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INSTRUCTION by KYLE MCMAKIN
THE CORE TRIO: COURT POSITIONING, READY POSITION AND STRIKE ZONE
If you’ ve ever watched high-level pickleball and wondered how they make it look so easy, the answer almost always comes back to three core fundamentals: 1. Court Positioning 2. Ready Position 3. Strike Zone Awareness
These concepts may sound basic, but when applied together, they make the game feel slower, simpler, and more controllable— even in fastpaced, high-pressure moments.
Most players think they need better hands or quicker reactions. But the truth is, your ability to consistently play in balance, hit from your strike zone, and be in the right place at the right time is what makes great play possible.
Mastering this trio doesn’ t just help you win more points— it makes the game a lot more fun.
READY POSITION: THE LAUNCHPAD OF EVERY SHOT
Before your feet move or your paddle swings, your body needs to be in a solid ready position. This is your athletic starting point for every shot, giving you the foundation to move quickly and stay balanced.
Here’ s what it looks like:
• Feet wider than your shoulders for stability.
• Knees bent over your toes.
• Chest slightly forward, stacked above your knees.
• Weight on the balls of your feet.
• Paddle up in front, hands relaxed and alert.
This position allows you to react fast and move efficiently. From here, you can explode in any direction without losing balance. It’ s your reset between every shot.
UNDERSTANDING THE STRIKE ZONE: PICTURE A“ V” IN FRONT OF YOU
Your strike zone is the space in front of your body where you can comfortably contact the ball while staying balanced and in control.
Imagine a“ V” shape that starts between your knees and extends out in front of you. At the top of that“ V,” picture a semicircle based on your natural reach. That’ s your ideal contact zone.
Use your knees and reach as reference points.
• If the ball is outside your knees, you’ re likely reaching too far.
• If the ball is too close, almost under your body, it’ s also outside your strike zone.
• You want to make contact comfortably in front of you, within that“ V,” where your paddle can swing freely without strain.
Most players get jammed or overreach— both cause weak, off-balance shots.
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