Do You Watch The Pickleball Hit Your Paddle?

If you have just started to learn how to play pickleball, then you definitely have many questions unanswered, one of them being: do you watch the pickleball hit your paddle?

While at first the answer might seem obvious, it makes sense to question it as soon as you start watching some videos of professional players.

So, what is the right way to play pickleball? Should you watch the pickleball hit your paddle or not?

Keep reading below as we have all the answers and details you need!

What Happens If You Don’t Watch The Ball In Pickleball?

If you’re not keeping your eyes on the ball in pickleball, you’re setting yourself up for a lot of potential problems.

For one thing, it’s hard to hit a moving target if you’re not looking at it.

Indeed, when you’re not watching the ball, you might end up missing shots or hitting the ball weakly, which can be frustrating and costly.

Moreover, failing to watch the ball can cause you to misjudge its trajectory and hit it out of bounds, leading to lost points and momentum.

And let’s not forget the risk of getting hit by the ball; if you’re not paying attention to where it’s going, you could end up taking a painful and distracting shot to the body!

So, Should You Keep Your Eyes On The Pickleball As It Hits Your Paddle?

The short answer is yes, you do – and should – watch the pickleball hit your paddle!

In order to play pickleball effectively, it’s crucial to keep your eyes on the ball at all times as it allows you to maintain eye-hand coordination, anticipate the ball’s trajectory, and control your shots more effectively.

It might seem like a simple thing, but it can make a huge difference in your game.

So, if you’re not already in the habit of watching the ball hit your paddle, start practicing now, and if you still don’t understand how and why it is so important, don’t stop scrolling just yet!

The Importance Of Peripheral Vision In Pickleball

When we talk about watching the ball in pickleball, it’s not just about staring directly at the ball as it approaches your paddle.

It’s also about using your peripheral vision to keep track of your opponent’s movements, anticipate where the ball is going to go, and maintain spatial awareness on the court.

In fact, peripheral vision is a crucial component of pickleball performance, allowing you to react quickly and effectively to changing game situations.

By keeping your eyes on the ball and maintaining awareness of your surroundings, you’ll be able to move more efficiently, make better shot selections, and outmaneuver your opponents.

The Role Of Mind-Body Connection In Pickleball

Another key reason why it’s important to watch the ball hit your paddle in pickleball is the role of the mind-body connection in pickleball.

To paint a better picture, when you’re playing, your brain is constantly sending signals to your muscles to control your movements, adjust your balance, and execute your shots.

As a result, by keeping your eyes on the ball and focusing your attention on the task at hand, you’re helping yourself and strengthening that mind-body connection by improving, at the same time, your overall coordination and control.

In addition, watching the ball hit your paddle can help you develop better timing and rhythm in your game.

That happens because by seeing the ball make contact with your paddle, you can then better judge the speed and spin of the ball and adjust your swing accordingly.

The Psychological Impact Of Watching The Pickleball Hit The Paddle

Finally, watching the ball hit your paddle can also have a positive psychological impact on your game as when you’re focused on the ball and fully engaged in the game, you’re less likely to get distracted by outside factors, such as noise from the crowd or your opponent’s trash talk.

This can help you stay calm, composed, and confident on the court, which is essential for performing at your best!

At the same time, watching the ball hit your paddle can be a source of motivation and inspiration, as seeing yourself hit a great shot can give you a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that fuels your competitive drive.

And when you miss a shot or make a mistake, watching the ball can help you identify where you went wrong and make adjustments for the next point.

Tips For Watching The Pickleball Hit Your Paddle

Of course, we wouldn’t leave you without some tips on how you can best watch the pickleball hit your paddle, so here’s what we suggest you do:

• Keep your eyes on the ball from the moment it leaves your opponent until it touches your paddle.
• Use your peripheral vision to track the ball’s trajectory and anticipate where it’s going to go.
• Focus your attention on the pickleball, but also be constantly aware of your opponent’s movements and the location of the other players on the court. 
• Maintain your composure and avoid tensing up or gripping your paddle too tightly, as this can interfere with your ability to make quick, fluid movements.
• Practice watching the ball during drills and warm-up exercises to improve your coordination and timing.
• Finally, don’t get discouraged if you miss a shot or make a mistake! Instead, use it as an opportunity to learn and improve your game.

The Bottom Line

So, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pickleball player, remember that it is actually very important to watch the pickleball hit your paddle and that it can make all the difference in your game.

This means that you need to practice this skill regularly to improve your performance. But, no matter what, don’t forget to have fun playing!