Elements of Pickleball That Keep Me Coming Back

All too soon, pickleball became one of my favorite sports, and there are many reasons why it grabs me every time I step onto the court.

It’s not just the fast-paced, social, and endlessly exciting aspects—there are specific nuances that make it unique, fulfilling, and downright fun.

Here are some of my favorite elements that keep me coming back for more.

Teamwork: The Heart of Doubles Play

One of the things I like most about pickleball is the sense of teamwork, especially in doubles play. Unlike other team sports I’ve played, pickleball fosters a unique collaboration between two players.

When you and your partner find yourselves in sync, you anticipate each other’s moves and communicate with minimal words, creating a seamless flow that can lead to flawless pickleball.

In pickleball doubles, it’s not just about individual skill—it's about how well you and your partner work together.

Whether it’s covering the court, setting up each other for the next shot, or simply encouraging one another, teamwork is crucial to success.

The way players adjust their strategies and support each other throughout a match makes pickleball feel like a shared experience, and that’s something I truly enjoy.

Constructing a Point: The Art of Strategy

Pickleball is often called a "game of strategy," and once you’ve played it long enough it’s easy to see why. While the rallies may start simple, the beauty of the game lies in how each player constructs their points.

There’s a tactical art in building a rally from a soft dink to a powerful put-away shot, each decision feeding into the next.

I love how pickleball requires thinking several moves ahead. It's about positioning, shot selection, and reading your opponent's intentions.

You can’t simply rely on power; instead, you need to combine patience with precision. The challenge of working your way into an advantageous position while maintaining control over the point is one of the things I find most satisfying.

There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a point come together, piece by piece, with perfect execution.

Image credit: A Pickleball Life

Playing Unpredictably: The Thrill of the Unexpected

Pickleball has a wonderful element of unpredictability, which is part of what makes it so thrilling. The game is fast-paced, and the ball can change direction at any moment.

Whether it's a sudden drop shot that catches your opponent off-guard or a fast-paced exchange that forces a quick reaction, there’s always an element of surprise.

What I love about playing unpredictably is how it keeps opponents on their toes. A game where you can mix up your shots and switch from aggressive to defensive play keeps things fresh and exciting.

Whether it’s a soft dink followed by a hard drive or a sneaky angle that no one expects, playing unpredictably adds an element of surprise that both players and spectators love.

The Shake ‘n Bake: A Play with Personality

One of the most fun and distinctive parts of pickleball, especially in doubles play, is the "Shake 'n Bake" strategy.

This term refers to a play where one partner strikes the ball as a groundstroke and the partner moves up the court looking to poach the next shot.

It’s a move that requires excellent teamwork and timing, but when executed correctly, it’s a thing of beauty.

The "Shake ‘n Bake" is fun because it combines deception with precision. When done correctly, it’s all about baiting your opponent into a false sense of security, making them believe that they’re in control of the point, only for them to be caught off-guard by a sudden aggressive shot.

This move brings an element of creativity and flair to the game, and I love being part of the action when it works perfectly.

Image credit: Pickleball University

The Evolution

What excites me most about pickleball is that it is very much still evolving. The game is far from static; it's constantly growing in popularity and innovation.

From new players discovering the sport every day to advancements in equipment and technology, there’s always something fresh around the corner.

The way pickleball is evolving—from grassroots local leagues to large-scale professional tournaments—shows just how much potential the sport has. It’s not just about increasing participation, but also about the development of new playing styles, techniques, and even the integration of tech to improve training and gameplay.

As the sport continues to grow, I look forward to seeing how it will further shape the athletic landscape and bring even more exciting changes to the pickleball experience.

Pickleball has so many elements that make it an endlessly enjoyable sport.

Whether it’s the teamwork in doubles, the strategy of constructing a point, the excitement of unpredictability, or the flair of a perfectly executed Shake ‘n Bake, there’s always something to love about the game. It’s not just a sport—it’s a dynamic experience that keeps me coming back for more every time I step onto the court.

What’s even better is that these elements create a strong sense of connection and joy, making pickleball a game that’s both competitive and social. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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