The Biggest Differentiator

If I had to pick one athletic skill that truly differentiates other pickleball players from one another, what would it be? And then, how would I effectively train it?

First, let’s go over what athletic skills mean in this context. We aren’t going to get too general, as in overarching agility, balance, or coordination skills. We need to get more sport specific. 

Paddle head speed? Reaction speed? Fluid Technique? Body acceleration and deceleration? Ball reception?

All important, but nope. I would have to say adaptability. An interesting selection, you may think!  

There are so many shots in pickleball. Drops with different spins, lobs, the varied kinds of drives, live dinks, punch volleys, block volleys, drop volleys, resets, swing volleys, roll volleys, flick volleys, overheads, slices, and more. And lest we forget about all the trick shots like ATPs and Ernies!

If you develop all these shots, you’ve certainly got a lot of options! Being able to recognize the situation and best adapt your shot selection, going back and forth altering all the skills needed for each shot, I believe is the one skill, the biggest differentiator of them all. It’s the processing speed, the varied reactions in tough, high-octane points. It’s high-level athleticism. Pickleball can be so slow of a rally, then explode into a hands battle for the ages. Those that can adapt and conquer will win. 

Now, how to train adaptability?

Use the power of differential learning during your instructional lessons. If you’re working on your forehand roll, make sure your private coach also gives you balls to flick, random speedups to reset, amongst many others. The ratio could be 2/3rds of the main shot you’re working on, and the other third on randomizing the shot selection accurately based on what the coach throws your way. 

This trains your body and mind to have a high “gradient” of feel and ability to understand and pivot. You’ll find yourself improving much faster!

We’re launching the STAGE program soon, where differential learning is part of Slate’s teaching fundamentals. We can’t wait to get you on the court and develop your game to its ultra max!