These 5 Skills Made me a DUPR 5.0 Senior
I've been playing pickleball for almost six years now. Frankly, when I started, nobody knew what the game was. Now, my young daughter plays, and it's kind of the cool game to play. But when I first started—at the very first game—I knew I enjoyed pickleball, though I had no idea of the many benefits and blessings that come with being a senior pickleball player. Today, I want to talk to senior players about how to maximize their pickleball game. So, without any further ado, let's get started.
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Cliff and I met about five or six years ago—closer to five and a half. I would have never had the chance to meet him otherwise. Cliff is from Haiti, and I'm from Columbus, Ohio. Cliff is a young guy, and I’m... well, not. Cliff is in great shape, and I’m not exactly like that. But through pickleball, we’ve become great friends. I've met so many other friends across the country playing tournaments and meeting people who come to Orlando. Don’t overlook the experience and meaning of making great friends through this sport.
Secondly—and I’ll leave Cliff up here as an example—the other great thing about this sport is the competition. I get to play with people of different ages. When I play with younger folks, there’s a noticeable difference. They’re faster, have quicker hands, and move a little better. They’re in better physical shape. But there are things we, as seniors, can do to help us compete with these guys and grow our game. These are the things I want to talk about today.
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Guys, one thing to note is I am 62. I’ve got a couple of notes down here, so if you see me looking down, you’ll know why. When you're in your 60s, you’re allowed to have notes!
One of the first things to focus on for maximizing your skills is drilling. As seniors, sometimes we have a little more free time—maybe we’re retired or just have less going on. So, I say to you, drill. Make drilling a part of your routine, especially with lessons. Cliff does a great job teaching, and Tony Giannini in Orlando is also an excellent teacher. Take a lesson or two, then practice those drills. Drilling is how you’ll improve your game.
The second thing is to not just focus on your weaknesses. Maximize your strengths. What I’ve found in this game is that having two or three strong skills can allow you to play well and compensate for other areas. For me, my strength is a two-handed backhand. I was taught this by my teacher. Since I’m left-handed—I throw a baseball and write left-handed—the two-handed backhand became a game-changer. It’s allowed me to roll the ball, add topspin, and drive shots down the line. That’s my strength, and I lean into it hard.
Another thing to consider is how to make the most of rec play. When I go to rec play, I’ll keep notes in my pocket. For example, I’ll jot down "work on footwork" or "forehand drive" to ensure I’m focused on improving. Don’t waste your time in games that aren’t competitive. Use them to refine your skills.
And speaking of games, when you get the chance, play with better players. Playing against stronger opponents helps you grow. Don’t isolate them by always hitting to their partner—challenge them and thank them for playing with you. On the other hand, when playing with players who may not be as skilled, focus on specific aspects of your game, like dinking or third-shot drops.
Maximizing your skills is key for seniors looking to improve their game.
Another important point is that the game has changed. There’s so much more speed now. When I first started playing, if you hit the ball below the net, it was considered unattackable. But with today’s technology and talent, there are no unattackable balls. You’ll face players speeding up the game, especially younger ones. My suggestion? Learn to counter. Be ready, stay in position, and use the ball's own pace to your advantage.
Lastly, always be a good partner. Encourage your partner. If they hit a bad shot, say, "We’ve got the next one!" Tap paddles and stay positive. Be the kind of player people want to play with.
Guys, I hope this has been helpful. If it has, I encourage you to subscribe to Cliff Pickleball. There are some great instructional videos out there. I’ve learned so much from them, and I look forward to seeing you next time.
Thanks, guys!
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