Hey,

My final tournament of 2024 is this week, and I’ve been putting in a ton of work on the court to make it my best yet!

On Friday, I’m playing Men’s Doubles with my roommate, Casey Diamond. On Saturday, in Mixed Doubles, I’m playing with Christa Gecheva. We hope to run it back and recapture our magic together in KC.

I feel excited, but more importantly, PREPARED.

And ready to finish the year on a good note.

If you happen to be in Mesa for USA Nationals, be sure to say Hi!

How to Let Out Balls Go in Pickleball

One of the most overlooked skills in pickleball is letting an out ball go out.

Improving this part of your game is essential no matter what level you play at. So, let’s dive into expert techniques to help you keep the ball in play, save points, and maintain control on the court.

📏 Geometry: Knowing Your Court Dimensions

Understanding the court’s geometry is fundamental to mastering ball control. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Court Size: The pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long.

• Kitchen Line: Located 7 feet from the net, this area limits volleys.

• Diagonal Distance: From one corner to the opposite corner, the diagonal length is around 48 feet and 4 inches.

When hitting from the baseline, you have the full 44 feet to work with, but hitting from the kitchen shortens your range to just 29 feet.

Players often use baseline power near the kitchen, which can lead to overhitting. By understanding these dimensions, you’re already one step ahead in avoiding out balls.

👀 Reaction vs. 🧠 Prediction: Moving Beyond Reflexes

Many players rely on reactions rather than predictions, but learning to anticipate can improve your game.

1. Reaction: After your opponent’s shot, there’s little time to decide your move.

2. Prediction: Predicting outcomes based on visual cues gives you an edge.

Transitioning from reaction to prediction can make a significant difference.

By gathering information about the shot before it happens, you’ll have a better chance of anticipating whether the ball will stay in or go out.

Here’s how to do that:

🔎 Read and 🤔 Predict: Understanding Your Opponent's Cues

Effective prediction starts with observing key indicators before and after your opponent makes contact with the ball.

Pre-Contact Reads

1. Court Positioning: Are they near the baseline, midcourt, or at the kitchen?

2. Ball Height: Is the ball high or low before they hit it?

3. Footwork: Are they rushing to the ball or taking a slower approach for a precise shot?

4. Backswing Length: A long backswing often means power, while a shorter one might signal a softer shot like a drop.

Post-Contact Reads

1. Ball Speed: How fast is the ball moving toward you?

2. Trajectory: Is the ball arcing high or staying low as it approaches?

Observing these cues allows you to make informed decisions on the fly, significantly increasing your probability of letting out balls go by.

🛋️ Understanding Psychology on the Court

Psychology plays a critical role in predicting your opponent’s moves and managing your reactions.

1. Top Spin vs. Power: Many players, especially at lower levels, rely on power rather than spin. Recognize this, as power shots often overshoot the court.

2. Shake and Bake Effect: If an opponent succeeds with an aggressive shot, they may try to replicate it, often leading to over-aggression and mistakes.

3. Emotions: Don’t let emotions dictate your responses. If you let a ball go out and it lands in, resist the urge to overcompensate on the next shot. Trust your data and instincts.

🤓 Practice Data-Driven Decisions

As you practice these techniques, remember that it’s impossible to eliminate all mistakes—but you can reduce them by improving your predictions. Recognize that even the best players hit out balls, but with the strategies outlined here, you’ll find yourself making more accurate, data-driven decisions on the court.

Use this knowledge as a foundation for greater consistency, and take your game to the next level by focusing on probability, not absolutes.

PB Vision: The Ultimate Pickleball Analytics App

Last week, I announced our partnership with PB Vision and ThatPickleballSchool.

In case you missed it, here’s more info…

PB Vision is Built by Pickleball Players for Pickleball Players

PB Vision is designed with the pickleball community in mind. It isn’t adapted from other sports—each feature is made specifically for pickleball, delivering analytics that take your game to the next level.

🎥 Record Your Game Anytime, Anywhere

• Use your phone or visit a PB Vision-enabled facility to capture your matches

• Upload your footage for instant analysis powered by advanced computer vision, breaking down every rally, shot, and movement for valuable insights

📈 Advanced Analytics for Dedicated Players

• PB Vision goes beyond simple stats:

  • 3D Shot Viewer: Visualize each shot in 3D

  • Court Coverage Heat Maps: See your on-court movement patterns

  • Automatic Highlights: Relive key moments instantly

  • Kitchen Arrival Percentage: Track your timing at the net

• Find trends, spot improvements, and grow with metrics made for pickleball

👫 Share with Friends, Free of Charge

• Tag friends to let them watch and analyze your game—at no cost

• Encourage each other’s progress with easy sharing and team-based growth

🚀 Try It Free Today

• Start with three free uploads and experience how in-depth analysis can elevate your game

• Whether you’re aiming to improve or simply enjoy the game more, PB Vision unlocks powerful insights for every player

Curious? Click learn more.

Thanks for reading! I’m headed out to the venue in Mesa, Arizona to get some training in before we hit the courts tomorrow!

Talk next week!!
Kyle