Keys to better 4th shots

Tip of the day

Have you ever wondered why Ben Johns' 4th shot in pickleball is so tricky for his opponents? This video takes you behind the scenes to learn his secrets!

Ben talks about a special shot he calls the "mantis." This shot lets him hit the ball with lots of power and spin, while still being able to control where it goes, either left or right.

It's super consistent because he makes small changes to his swing.

He also shares a smart trick called "conceding the net."

This means if your opponent hits a really good soft shot to your feet, instead of trying to hit it super hard and risking a mistake, you just gently tap it over the net.

This makes the game "neutral" again, buying you time to get into a better spot.

You'll also learn how bending your wrist helps you get topspin and control the ball better.

This lets you quickly change the ball's direction.

When you are "conceding the net," it's best to hardly swing at all, just let the ball hit your paddle gently so it stays low in the kitchen.

Finally, the video explains how watching where your opponent is standing helps you pick the best shot.

If they don't run all the way to the net after their shot, you have more choices.

Key Points:

  • The Mantis Shot: A special shot for power and spin, with good left/right control.

  • Conceding the Net: Gently hitting a half-volley to the kitchen to reset the point when in trouble.

  • Wrist Cocking: Bending your wrist helps create topspin and quickly change ball direction.

  • Minimal Swing: When "conceding," just let the ball hit the paddle softly.

  • Opponent Position: Watch where your opponents are to choose the best shot.

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That’s it for today! As always, thank you for reading. 🙏

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Happy pickling,

Paul