Tyra's cerebral approach to pickleball has helped her transition from tennis to one of the smartest – and most dominant – pros on tour.
Tyra Black doesn’t just play pickleball, she dissects it.
The world No. 5 women’s doubles player has built her reputation on anticipation, discipline, and the ability to read the game one shot ahead. (Fun fact, her legal middle name is actually Hurricane .)
In a recent film-room breakdown with Kyle "That Pickleball Guy" Koszuta, Black let fans peek behind the curtain at how she processes rallies in real time.
What emerged wasn’t just highlight-reel defense and lightning-speed counters, but a philosophy of patience, positioning, and pattern recognition that separates top-tier pros from weekend warriors.
Here are five of Hurricane's best tips for elevating your pickleball IQ , in her own words.
- Trust Your Partner, Know Their Patterns For Black, doubles success starts with trust. She and Jorja Johnson of the Dallas Flash have played so much together that anticipation becomes instinct.
“I usually know where she’s hitting most of her shots,” Black explained. “We have specific shots we’re going for on the court. She has really good middle drops. The seconds I know she's hitting the ball there, I’ll start to press forward.”
For rec players, that means communication is king. If you don’t know where your partner is dropping, it’s often better to stay patient and read the shot before charging the kitchen.
- Use Lobs as a Reset Weapon Mo... FULL ARTICLE FOUND ON: https://www.thedinkpickleball.com/tyra-hurricane-black-five-tips-to-elevate-your-pickleball-iq/
