by Jenny Foster
When playing pickleball, pickleball players should be aware of certain issues regarding the non-volley zone line. Some players believe that the best strategy in a pickleball game is staying up at the non-volley zone line, whereas others prefer moving around the court. Now, for those who opt to play off the non-volley zone line, there are a couple of reasons why such a strategy is feasible.
When playing off the non-volley zone, it means that the player is situated at 1-3 feet from the non-volley zone line. With such a position, players can improve their reaction time to the incoming pickleball. One good example is when competing against fast players. When the ball is hit at a rapid speed, the player standing near the volley zone line can step back to extend their reaction time, that is, the ball slows down a bit, making it easier for the player to hit the ball.
In addition, taking a step back from the non-volley zone line gives a player the chance to hit the ball offensively. In this case, they may start on the defensive up at the non-volley zone line and transition into an offensive shot by stepping back a little. Further, a little distance from the non-volley zone line gives a player more time to read their opponent’s moves, allowing them to react accordingly or make a shot that could win a point.
Next, aside from getting more time to react to the ball, moving a bit back from the non-volley zone also prepares a player for making offensive shots. For example, most players will find it hard to attack when they are hitting from just beyond the non-volley zone line. However, if they back up by one or two steps, they can force their opponent to make a deeper shot, which will give the player a chance to hit an offense.
Meanwhile, if the opponent is also playing a bit away from the non-volley zone, the trick is keeping the ball down during hits and forcing the opponent to counterattack with a low contact point, thus minimizing the advantages of playing off from the non-volley zone, that is, an increased reaction time and higher contact point that can be used to make a more offensive shot.