When you’re at the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line, focus on executing high-quality, unattackable dinks. Maintaining a low stance with proper paddle positioning will keep you safe from your opponents’ attacks. But what happens if you hit an attackable dink? If the pickleball is popped up in an attackable position, your opponents will likely seize the offensive opportunity to hit a volley at you and your partner. To effectively defend against your opponents’ offensive volleys, implement the following strategies.
1. Get Into a Ready Position – Establishing a proper stance is crucial. Begin by getting into a pickleball ready position. This means bending your knees and lowering your center of gravity, essentially getting low and compressed. This stance not only enhances your balance but also prepares your body for quick lateral movements. A lower stance positions you better to spring into action, allowing for greater agility to respond to the ball.
2. Adjust Your Paddle Position – Raise your paddle so that it rests in front of your lower chest area. For right-handed players, your paddle should be in the 10 o’clock position, and if you are a lefty, the 2 o’clock position. This position keeps your paddle ready to intercept the ball without wasting precious time, allowing you to hit a block volley or defensive shot. It’s essential to maintain a firm grip and keep your paddle slightly angled to direct the ball effectively when it comes your way. A well-prepared paddle position can make all the difference when facing strong volleys, providing you the best chance to return the shot.
3. Step Back – Although you generally want to hold the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line, a defensive shot may sometimes be an exception to this general rule. By moving back just a step or two, you create additional space and give yourself more time to react. This extra split-second can be invaluable when dealing with hard-hit volleys, allowing you to track the ball’s trajectory and respond accordingly. The more time you have to assess the situation, the better your chances of making an effective return. Remember, after you hit the defensive shot, step back up and take the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line.
4. Read Your Opponent and Adjust Accordingly – Your opponents’ body language can provide cues about where the ball will come from and how hard it will be hit. If you notice your opponent loading up for a powerful shot, anticipate that the volley may come at you quickly, and be ready to adjust your position and paddle angle to absorb or redirect the ball effectively.
5. Remain Mentally Tough – Don’t allow a poorly executed dink shake your confidence or dictate the outcome of the game. Every setback or less-than-ideal performance offers a valuable learning experience. Embrace the opportunity to analyze your pickleball game, identify areas for improvement, and commit to developing your pickleball skills and strategies. Remain mentally tough, and remember, mistakes are some of the best teachers on the pickleball court.
Defending against offensive volleys in pickleball is about positioning, preparation, and mental awareness. By adopting a ready stance, positioning your paddle correctly, stepping back when necessary, and practicing your skills, you’ll improve your ability to counterattack and stay competitive on the court. Remember, confidence in your defensive game is just as crucial as your ability to score points. Keep honing these skills, and watch your performance soar.
WANT MORE PICKLEBALL TIPS AND STRATEGIES?
For more on taking your defensive skills to the next level, check out Pickler’s pickleball blog, “3 Pickleball Tips to Defend Against Top Spin Drops.”
Plus, if you want more pickleball tips and strategies on every aspect of your pickleball game, check out Pickler’s online video lesson collection called My Pro Pickleball Coach. My Pro Pickleball Coach is a fraction of the price of one clinic or even one lesson, and features over 140 video lessons (over 7 hours of instruction!), as well as a corresponding e-book. These online video lessons are available on demand 24/7 and breakdown every aspect of the sport of pickleball, including pickleball drills, strategy, and advanced concepts, so you will play your best pickleball.
