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• Seize opportunities to take the next ball out of the air and maintain pressure .
Keys to Effective Attacking
1 . Applying Pressure : Effective attacking in pickleball involves applying pressure strategically . Apply pressure by hitting at open areas of the court or at your opponent ’ s feet . By targeting opponents ’ feet or exploiting open spaces on the court , players can dictate the flow of the game from neutral to offensive .
2 . Court Position : Always close in toward the Non-Volley Zone ( NVZ ) and move toward the direction of the ball so that you are in a better position . Look to take balls out of the air and aim to put your opponents in worse court position .
3 . Placement Over Power : Maintaining control and consistency in shot placement is paramount and is generally more important than hitting with power . Attack when the ball is in front of you , and you are balanced with a favorable ball . Targeting opponents ’ bodies can be an advantageous approach , either winning the point or leading to a weak response if done right .
4 . Disguise : Make your shots look alike — disguise your attack to look like your dink . Executing attacks with a fluid motion and minimal “ telegraphing ” enhances their effectiveness . By keeping the ball in front and disguising shots , players can keep opponents guessing and maintain the element of surprise .
Neutral
In neutral situations , both teams find themselves in similar court positions , and none of the conditions for offense or defense are present . The goal in these instances is to transition to an offensive position by applying pressure in the point .
Transitioning Between States
Teams can constantly transition between defense , neutral , and offense throughout a point . For instance , the serving team often starts in a defensive position , aiming to establish better court positioning by getting both players to the net . As the point progresses , the serving team may neutralize the situation or apply pressure to transition to offense . The other team may counter , putting the serving team back on defense . The serving team might want to hit a neutral shot , aiming to drop it in the NVZ , and the point would continue from a neutral situation .
THE TEAM ON THE FAR SIDE CLOSED IN TOWARD THE NVZ AND IS ABOUT TO TAKE THE BALL OUT OF THE AIR , STEALING TIME FROM THEIR OPPONENTS AND MAINTAINING PRESSURE .
Each point presents opportunities to strategically shift the momentum and put a team in a favorable position to win the point .
Drills to Improve Attacking and Defending
Fast Hands Wall Drill
• Practice hitting the ball against a wall , focusing on maintaining balance and readiness with each shot .
• Work on getting the paddle behind the ball quickly and contacting it out in front to ensure effective offensive and defensive techniques .
• Gradually increase the speed of shots as proficiency improves .
Cooperative Pattern Drill
• Two players work together in a cooperative pattern to practice attacking and defending .
• Start with a predictable pattern and gradually increase the complexity to challenge players ’ anticipation and decision-making skills .
Understanding these dynamics and effectively transitioning between attacking , defending , and neutral states is crucial for success in pickleball . By recognizing and capitalizing on opportunities , players can assert control over the game and dictate the outcome of each point . With dedicated practice and strategic awareness , players can elevate their game to new heights . •
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 .
MAY / JUNE 2024 | MAGAZINE 25