Tip of the day

10 Years of Coaching Pickleball Comes Down to These 5 Things

A return that lands short or comes off your paddle too fast costs you more than the return. It leaves you stuck in the transition zone right when your opponent hits the third.

The coach at Briones Pickleball Academy says the biggest thing he thinks about on his return is getting to the non-volley zone line in a strong position. That is what lets you hit strong counters.

The biggest mistakes he sees on the return are a return hit short, a return hit too fast, and a return with no momentum behind it. Any one of them gets you stuck in transition for your opponent's third shot.

His simple, high-percentage target is deep middle, or a little bit crosscourt. He likes to buy himself a little time and get the ball nice and high, so he can be in a strong position to counter.

Then follow the ball. If you return crosscourt, come up toward the middle, because your partner has to cover the line.

If you return down the line, come straight up your own line and let your partner help in the middle.

If your partner hits a short return, they are not going to make it all the way in. From the line, cover the middle for them, maybe for one shot, so they can come in.

Now the fourth shot. He says a drop is not really a big threat to him, and the real threat is a drive that takes time away and applies pressure with pace.

So be ready for the drive first, and counter it instead of blocking it. His intention on that counter is to get the ball as deep as possible, which keeps them back.

The video runs live points where you can watch the returning team slide into place, one on the line and one in the middle, as the drives come in.

Key points

Return with the aim of getting to the non-volley zone line in a strong position to counter.
Short, too fast, or no momentum all leave you stuck in transition for the third shot.
Aim deep middle or a little crosscourt, and get it nice and high to buy yourself a little time.
Return crosscourt and come up toward the middle, return down the line and come up your line.
Be ready for the drive first, and counter it deep instead of blocking it.

Watch the full tutorial here.