Pickleball Magazine 1-1 | Page 47

THE VOLLEY BODY STANCE (THE ‘READY POSITION’) Similar to most sports, you want to have your center of gravity on the balls of your feet. • Bend your knees (with your feet approximately shoulders width apart) • Lean slightly forward (so your body weight and balance shifts to the balls of your feet) • Keep your paddle out in front of you (with your elbows slightly bent) • Maintain your shoulders square to the net (your chest should be facing the net) • Your paddle face/head should be above your wrist (this ensures the ball trajectory is upward) This body position will keep you nimble and quick. THE FOCAL POINT It is very important to know where to make contact with the ball. The ‘focal point’ (or point where you make contact with the ball) is in front of your body and slightly to the side. Note, the ideal volley contact point is not directly in front of you. The focal point is where your body is the strongest, ball contact will be more consistent and your volley will be the most solid. The ball will very rarely (if ever) be hit directly to you where you don’t have to move. Body movement is imperative so that you can reach your focal point and volley correctly. It is never ideal to hit a volley while lunging. You must move your feet. Next, to maintain proper body positioning square to the net, step with your foot that’s on the same side of your body as the side you are hitting the ball. This is unlike tennis. If you were to turn your shoulders perpendicular with the net it will be very easy for your opponent to hit the next ball behind you. VOLLEYING As noted above, always remember ‘less is more.’ Also, a volley is a “punch,” not a swing. • Your paddle should always start and finish i