INSTRUCTION i by SARAH ANSBOURY
PPR MANAGING DIRECTOR Attacking Off the Bounce in Pickleball
Mastering Timing and Technique
One of the hardest skills for pickleball players to develop is knowing when to attack off the bounce . While attacking volleys in the air can be easier — because you can utilize your opponent ’ s power and the ball ’ s height — attacking off the bounce is much more challenging but incredibly rewarding once mastered . This skill requires keen timing , body mechanics , and patience .
In this article , we ’ ll explore key aspects of attacking off the bounce , including body positioning , swing mechanics , contact points and recovery , and offer tips on how to practice this often-overlooked technique .
Why Attacking Off the Bounce is So Difficult
Attacking a ball off the bounce differs from attacking in the air because the ball has lost some of its energy by the time it reaches you . After bouncing , the ball slows down , giving you less speed and momentum to work with . Additionally , it often lands lower to the ground , forcing you to create your own power and angle without hitting up on the ball — something that can easily result in a shot that sails too high and right into your opponent ’ s strike zone .
Many players make the mistake of trying to attack too low , resulting in a shorter swing with little acceleration , which reduces both power and control . Executing an effective attack off the bounce requires getting under the ball with your lower body , transferring energy through your shot , and making contact at the right moment .
Key Focus Areas for Attacking Off the Bounce
1 . Body Positioning : Get Low to Rise Up
The first and most important element in attacking off the bounce is body positioning . Since the ball is low to the ground after bouncing , you need to get your lower body under the ball . This means bending at your knees and hips to lower your center of gravity . By staying low , you can use your legs to drive upward through the shot , transferring energy from your body into the paddle .
Tip : Pivot back slightly and load your weight onto your back foot . This will allow you to push forward into the ball , generating momentum for both power and control . It also helps you recover quicker , as you can move back into a balanced position after the shot . 2 . Timing the Bounce When attacking off the bounce , timing is crucial . Let the ball rise to a comfortable height before striking it . Waiting until the ball reaches its apex gives you more height to work with , allowing you to direct your shot with better accuracy and disguise your intentions . Striking the ball too low often forces you to hit upward , which leads to shots that are easily countered or blockable by your opponent .
Tip : Let the ball rise just above your knees or even to waist height before striking . This will give you a better chance to hit a controlled , offensive shot without hitting too high . 3 . Spacing and Swing Speed Proper spacing allows you to create enough room for a full swing . If you stand too close to the ball , you limit your ability to accelerate through the shot , resulting in weak , easily defendable attacks . Make sure you give yourself enough space to step into the ball and extend your paddle .
Tip : Take a step back before attacking , which will give you more room to accelerate your swing and avoid crowding the ball . A longer , controlled swing provides more power and control than a short , rushed motion . 4 . Contact Point : The Moment of Impact Your contact point is critical when attacking off the bounce . The ideal point of contact is in front of your body , not too close to your body or too far away . If you make contact too late , you risk hitting the ball into the net or sending it long .
Tip : Focus on making contact with the ball slightly out in front of your body and at waist height or higher . This allows for a better swing path and helps you direct the ball with precision .
Practice Drills for Attacking Off the Bounce
Developing this skill requires focused practice . Here ’ s a simple but effective drill to help you master attacking off the bounce :
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