Smart Pickleball: The Pickleball Guru's Guide

Prem.....I didn't want to put your book, "Smart Pickleball" down! I read it in two sessions (because my eyes were crossed and I had to give them a break!)I'm an ex-tennis player of 30+ years - state ranked (Texas).....I've played senior women's basketball for over ten years (2015 will play in my 5th senior Olympics/National Senior Games- and oh, did I mention, I'll turn 75 years young in January?")....and for the past year, have added the wonderful game of PICKLEBALL to my life! Your book was written in a way that made me feel as if I were "right there" .....learning and drilling with all the other students. I liked not only how you narrowed your "teaching points" to a science, but how you got in to our head....to have us think, not only, skills, but HOW TO WIN .... using our head! our SMARTS! Pickleball is fun played at all levels, but for anyone wanting to learn what is needed to take their game to the TOP, not just to the next level, this is the book!***Here are some specific things I learned and found most helpful from your book:1. Validated some things I am doing correctly allowing me to move forward with more confidence to improve my present game.2. Simple basics - things that really help to improve ones game... *serve deep - allowing more time to take the net... (I kinda thought this was sissy, but know it is a more complex shot to return - many more things to consider when preparing to return the ball - I particularly paid attention to the "chicken wings" or whatever reference you made... Yes, this often happens... the ball bounces higher than expected and therefore, they're having to back up as it's hitting them right in the chest - resulting in a non return, or a very weak return. *high/deep return of serve.... I practiced this today with another player and it was amazing how quickly we both improved placement simply knowing not only HOW and WHAT to practice, but specifically WHY this is such a great "got to" shot. The longer the ball is in the air, the higher, the deeper....gives you and your partner time to take the net. (or get to the NVZ) *3rd shot - drop shot..... (buy the book, you'll see why this is so important) *Paddle UP......again, very important... you'll find everything you need to know in the book....step by step. Three other players and I worked on a modified drill yesterday at practice....Again, it was amazing on how such a simple correction could make such a difference in our readiness for that next...and the next and the next shot!3. Methods on HOW and WHAT TO PRACTICE/DRILL...to improve skills alone and/or with others. I think I wanted more ways to practice certain things by myself... I like to get in the handball court and drill by myself... Certain things can be accomplished like this....I'll just have to take some private lessons to work on specific things I need help with! Can't wait.4. Oh...the other thing I learned from your teaching...... I should have realized this...but the DINK is basically the SET UP for the put away. I kinda knew this, but without seeing it in words... it didn't fully sink in how important it is to just keep the dink in play - nothing fancy.... (I often went for a cross court dink shot hoping for a point) but now, I get it fully.... the dink is basically the SET UP so just keep it in play! right in front of you....or lowest part of the net - until someone slips up - pops one up and voile'! The put away! I do understand pulling them to one side....then placing the ball in the bare spot where they can't easily get to it... or at all. There are so many more helpful and simple tidbits on how to play smarter....how to improve skills....and how to enjoy the game even more as we see dramatic changes in our own level of play!The information you provided with regard to partners covering the court was very helpful.Thanks to you and your wife for sharing your expertise .... I love the book... I'm confident in your teaching... I now have plenty things to practice/drill on..... alone and with others.... and have a wonderful reference in which to consult as I move forward in learning to play "Smart-er Pickleball" .Best of luck with the book...There's a big difference between just going out, playing and getting the ball back over the net - and actually playing and knowing HOW to WIN. "Smart Pickleball" will definitely help you with the latter.Kay Seamayer - akaThe Granny Globetrotter/Pickleball Granny

I am a beginner Pickleball player. Good instruction. I am enjoying reading this book.

This book is for anyone who wants to up their PB game. I have only been playing for 2 years.

Great book and some great tips for becoming a decent pickleball player. This book also recommends some great drills to help improve your game. I have tried some of these tips and I have seen an improvement. If you want to get better, this is a really good book to help with that. I didn't realize how much there is to learn. This book showed me that and I can see how there will always be room to get better. There are a lot of strategic moves that are shown that I didn't even think about. I have only been playing about 4 months but think this book has helped me to reach another level and feel that I will continue to improve if I keep trying these different techniques. This book is something that you can pick up again and again to learn and to reinforce different tips and strategies to become a better player. If you find yourself hitting a plateau, this book will definitely help to level up again if you apply these strategies.

This is a very helpful book for improving your Pickleball game. It contains instructions for executing different shots, drills to practice to improve, and strategies to implement in your game. All this in a very conversational writing style where he basically takes the reader into one of his clinics and even shares tips from some of his private lessons. This book is excellent and was not at all boring to me. He has a good sense of humor as well that makes for a very enjoyable read. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn to play Pickleball well and who is willing to practice.Teaser from page 22: Smart PickleballTM is about strategically setting yourself up to win a point by biding your time, using your energy efficiently, playing the percentages and anticipating several shots ahead.

For anyone who is interested in improving their game, this book will help. There is some self-promotion throughout, but then again, we live in a marketing society. Even with this in mind, the book provides valuable insights into how to improve your game. There is little hand-holding here, just the facts so if you want to make the best use of the advice offered, you will need to get out and practice.If practicing is not your thing, you can still make some progress by learning what to focus on while you are playing. What is the best way to serve? What is the best return of serve? Why is dinking necessary? These questions and more are answered.The book takes a no nonsense approach to helping Pickleballers improve the way THEY play the game. It is well worth the read and getting the practice tips.

Well written guide to the fastest growing sport! Prem almost seems to be with you as he outlines techniques and strategies. He explains what is right but also what can be wrong. Hr provides numerous drills to help you improve your play. In addition to the descriptions, the book has clear illustrations or photographs showing precisely what is being introduced or discussed. Since the first chapters concentrate on the opening portions of the game (serve, return, third shot), it is great for people just learning to play. But sine those same chapters get into advanced detail, they can help most of us who play. I have recommended this book to a number of pickleball players I know for those reasons. The book is well worth the price.

This book has some very good, useful information for those wanting to improve their game. Don’t get frustrated with the recounting of his conversations with his students - just skip them and move on. That was the only thing I didn’t like about the book and thought they could have been edited out - along with the reviews of his clinics and classes. Just info that is not needed.

Limited information - I thought that there would be a lot details.

Poorly written book...seems to be all about himself and his private clinics

Highly recommend it for beginner or intermediate players.

It's helped with my game.