The Role of Body Positioning in Enhancing Peripheral Vision
Peripheral vision is enhanced significantly by how players position their bodies on the court . Simply having the ability to see is not enough ; you need to be in a physical stance that allows you to maximize that vision . Here ’ s how body positioning plays a crucial role :
1 . Athletic Stance . By maintaining an athletic stance , with your weight distributed 60 / 40 or 70 / 30 on the balls of your feet , you prepare your body for quick movements while gaining a broader view of the court . If you ’ re on the left side of the court and the ball is hit diagonally to your partner or across from you , shift your weight to your right leg and align your feet , knees , and weight toward the ball . This allows for easier lateral movement , helping you track the ball , your partner , and your opponents at the same time . 2 . Shoulders and Hips Alignment . Proper alignment of your shoulders and hips ensures that you can pivot quickly in any direction without losing sight of your surroundings . No more parallel to the net ! That 60 / 40 or 70 / 30 weight distribution mentioned previously allows for more court coverage , efficient movement , tracking , and most importantly , saving joints from unnecessary , constant side shuffling .
3 . Subtle Head Movement . While your peripheral vision picks up motion in the periphery , consciously scanning your surroundings by moving your head slightly improves court awareness . A subtle head movement while waiting for your partner ’ s return ensures that you ’ re not just focused on the ball but also noting your opponents ’ position and any openings on the court . You don ’ t need to completely turn your head ; the angle of your body and weight on one leg will allow you to keep your head forward , also protecting your eyes from ricochets .
4 . Anticipating Your Next Move . Good body positioning often involves thinking ahead . Being mindful of where your body is on the court and anticipating your next move keeps you one step
Catherine Parenteau hits a forehand topspin dink while teammate Federico Staksrud uses his peripheral vision to position his body in anticipation of a speed-up from opponents JW Johnson and Jorja Johnson during the semifinals match of the Pro Mixed Doubles division in the 2025 PPA Mesa Open Pickleball Tournament at the Arizona Athletic Grounds on Feb . 22 . Photo by Bruce Yeung ; IG : @ yeungphotography .
ahead . Anticipation relies on visual input and understanding your position relative to the ball and your opponent .
Conclusion
In pickleball , peripheral vision is an invaluable asset , enabling players to see the bigger picture of the game , anticipate shots , and maintain awareness of court dynamics . However , the key to effectively utilizing peripheral vision lies in proper body positioning . By positioning your body to maximize your field of vision and being agile with your movements , you enhance your ability to react quickly and make better decisions on the court .
Whether you ’ re a beginner or an experienced player , refining your body positioning to optimize your peripheral vision can significantly improve your performance and overall court awareness in pickleball . •
Nik Slater PPR Coach Developer La Paloma Country Club , Tucson , AZ
MARCH / APRIL 2025 | MAGAZINE 69