From Tennis to Pickleball: How Thomas Wilson Adapted His Game for the Pro Level

If you’re coming from tennis, you already have court awareness, hand-eye coordination, and a solid competitive mindset. But when you step onto a pickleball court, those advantages only take you so far.

In this Pickleball Cheat Code episode, Brodie Smith sits down with pro player Thomas Wilson to break down the exact adjustments he made to thrive in pickleball after years in tennis. From footwork to shot selection, Thomas shares the mindset and mechanics shifts that made the difference.

Patience at the Kitchen

In tennis, it’s all about finishing points quickly. In pickleball, rushing often backfires—especially at the kitchen line.

  • Play the long game – Wait for the right ball instead of forcing a winner.

  • Construct points – Use dinks, drops, and resets to create openings.

  • Avoid “tennis brain” – Power isn’t always the answer; patience wins more rallies.

Pro Tip: If you’re in a cross-court dink rally, focus on depth and placement before attempting a speedup.

Shorter Swings, Faster Reactions

Your tennis forehand might feel like a weapon—but in pickleball, that big backswing will get you burned in fast exchanges.

  • Compact your motion – Short swings give you time to react at the kitchen.

  • Control over crush – Aim for precision first, power second.

  • Blend in resets – Learn to neutralize pace when needed instead of counterattacking every ball.

Try This Drill: Stand at the NVZ and rally with a partner using only compact swings. Focus on keeping the paddle in front of your body.

Footwork for a Smaller Court

The pickleball court is smaller, but movement still matters—just in different ways.

  • Stay balanced – Keep your weight centered so you can handle quick changes in pace.

  • Small, quick steps – No big lunges or extended recovery time.

  • Be ready for speedups – Athletic posture and paddle-ready position are key.

Adapting Your Weapons

A strong tennis forehand or backhand can still win points—if you modify it for pickleball.

  • Adjust grip pressure – Looser grip = more touch and feel.

  • Change swing path – Add topspin and disguise, not just flat pace.

  • Mix speeds – Varying tempo keeps opponents guessing.

Pro Insight: In pickleball, a 70% pace forehand with perfect placement is often more dangerous than a full-speed blast.

Final Word: Learn, Adapt, Thrive

Tennis skills give you a great head start, but the players who excel in pickleball are the ones who adapt. Shorten your swings, value patience, and embrace the unique rhythm of the sport.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of Pickleball Cheat Code on Spotify or Apple Podcasts for more pro insights from Thomas Wilson.

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