WOW. 

What a week it has been! 

I played in the USA Nationals Tournament and took home a bronze medal. 🥉

My FIRST EVER pro medal. 🎉

This was by far the best feeling I can recall having in a LOOONG time.

The reason being, you can't buy this medal, you can't steal it, you have to EARN it.

After you graduate college, everything competitive stops, and the "real world" starts: getting a job, paying bills, starting a family, etc.

Pickleball allows you to compete and be a kid again.

And I know it’s the reason a lot of YOU love it so much.

This has made me so thankful for Pickleball to give this 'professional athlete' life another chance. 🙏

Now, let’s get to your exclusive video–which is a little different this week…

Lessons Learned From Taking Home Bronze 🥉👊

How to Serve Absolute BOMBS in Pickleball (Max Power + Spin)

Last week, I shared a video on serving from Will Howells. In this video, I go even deeper!

👎 Old Serve vs. 👍 New Serve

Before we dive in, let’s compare the old and new serve techniques.

• Old Serve: Lacked power and spin. Focus on just getting it in 100% of the time.

• New Serve: More spin, more power, and strategically placed. Basically, harder to handle than ever before.

The transformation is all about refining technique. Let’s break it down:

🔋 Load Your Hips

Footwork is a game-changer. Instead of standing stiffly, focus on these key points:

• Stance: Position your feet nearly parallel to each other.

• Hip Loading: Shift your weight to the back leg, aiming toward the net post.

• Power Transfer: Drive through the ball using your hips and legs.

Think of your legs as the engine for your serve. The more energy you generate here, the more powerful your serve becomes.

🕺 Use Your Entire Body

Your serve shouldn’t just rely on your arm. Engage your entire body for maximum power:

1. Tippy Toes Technique: As you swing, let your back leg rise onto its toes for added momentum.

2. Push Forward: Almost like a jump (but keep one foot on the ground—it’s illegal to serve with both feet airborne).

3. Whip-Like Motion: Your arm should act like a whip, transferring energy from your body into the ball.

This method mirrors the technique used by pro players like Tyson McGuffin—explosive and effective.

📏 The Right Ball Height

Holding the ball at the proper height and position is crucial:

• Natural Position: Let the ball rest naturally at your side.

• Athletic Stance: Lean slightly forward for stability.

• Strike Zone: Hold the ball so it’s neither too close nor too far—find that “just right” middle ground.

A well-positioned ball sets you up for consistent, powerful serves.

✌️ The Proper Paddle Grip

Grip changes everything. If you’ve been using a basic grip, it’s time to level up:

• Old Grip: Slight Eastern grip with the “V” of your hand along the paddle spine.

• New Grip: Adjust the “V” of your hand down the back edge of the paddle.

This adjustment allows you to get underneath the ball better, adding more spin and control to your serve.

🏌️‍♂️ Master the Backswing

Your backswing should be smooth and aerodynamic:

1. Flat Backswing: Keep your paddle flat as you bring it back.

2. Quick and Whippy: Avoid large, loopy motions—aim for compact and controlled.

3. Sword-Like Movement: Picture your paddle slicing through the air like a blade.

A streamlined backswing not only improves power but also makes your serve harder to predict.

🎯 Where to Aim Your Serve

Strategic placement can make or break your serve. Here’s how to aim like a pro:

1. Target the Backhand: Most players struggle with their backhand, so aim there until they prove otherwise.

2. Find Open Space: Look for gaps on the court and force your opponent to move sideways before they can rush the kitchen line.

Your goal? Disrupt their rhythm and make them late to the net.

Bonus Tip: Stay Consistent

Improving your serve takes practice, so don’t get discouraged. Focus on consistency over flash.

Now, get out there and make your serve a force to be reckoned with!

What I’m Working On Right Now

Even though I won my first medal, now’s not the time to relax.

I’m back in Florida working hard to make sure I win GOLD next time.

💪

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