One difference between higher and lower-level players is the time it takes them to react to shots hit by their opponent. Higher-level players begin to adjust to the shot almost immediately. They unconsciously read the shot - the trajectory of the swing, the spin on the ball, the depth and power of the shot - and move accordingly. If the shot's deep, they begin moving back (or forward if they want to take it on the rise) before the ball crosses the net. If the shot has side-spin, they take an extra step away from the ball so it doesn't jam them - again, before the ball crosses the net. Lower-level players often don't react until the ball has reached the net - and that's simply not enough time.
Learning to recognize how swing angles affect the depth and spin of the ball comes from playing more pickleball but it fundamentally begins with focusing on the point of contact between the ball and your opponent's paddle. Make that your task when you step on the court - to just watch for that point of contact. You'll begin to notice that you're in position more often and less adversely affected by spin. You also may find that it helps your overall concentration. Giving your mind a task like watching or listening for ball contact gives your brain something to do besides fill your head with negative talk or your plans for the weekend. This is the premise for The Inner Game of Tennis but that's for another post.
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