Pro pickleball athlete Hannah Blatt recently dropped her list of 20 things she wishes she knew sooner, and it hits.

Whether you’re just picking up a paddle or have been grinding for years, these takeaways apply at every level of the game.

1. Stop trying to hit a winner every point

It’s a tempting instinct in any moment of a match, but sometimes the smartest move is to slow everything down: the pace, the rally, even your mindset. Rushing for a winner too soon often leads to unforced errors, when patience would’ve paid off.

2. Patience wins more points than power

As the game continues to evolve, power is more tempting than ever, but it’s the patient player who stays consistent and waits for the right ball to attack that ultimately comes out on top.

3. The first three shots matter A LOT

The serve, return, and third shot drop, drive, or drip sets the tone of the point. The pros are right, drill those shots as much as possible. 

4. Depth is more important than pace 

It’s not about speeding up every ball, sometimes the winning shot is a well-placed passing shot that your opponent simply can’t reach.

5. Not every ball is an attackable ball

This is where patience comes into play again. It’s tempting to go for a speed-up, but you have to be strategic about which balls to speed up because not every ball is attackable and will help you win the point. Choose the right ball.

6. If it’s low, reset instead of forcing it

The art of resetting the ball is an underrated skill.

7. Soft hands are a skill

And a skill we all need to be practicing more.

8. Your paddle face matters more than your swing speed

Pay close attention to your paddle angle. More often than not, when a shot doesn’t go as planned, it comes down to your paddle face being slightly off. Make small adjustments and stay intentional with your positioning—it makes all the difference.

9. Grip pressure can completely change your game

Coaches and pros say that you need a looser grip when you hold your paddle.

10. The middle ball needs communication

Calling “Mine!” is a great habit to start when playing with a new doubles partner. This helps eliminate confusion when a ball goes down the middle.

11. Doubles is about moving as a team

One of the biggest tips the pros give to amateur doubles teams is that they need to be aligned with their partner. If your partner is at the baseline, so should you. Move up to the kitchen line as a unit.

12. Your feet can be more important than your hands (and that’s also why having great shoes make a difference)

Footwork is everything, especially at the pro level. But it’s not just how you move; it’s how you support your movement. Taking care of your feet and wearing the right shoes can elevate your performance while helping prevent injuries.

13. Drilling is how you build confidence

So grab a friend or a ball machine and start drilling.

14. Playing more games doesn’t always mean getting better

More often than not, rest and recovery matter more than squeezing in one more game and pushing your body past its limits.

15. Most points are won by creating the right opportunity

Be strategic.

16. Confidence comes from repetition and trusting your equipment, especially your paddle 

The right paddle for your playing style can be a true game-changer. Take the time to find the one that fits your game best. For Blatt, it’s the JOOLA Agassi Pro. 

17. A bad point doesn’t have to become a bad game

Reset. Regroup. No matter how the previous points went, you can always shift momentum and turn the game around.

18. You don’t need the newest gear to improve

This might be a hot take, but Blatt is right. It’s easy to get caught up chasing the newest paddle on the market, but real improvement doesn’t come from new equipment—it comes from consistent practice and quality time on the court.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Hannah Blatt (@hannahblatt)

19. The right paddle should give you confidence, not change your game

Play to your strengths and choose a paddle that matches your style. If you’re a power player, lean into a power-oriented paddle. If spin is your game, find one that enhances it. Your paddle should complement your game, not redefine it.

20. The “boring” shots are usually the ones that win matches

As tempting as it is to go for a winner, a consistent, reliable game will take you further than any flashy shot ever will.

“The more I play, the more I realize pickleball is less about doing more, and more about doing the simple things really well,” concluded Blatt.

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