Lance Lagerquist | Pickleball Consistency, Injury Prevention, and Smarter Play on the Court

Описание: In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Lance Lagerquist - one of our top pickleball coaches who has helped players of all ages develop confidence, avoid injuries, and build smarter habits on the court - to talk about why consistency, patience, and body awareness are the real keys to long-term success in one of the fastest-growing sports in America.

Pickleball has taken the country by storm. From youth athletes to parents to retirees, courts are filling up everywhere. Its accessibility, fast-paced rallies, and competitive balance make it easy to start — but Lance explains that improving in pickleball requires a completely different mindset than many athletes expect.

One of the biggest early lessons he teaches new players is simple: listen to your body.

Because pickleball may look low-impact, but the game is full of quick lateral movements, explosive reactions, and constant changes in direction. Without proper warmups, mobility work, and recovery habits, players can easily develop preventable injuries. Lance has seen it firsthand — athletes who love the game but push too hard, too fast, without building the right foundation.

He explains that working with a coach early can help players develop proper footwork, positioning, and movement efficiency — allowing them to stay healthy while improving faster.

From there, the conversation shifts into one of the most misunderstood aspects of pickleball: consistency beats power.

Many athletes coming from tennis or other racket sports try to win points by hitting harder. But Lance emphasizes that pickleball rewards patience, control, and discipline far more than raw force. The best players don’t try to hit winners on every shot — they focus on placement, keeping rallies alive, and forcing opponents into mistakes.

He walks us through how high-level pickleball players learn to slow the game down mentally, stay composed during long rallies, and make smart decisions under pressure.

Throughout the episode, Lance highlights the core fundamentals that help pickleball players elevate their game:

• Prioritizing consistency, control, and shot placement over power
• Developing proper footwork and balance for quick lateral movement
• Building patience and discipline during rallies
• Learning to warm up properly and prevent common injuries
• Improving confidence through repetition and smart practice

One of the biggest takeaways is that pickleball is a sport where athletes of all ages and backgrounds can thrive — but long-term success comes from mastering the fundamentals, respecting your body, and playing with intention.

This episode is a must-listen for new pickleball players learning the game, experienced players trying to improve consistency, and anyone looking to stay healthy while enjoying one of the most exciting and fastest-growing sports in the country.

🎙️ Untapped Stories is presented by https://athletesuntapped.com/ — the nation’s leading platform for private sports coaching. We connect athletes and families with elite, vetted coaches who help players develop strong fundamentals, build confidence, and enjoy the process of improvement.

👉 Follow   / athletesuntapped   for more conversations with elite coaches and athletes, and explore private pickleball coaching to accelerate your development on the court.