What’s the Score?
In a sport often defined by rapid reflexes and instinct, professional player and coach John Cincola is urging players to slow down their minds and sharpen their focus. In a detailed breakdown released this week, Cincola shared five specific, game-changing tips designed to elevate amateur skills by bridging the gap between intention and execution. His advice moves beyond generic encouragement, offering technical mechanics and mental cues—such as the “Target Fix” and the “Elbow Push”—that target the most common inefficiencies in recreational play.
Hit it deeper!
John Cincola’s approach to coaching is rooted in a blend of professional tour experience and analytical observation. His latest guidance identifies a critical flaw in the amateur game: a lack of specific intention.
Cincola introduces the concept of the “Target Fix” to combat the “just get it in” mentality. He argues that merely trying to keep the ball in play is a recipe for mediocrity. Instead, he champions the philosophy of “aim small, miss small”. He advises players to approach every single shot with three distinct variables in mind: spin, trajectory, and pace. By triangulating these three factors, a player creates a specific landing spot for the ball, rather than a general zone. This mental shift from survival to precision is often the first step in transitioning from a 3.0 to a 4.0 player.
Mechanics are equally vital in Cincola’s tutorial. He highlights the “Elbow Push” as a remedy for inconsistent forehands. Many players roll the paddle across their body, causing the elbow to flare out—a movement that destabilizes the shot. Cincola’s fix is biomechanical: players should drive their hitting elbow directly toward their target line. This linear focus ensures that the paddle face stays true to the intended path.
This focus on the paddle face continues with the “Wrist Set.” Cincola notes that the wrist is the steering wheel of the paddle; if it is loose or floppy, the shot will be erratic. He encourages a “check-in” process where players observe their wrist position at the ready and ensure it remains consistent through the finish of the swing.
On the physical side, Cincola reiterates the importance of the “Split Step.” While common advice, he breaks down the timing: the step should occur exactly when the ball touches the opponent’s paddle. This prepares the legs and posture to react instantly. Finally, he addresses footwork with the “Get Behind the Ball” tip. By aligning the ball with the foot rather than reaching for it, players gain significant control. Perhaps his most insightful coaching nugget is the need for exaggeration. He notes that players often think they are correcting a form issue when they aren’t; to actually change muscle memory, one must exaggerate the new movement in practice to see real-world results.
The World Pickleball Verdict
John Cincola’s advice highlights a maturing phase in pickleball instruction. As the sport moves past its “wild west” era of growth, players are no longer satisfied with simply rallying; they crave the technical discipline seen in tennis or golf.
Cincola’s emphasis on “intention”—specifically controlling spin, trajectory, and pace—signals that the amateur game is becoming more cerebral. His tips suggest that the next wave of improvement for the average player won’t come from a new paddle technology, but from the disciplined application of biomechanics and mental focus. For the aspiring competitive player, Cincola’s verdict is clear: stop hitting the ball, and start placing it.
Chris Beaumont is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of World Pickleball Magazine. Chris follows the global game closely, reporting on the latest news, developments, stories and tournaments from all five continents. He also hosts the World Pickleball Podcast, interviewing people at all levels of pickleball. Chris is also an avid player, currently struggling to make the breakthrough from 4.0 to 4.5.