One of the easiest ways to win more rallies in pickleball is learning when not to hit the ball.
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In this video, coaches Susannah Barr, Dominic Catalano, and Maria Lopez break down the visual cues that will help you anticipate a ball is going out, and show you 3 drills to train this critical skill.
You'll learn:
✅ The most common signs a ball is going long
✅ Why swing speed and contact point matter
✅ The meaning behind "chest high, let it fly"
✅ How to recognize out balls earlier
✅ 3 drills to train your eyes and decision-making
✅ How pros win free points without hitting a shot
If you're swinging at balls that are already going out, this video will help you stop giving away easy points.
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0:00 – Highlights & Teasers: Free Points You're Missing
0:33 – Intro: How to Let Out Balls Go Like a Pro
1:17 – Why This Skill Wins Matches
1:35 – Visual Cues: How to Recognize Out Balls Early
2:22 – High Contact + Flat Ball = Danger Sign
2:46 – "Chest High, Let It Fly" Explained
3:07 – Reading Swing Size and Body Rotation
3:36 – Drill #1: Train Your Eyes (No Paddle Needed)
4:31 – Baseline vs Midcourt vs Kitchen Reads
5:35 – Reading Swing Speed & Follow Through
6:14 – Herky Jerky Swings vs Smooth Swings
6:29 – Reading the Opponent's Contact Point
8:20 – Drill #2: Letting Balls Go from Midcourt
9:11 – Get Your Paddle Out of the Way
9:36 – Common Mistake: Wanting to Hit Everything
10:08 – Drill #3: Letting Balls Go During Hands Battles
11:27 – Why This Drill Matters So Much
11:59 – Join The Flying Pickle Academy
12:21 – Bonus Tip from Maria Lopez: Learn by Watching
12:57 – Bloopers & Outtakes