PICKLEBALL INSTRUCTION
to Attack
WHEN + WHERE
WHEN ALL 4 PLAYERS ARE AT THE NVZ
WHEN TO ATTACK:
A general rule of thumb for when to attack
while all four players are at the non-volley
zone is when the ball is above net height. This
attackable ball can be either one that is “volley-
able” or a dink that has bounced too high and
has a peak that is above the net. In general,
the higher the ball is above the net, the more
attackable the ball is.
WHERE TO ATTACK:
• In general, an attack hit at a downward
angle toward your opponent’s feet is
hardest for him/her to defend and you
almost always want all attacks to be going
downward rather than up. If your attack is
going up, this could lead your opponents
to potentially be able to attack it back; and
usually at a much faster pace than the one
you hit.
• Another great spot to attack is in between
your opponents, which can cause
miscommunication and usually has a larger
opening.
• If there is an opening anywhere on your
opponents’ court, that will also be a good
place to attack.
• A riskier spot to attack, but needs to also be
utilized, is your opponent’s shoulder of the
paddle-holding arm. This causes him/her
to be caught in a “chicken wing” position,
which is difficult to defend. •
Christine McGrath resides in
Los Angeles, CA. She is a US Open
Pro Champion, 6x Tournament of
Champions medalist, Professional
Pickleball Federation Desert and
Northwest Champion, and 11x
Nationals medalist. She also
enjoys the outdoors, dirt biking,
snowboarding, and traveling.
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