How watching the pros can make you a better pickleball player

Ashley Michalski

Contributor

Last Edited

Jun 04 2025

You see what’s possible

Watching the best of the best completely changed my understanding of what pickleball is. Ernes, ATPs, behind-the-back saves -- it was all done with ease every single game. I kept asking myself, 'Why can’t I do these things?' The more I watched and applied what I learned, the more I saw what I was capable of and the better I became. I was playing with and against the same people but I improved faster because I was emulating the pros.

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Court positioning and awareness

Watching the pros is a masterclass in court positioning. Pay attention to how they move as partners. If one is pulled out wide, the other moves with them. It’s almost like an invisible rubber band is wrapped around them. Watch how they stack, return, where they’re standing on offense and defense. Soon you will see patterns and apply them to your own game.

The importance of shot selection

Rec play brings all levels together, from beginners to advanced players. It can be easy to get caught up in hard-hitting battles and going for risky shots. You’ll notice how often pros DON’T go for the put away, drive, or any other risky shot if they are out of position. Instead, they reset the ball and give themselves the chance at a higher percentage put away shot later in the rally.

Learn from their mistakes

While their rallies may be much longer, pros do make mistakes. Why did they miss a serve return? Why did they miss a third shot drop? Should they have sped a ball up or reset it? You start to analyze the players and their shot selections. This will help you during your own games. You start to ask yourself if you are making the right shot selection. It transforms your game into a smarter one, and you into a smarter player.

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Motivation

I watch every professional tournament and let me tell you, nothing makes me want to grab 3 friends and run to the courts more than an intense pro pickleball game. The movement, the speed, the high adrenaline -- it radiates through the screen. It gives you inspiration and confidence to say “I CAN do this!”

Final thoughts

There are many great starting points to watching the pros. PPA, APP and MLP matches are all available for free on YouTube. Watching educational videos by professionals like Zane Navratil, Roscoe Bellamy, Callie Jo Smith and many others can also be very valuable. They break down strategies, techniques and drills in a way that all skill levels can understand. Absorb the information and apply it to your next game. You might just pick up a new shot or trick that will elevate your game.

Aside from all of the strategy benefits of watching pro pickleball, it’s just plain fun! The energy from players, crowds and coaches make for a lively environment. On top of that, the fast pace and quick play makes it highly entertaining. The next time a pro tournament is in a city near you, I urge you to check it out. Join the growing pickleball community, cheer for your favorite player and watch the game from a different perspective. It will become one of the best and most enjoyable ways to level up your game.

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