TYPES OF PICKLEBALL SHOTS
Dink Shot
- A soft shot hit on a bounce from the NVZ intended to arc over the net and land within the opposing NVZ either straight across or diagonally crosscourt.
- An effective dink arcs downward as it crosses the net, creating a more difficult shot to return than a power shot.
- Dinks that land close to the net are the most difficult to return because of the steep angle required to get the ball over the net.
- Crosscourt dinks are easier because the net is lower in the center and you can force their opponent off the court, potentially opening a hole.
- Contact the ball in front of the body with the paddle face open, using a gentle lifting (pushing) motion.
- The shot is soft and controlled with movement from the shoulder, no wrist break and minimal or no backswing to avoid overpowering the ball.
- Be patient. Continue to dink until the opponent makes a mistake. If the ball is hit too high, there is a good chance for a put-away shot.
Drop Shots
- The drop is a soft shot hit off a bounce from deep in the court, intended to land in the opponents’ NVZ, preferably close to the net.
- Allows the hitting team to follow the shot to the NVZ line. It is the primary 3rd shot, giving the serving team the opportunity to approach the net after the return of serve, but can also be effective anytime the opponents are at the net.
- One of the more difficult shots to master.
- Face the net and hit the ball underhand in front of the body, lofting it in an arc over the net. The ball should arc before reaching the net so it lands near the opponent’s feet within or at their NVZ line.
- Move toward the net after hitting the ball. If you don’t make it all the way to the NVZ line by the time your opponent hits the ball, stop and assume the ready position in preparation for the next shot, then quickly continue to the NVZ line.
Forehand Groundstroke
Typically, the most powerful and most accurate shot; therefore, the most utilized from at or near the baseline.
- Move sideways into correct court position first. Avoid reaching; move the feet instead and prepare to meet the ball from the ready position.
- From the ready position pivot shoulders and hips so the non-paddle shoulder is facing the approaching ball and begin the backswing. Some players extend the opposite arm forward for balance.
- Step forward with the front foot toward the direction the ball is intended to go to create forward momentum. Bring the paddle forward to contact the ball in front of the body, preferably before the ball reaches the top of its bounce.
- The paddle head is angled slightly open (tipped back from vertical)
- Keep the wrist firm (not wobbly), but allow it to hinge backward enough to meet the ball squarely.
- Follow through to straighten the body and return to the ready position.
Backhand Groundstroke
Used when a ball is approaching the side opposite the paddle arm. However, many players consider the backhand groundstroke as their “go to” shot and use it for up to 75-percent of their groundstrokes.
- Move into correct court position first. Avoid reaching; move the feet instead.
- From the ready position pivot shoulders and hips sideways so the paddle shoulder is toward a ball that is approaching the non-paddle side of the body.
- Bring the paddle arm across the body and extend the paddle shoulder to head high. The opposite arm may be extended across the body toward where the ball will be hit for balance or held behind the body (depends on what feels natural and “works” for each player.)
- Step forward with the front foot toward the direction the ball is intended to go to create forward momentum. Bring the paddle forward to contact the ball in front of the body, preferably before the ball reaches the top of its bounce. Weight on the front foot.
- The paddle head is angled slightly open.
- Wrist and forearm aligned, wrist firm (not wobbly).
- Follow through to straighten the body and return to the ready position.
Volley
- A ball hit in the air before it bounces onto the court during a rally.
- It is often used when at the NVZ line to return a ball hit hard and low over the net.
- May be hit forehand or backhand; backhand is more common.
- No backswing -- hit in a blocking motion with the paddle face square (vertical) to “push” the ball over the net.
- Hit away from your opponent to make him/her reach.
- To hit the ball deeper, open the paddle face slightly to give the volley a little more loft.
Lobs
- A lofted shot that sends the ball high overhead and deep.
- Purpose: To catch the opponent off guard or force him/her back to the baseline (offensive). It can also be effective as a defensive shot to buy time to get into position for an offensive shot.
- Offensive: An unexpected lob from the NVZ line over your opponent at the NVZ line or as he/she is running to the net.
- Defensive: A lob from the baseline allowing the lobbing team time to move to the NVZ line. However, players must be aware that the opponent may return the lob with an overhead smash (see below). It might be safer to use a drop shot as an approach shot instead.
- From the baseline, take a backswing and contact the ball in front of the body with paddle face open to lift the ball and send it high, then follow through fully (paddle at least head high).
- The trajectory should carry the ball over the opponent’s outstretched paddle and land inbounds near the baseline.
- Lobbing over the opponent when dinking can create the advantage of surprise.
Overhead Smash
- A hard, overhand shot directed downward into the opponent’s court, usually as a return of an opponent’s lob, high return, or high bounce.
- The paddle is extended over the head at maximum height with elbow straight.
- Aim at an open spot on the opponent’s court or at the feet of an opponent, not at the body.
- Never back up to position for an overhead. Shuffle sideways or turn around and run into position. Backpedaling is a dangerous maneuver.
- Look up and point toward the ball with non-paddle hand.
- Contact the ball as high as possible and in front of you, shifting weight from the back foot to the front foot as the ball is contacted with a downward swing and often a wrist flex (snap).
- The backhand overhead smash may require flexing the wrist backwards.
HOW TO PLAY PICKLEBALL
The Basics
Serving & Return of Serve
Line Call
Tips for New Players
Tips for New Players
Tips for New Players
Tips for New Players
Tips for New Players
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