15/08/2026
Coaches Corner Tip #8
Tip #8 comes from John McDonald — Macca to those of us who know him, which is literally everyone at Port Stephens Pickleball Club. Macca was our first ever President following incorporation, and for two years he and the founding committee worked tirelessly to build not just a club, but a community — one that is social, inclusive, and genuinely welcoming to players of every level. That foundation is still everything we are today.
If you have played with Macca you will know two things. First, he will bail you out more times than you deserve — his court awareness is extraordinary and his encouragement never stops. Second, if you are on the other side of the net, those same qualities will punish every mistake you make. Sound familiar? That is what great pickleball looks like.
This tip covers a lot of ground — and intentionally so. Every point Macca raises could be a tip in its own right. What makes this important is that as coaches, we find even intermediate and advanced players are still working on these fundamentals. That tells you everything about why building good habits early and getting regular feedback from coaches matters so much. The earlier you start, the less you have to unlearn.
Without further ado — here is Macca. 🎾
OK — You Know How to Play Pickleball
You have been playing for a few months now — you know how to score, how to serve, where to stand, and you are noticing that your overall skills are improving.
What's stopping you from taking your game to the next level?
Well, most likely — whatever skill level you are at — it is...
INCONSISTENCY!
This stems from two main areas. Work on these and your game WILL improve.
- Mindset
- Body Position
Mindset
Have patience. Stop trying to win the point from every shot. Pickleball is a game of strategy — make your opponents play one more shot. Most rallies end with an error, often unforced, so make fewer errors than your opponents.
Move on. Even the pros don't play perfect shots every time. Consider each point as the start of a new game. Don't dwell or beat yourself up if you hit a bad shot.
Make good decisions. Placement over power — don't attack balls below the height of the net. Don't admire your good shot either — expect it to come back and be ready for it. Keep moving forward and learn to play the game from the kitchen line.
Body Position
Being in the correct position gives you time — and time allows you to make better decisions and play the right shot more often because you are under less pressure.
This can take a while to master, especially if you have developed some bad habits. However each time you take the court, try to:
- Limit your backswing
- Make contact with the ball out in front of your body
- Limit wrist movement and keep your head still — especially when establishing the basics
- Learn to split step before your opponent hits the ball — there are plenty of YouTube videos on this and it is a game changer
- Keep your paddle up and out in front, weight forward, knees slightly bent
Understand the importance of grip pressure — knowing when to hold your paddle softly and when firmer is better
As you become more advanced, watch your opponent's paddle position to get a clue as to where the ball is likely to go — and move early to play the next shot. It is not your reflexes getting better. You are learning anticipation and strategy.
One final hint: Identify one or two of the above to work on at a time. Don't try to fix everything at once — it is a gradual process. Keep at it and you will see a noticeable improvement, whatever your current skill level. I promise.
Need help? Ask one of our club coaches — we would be only too happy to assist. 😊
Above all — have fun on the court and enjoy the camaraderie of playing with the wonderful members of our Port Stephens Pickleball Club. 🎾
