by Jenny Foster
In a pickleball game, one of the challenges amongst players, from the beginner level to the pros, is how to get to the non-volley zone line after hitting a return. With such A dilemma, some pickleball players tend to rush to reach the net before the next ball comes in. However, instead of panicking, there is something that every pickleball player should absolutely try.
In specific cases, after hitting a return, a pickleball player ends up mid-way in the court when their opponent drives a 3rd shot (after the return). In this situation, despite being in an undesirable position, the player has no choice but to still attempt to hit the incoming ball back. Apparently, when a pickleball player tries to hit the ball as they’re rushing to the net, they have a high chance of making a mistake or losing a point because their feet are unstable, and their paddle’s angle may be imprecise.
To avoid such rushing movement, pickleball players can pause (despite being mid-court) and do a split step, ensure that their weight is on the balls of the feet, hit the ball with a volley, and then quickly move forward to the non-volley zone line. Thus, in this case, pickleball players should make it a point to halt and stand in balance, even for just a split second, to ensure that they will hit the ball precisely and with proper stability.
This scenario normally happens when a pickleball player hits a short return. This is inevitable. However, with calculated and proper movement, pickleball players can hit the ball smoothly mid-court and then proceed to the non-volley zone in no time.
Although the goal is obviously to make it to the net, pickleball players should inhibit from rushing to avoid committing a mistake with their shot and lose a point. The secret is stopping and ensuring balance with the feet before hitting the incoming ball, followed by forward movement toward the non-volley zone line.