the shot with your paddle angle squared off to the path of your ball ( don ’ t flick your wrist ) and follow through directly toward the target . This will increase your accuracy and consistency while also pulling you forward toward the NVZ line .
Placement
You want to ensure that you are nimble with your shot selection based on a number of variables such as depth and angle of serve , serving team ’ s positioning and your opponent ’ s strengths and weaknesses . As a general rule , your shots should be down the middle . By hitting in the middle , you reduce the angles and areas of opportunity from the serving team , allowing you to maintain optimal positioning for your next shot while also increasing confusion for them ( Mine ? Yours ?). The confusion factor will be dramatically reduced with a seasoned team , but regardless you will still be reducing areas of opportunity for their next shot .
Does that mean that you should not hit wide to someone with a weakness ? This is where you need to be nimble ; however , it depends on your skill level as well . The more accurate and consistent you are , the more you can vary your returns to take advantage of any weakness your opponents may have . In the end , the return of serve is an important shot since it sets up the rally and allows the returning team to get in position and control the rally while reducing variables . Hitting wide may be a smart strategy at times , however you need to ensure that you are ready for any angles it gives your opponents as well .
Movement
If after your service return you can make it to the NVZ and are set in your ready position before contacting the ball , all the better . For most players that often doesn ’ t happen . If you are moving forward , under control , with your paddle in front of you when you contact the ball without even trying , you will be transferring your weight forward , which allows you to direct the ball better while also helping to pull you forward as well . Do not stop to evaluate or to admire your shot — always be prepared for the next shot with your paddle in the ready position comfortably in front of your sternum .
Focus on Consistency and Accuracy
You want to make sure you remain nimble with your shot selection . A deep , soft , high arching shot allows the receiver to easily transition to the NVZ line fully in control . If you can hit it hard and deep , then by all means keep that in your arsenal . Have a goal in mind in terms of where you want the ball to go ( adjust your target size as your skill level improves ). If you are going to hit to areas that give the serving team more angles , ensure that your partner is aware of your strategy .
Practice
Use visuals when available . If you are a beginner , use short disc cones splitting the transition zone and focus on the back half of that zone . When you are consistently successful , move the cones back to 3 or 4 feet from the baseline . You want to make sure you can achieve success so that you can continue to layer in more challenging targets by reducing target size .
Another option is to start with a square based in the middle about 4 feet long and 10 feet wide ( deepest part about 4 feet from the baseline ), and as you achieve success start reducing the width of the target over time until it is 4 feet wide as well . Always make sure you have a good margin for error ; however , you can reduce your target size as your skill increases .
You also want to ensure that you have enough margin for error over the net as well . The harder you hit the ball , the less margin for error you have over the net so make sure you factor in height of the ball as well and adjust your spin and speed accordingly . In the end , your goal is to be consistent while making the serving team ’ s third shot more challenging and to keep your opponents at the baseline , when possible , to increase time and distance as you prepare for your next shot .
Incorporating these techniques into your return of serve will leave your opponents with the impression that they will have to work harder to win points . And , remember to have fun ! Hope this helps . •
Jeff Rausch is a PPR coach developer and the pickleball professional at Lost Creek Country Club in Austin , Texas . He is also on Team Head Pickleball and is a PPR Dual Impact professional in pickleball and tennis .
MARCH / APRIL 2022 | MAGAZINE 69