From Beginner to Pro: Essential Tips for Advancing Your Skills in Racquet Sports

Take this as a sign to trade your remote for a racquet.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re aiming to dominate your next league match, racquet sports such as pickleball, squash and tennis are among the most exhilarating ways to boost fitness, challenge your reflexes, and maybe even expand your social circle along the way. 

If you want to be an ace on pickleball, tennis and squash courts, we’re here to spill all the secrets on how to fast-track your journey from rookie to racquet-sport royalty.  

Table of Contents | From Beginner to Pro: Essential Tips for Advancing Your Skills in Racquet Sports 

Pickleball in Calgary 

• Tips for Advancing Your Skills in Pickleball

Squash

• Tips for Advancing Your Skills in Squash
• Squash Lessons and Squash Courts at Edgemont Athletic in Calgary

Tennis

• Tips for Advancing Your Skills in Tennis
• Indoor Tennis Court and Tennis Lessons in Calgary

Conclusion: Hit The Sport Courts in Calgary at Edgemont Athletic

Pickleball in Calgary

This fast-growing sport combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. It’s easy to learn the basics but endlessly challenging to master down the road.

Pickleball rules are straightforward, but as you advance, you’ll discover endless nuances in strategy and shot selection. It demands quick reflexes, sharp hand-eye coordination, smart footwork, and precise control to truly excel.

If you want in on the action, you’re probably already searching for “pickleball near me” on Google. Well, Calgary is home to a thriving pickleball community with plenty of indoor courts ready for action and Edgemont stands out as an excellent choice.

Tips for Advancing Your Skills in Pickleball

• Master the Serve: A consistent, well-placed serve is the foundation of any good pickleball game. The key is to aim deep to keep your opponent on their toes and elevate your opening move.
• Work the Kitchen: The non-volley zone (a.k.a. “the kitchen”) is where games are won and lost. Practice your soft game and learn when to dink (a drop shot) and when to drive for the ultimate net play that boosts you up the ranks. 
• Perfect Your Footwork: Stay light on your feet. Quick lateral movement will help you reach those tricky shots and dominate the net. Good footwork is an absolute must for executing those advanced shots.
• Strategize with Doubles: Communication is everything. Call your shots and work as a team to cover the court and progress as a well-rounded team player.
• Study the Pros: Head on over to YouTube and watch high-level matches online to pick up advanced tactics and clever shot choices. It can do wonders for reshaping your own execution. 
• Master the Third Shot Drop: The third shot drop is a cornerstone of advanced pickleball strategy, arguably the most crucial finesse shot for any player looking to control the rally and dictate pace. This shot involves hitting the ball softly over the net, aiming for it to land within the non-volley zone (the “kitchen”) as close to the net as possible. Learn to drop the ball softly into the kitchen, shifting the momentum in your favour.
• Control Your Paddle Angle: The power of flexibility will take you far. Adjusting paddle angles mid-rally lets you surprise your opponent and enhance your shot variety. Being unpredictable on the court is a major superpower here. 

Squash

Meet this high-octane indoor sport that’s fast-paced, fiercely competitive, and incredibly fun. That’s exactly why it’s a sport that’s won hearts worldwide. Loved for its intensity, mental strategy, and all-in-one workout, it’s the ultimate game for those who crave action and agility in every rally. 

Tips for Advancing Your Skills in Squash

• Use the Whole Court: You know what they say: “The world is way too big to stay in one place,” and that rings true for squash courts, too. So, don’t just hit the ball straight – use angles and boasts to move your opponent around the courts. 
• Control the T: The ‘T’ is the centre of the court where you can reach most shots. Return to the ‘T’ after every shot for optimal positioning and to enhance your defensive skills.
• Work on Fitness: We’re not going to lie – squash is intense! Build your stamina and agility so those long rallies don’t make you give up. Endurance is what fuels progress here. 
• Vary Your Shots: Mix up your pace and shot selection to keep your opponent guessing. Don’t be shy – execute those deceptive drops and lobs for maximum effect.
• Focus on Technique: Good form is what paves the way for power and accuracy. 
• Read Your Opponent’s Position: Pro squash players constantly scan their opponent’s body language to anticipate their next move. Learn to read shoulders and feet to react faster and execute smarter shots.
• Hit Deep and Tight: Keeping your shots on squash courts and tight against the wall makes it harder for your opponent to attack. With this expert tip, you can elevate your ability to control rallies and progress to the next level. 

Squash Lessons and Squash Courts at Edgemont Athletic in Calgary

Ready to level up like never before? Edgemont Athletic offers both group and private squash lessons. Our experts, who are National Coaches, will be instrumental in helping you boost  technique and strategy. 

Plus, with easy squash court booking options online, it’s never been simpler to get your game on. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, our top-notch facilities will have you playing your best and feeling like a true player of the sport. 

Tennis

Whether played in singles or doubles, this timeless classic demands precise execution—each rally becomes a calculated exchange, where players exploit angles, timing, and shot variation to control the court. Beyond just baseline consistency or aggressive net play, elite performance in tennis requires tactical adaptability, situational awareness, and the mental fortitude to thrive under pressure. 

Tips for Advancing Your Skills in Tennis

• Develop a Reliable Serve: Don’t underestimate the power of a refined serve. It sets the tone for every point. Practice different placements and spins to keep your opponents guessing, and watch your serve progress to ace-level.
• Improve Your Footwork: Good footwork is one of the main components in the tennis ace equation. Work on agility drills to get to every ball in time and to execute near-flawless shots.
• Master the Basics: A solid forehand and backhand is where it all begins with tennis skills. Focus on clean technique before trying fancy shots. 
• Play to Your Strengths: Everyone has their unique strengths. Know your best shots and use them to your advantage. Whether it’s a killer volley or a heavy topspin, make it count and rise up in the ranks. 
• Stay Mentally Tough: Tennis is as much a mental game as a physical one. Stay positive, focus on each point, and don’t let mistakes rattle you in your tennis journey.
• Use Visualization: Top tennis players visualize their serves and shots before matches. Always take a few minutes to mentally rehearse your strokes and strategies to enhance execution on the court.
• Work on Transition Game: Learn to move from the baseline (the baseline is the line at the back of the court that marks the boundary of the playing area for serves and rallies) to the net seamlessly. Strong net play and knowing when to approach can help you finish points decisively and get you giant leaps closer to being a well-rounded player.

Indoor Tennis Court and Tennis Lessons in Calgary

Looking for beginner tennis lessons in Calgary or considering private tennis lessons in Calgary? Edgemont Athletic has you covered with premium indoor courts and a roster of skilled instructors who are champions themselves. Whether you’re just picking up a racquet for the first time or looking to refine your backhand, our programs always lead to rapid progress – rain, snow, or shine. 

Conclusion: Hit The Sport Courts at Edgemont Athletic

When it comes to sport courts in Calgary, none of them come close to the ones at Edgemont Athletic. With expert instruction, easy court bookings, and world-class facilities, you’ll be advancing your skills and living your best athletic life in no time. 

Become a member of our club today. 

Explore our other resources for more helpful tips: 

• Pilates for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide to Starting Your Mat Pilates Journey
• Boost Your Routine: The Benefits of Joining a Calgary Fitness Community
• Tennis vs. Squash: Understanding the Differences and Finding the Right Program for You
• The Health Benefits of Regular Sauna and Steam Room Use: Why Calgary Locals Swear by It  
• The Ultimate Guide to Women’s Only Gyms: Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Fitness Journey 

Edgemont Athletic

At Edgemont Athletic, we're passionate about helping Calgarians stay active, healthy, and inspired. With state-of-the-art court reserve systems for tennis and squash, top-notch swimming pools in Calgary, and relaxing amenities like our premium sauna in Calgary, we offer a full-spectrum fitness experience for all levels. Whether you're training hard or unwinding after a workout, Edgemont Athletic is your community hub for wellness and performance.

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