situation into a lost point, but this zone also presents an opportunity to transform defense into neutral play or even regain control.
How to Neutralize a Point and Advance to the Kitchen
A common scenario in pickleball occurs when the returning team has already made it to the kitchen line. The serving team, still at midcourt, is at a disadvantage because their opponents are closer to the net. The serving team’ s goal in this situation is to neutralize their opponents’ advantage and advance to the kitchen line themselves.
In this situation, you have three main options:
1. Drop the ball softly into the kitchen, making it hard for your opponents to attack and buying time for your team to advance toward the kitchen.
2. Return a hard, low shot over the net, making it difficult for your opponents to attack.
3. Lob the ball over their heads in an attempt to make them return toward the baseline.
Higher-level players often rely on the drop shot when on defense, as it neutralizes the point and creates an opportunity to advance toward the kitchen. If your opponents have a higher ball at the kitchen, think of a seesaw: they’ re likely going to hit down at your feet.
This is when you transform into a libero— a volleyball player whose sole job is to control hard-hit balls and set them back into play.
Here’ s how to turn into a volleyball libero and hit drop shots off hard-hit balls at your feet: Stay Low and Grounded Adopt an athletic stance— knees bent, torso slightly forward, and weight balanced just ahead of your toes. Staying low allows you to better handle low shots aimed at your feet. Don’ t Swing— Lift Avoid swinging at hard drives. Instead, lift the ball with a smooth, controlled motion. Think of the libero gently setting the ball for a teammate. Your paddle should stay slightly open( angled 45 – 60 degrees) to guide the ball softly into the kitchen or over the net. Control Your Grip Maintain a firm but smooth grip. This allows you to absorb the ball’ s energy and redirect it. You need touch and feel for this shot. Make Contact in Front and Adjust for Height Your contact point should be slightly in front of your body. For low balls, keep the paddle more open; for higher shots, adjust to a more neutral angle.
By staying grounded, balanced and purposeful, you can turn your opponents’ aggression into an opportunity to advance toward the kitchen and neutralize their advantage.
When Plans Go Awry: Recovering with Clarity
As Robert Burns wrote, and John Steinbeck used as his central theme in“ Of Mice and Men,” the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. In other words, even the most carefully planned strategies often go astray.
On the pickleball court, your well-thought-out plan may unravel when your opponent adapts or your execution falters. The natural reaction is frustration or panic, but neither will help you recover.
How to Refocus: 1. Take a mental reset. After a mistake or failed strategy, take a moment to breathe and refocus. Remind yourself that mistakes are part of the game and don’ t define the outcome. Focus on your strengths, your opponent’ s weaknesses, and any patterns you’ ve observed. Stay positive and smile— you’ re playing pickleball, after all! Calmness is contagious, and pickleball is meant to be fun. 2. Return to the fundamentals. Simplify your approach. Focus on the basics: balance, footwork and consistent high-percentage shots. 3. Stay adaptable. View an opponent’ s adjustments as an opportunity to learn. Trust your ability to adapt and play within the moment.
The Energy of Stillness
In the book“ Of Mice and Men,” Lenny’ s tense mind and tight grip crushed the mouse in his hand— a metaphor for what happens when fear and anxiety take over. By contrast, George’ s calmness and strategic thinking enabled him to navigate challenges.
On the pickleball court, don’ t be like Lenny, letting tension and overexertion crush your play. Instead, be like George: calm, calculated and focused on executing your strategy as a team player.
Pickleball reminds us of this balance beautifully. Just as a pickle comes from a cucumber, transforming through care and time, we must strive to remain as“ cool as a cucumber” on the court. After all, nobody wants to become a“ salty pickler.” Stay calm, crisp, and fresh with every shot! •
Kyle McMakin is a touring pickleball professional, former Division I tennis player( UC Davis) and head pro for LevelUp Pickleball Camps. Kyle is a two-time Triple Crown winner. His DUPR is above 6.0 in both singles and doubles.
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