anything from pushups to who has to take down the nets after the game is over. You can be as creative as you want with this and even include odds or a handicap system. The point is, if there is something on the line you are more likely to feel some pressure and have the games be a little more impactful.
Pickleball is a game and games should be fun. If you are finding your usual rec play sessions aren’t quite doing it for you, consider adding your own twist to keep things interesting. Whether you start targeting the strongest opponent, inventing your own secret games or adding a wager, with a little bit of thought and creativity even the most boring games can take on a new dimension.
