# @the_aligned_guide on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DagL0lOxPL8
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/68112008-the-aligned-guide-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/5568b187dc.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-07-07T19:11:54.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Mary | Aligned Guide (@the_aligned_guide) — https://gondola.cc/the_aligned_guide

## Caption

Road to 5.0 🎾💪
Every session reminds me that pickleball isn’t about hitting harder… it’s about playing smarter.
This week with Coach Mateo @mateoruiz_coach we focused on:
✨ Building a stronger setup shot with pace, then following it with a soft third-shot drop to earn our way to the kitchen.
✨ Developing aggressive flips to apply pressure and create offensive opportunities.
✨ Improving court awareness by reading our opponents and targeting their feet when we’re at the net.
✨ Learning that pickleball footwork is completely different from tennis—small, balanced, controlled movements instead of chasing every ball.
The biggest lesson? Every shot should have a purpose.
I’m documenting this entire journey⚡️the wins, the struggles, and everything I’m learning along the way. If you’re working toward becoming a better player too, follow along. Let’s level up together. 🎾🔥
#RoadTo50 #PickleballTraining #ThirdShotDrop #KitchenLine #PickleballTips

Partner cred @tropical_topspin

## Stats

- **Views:** 23,693
- **Likes:** 3
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 8

## Tags

pickleballtraining, thirdshotdrop, pickleballtips, kitchenline, roadto50

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