PICKLEBACKCLUB

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Hey Picklebackers! 🏓✨

Know When to Step In—And When to Hold Your Ground

In pickleball, it’s not just about how well you hit—it's about where you are when you hit. The Non-Volley Zone (aka "the kitchen") is the most powerful position on the court, but getting there at the right time is key. Move up too early? You’re a sitting duck. Too late? You miss your chance to take control.

In this issue, we break down exactly when to move forward—and when to stay back—to help you level up from a 3.5 to a 4.0+ player.

When to Move Up to the Net and When to Stay Back in Pickleball

Mastering when to move up to the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) (also called "the kitchen") and when to stay back is one of the biggest factors in advancing from a 3.5 to a 4.0 level.

Controlling the net allows you to take advantage of offensive opportunities, while staying back when needed prevents giving up easy points. Let’s dive deeper into the strategy.

🚀 When to Move Up to the Net

Moving up to the NVZ is crucial because the team that controls the net usually controls the point. You and your partner should move up together in the following situations:

1. After a Good Third Shot Drop

• The third shot drop is designed to land softly in the opponent’s kitchen, preventing them from attacking.

• If your drop shot is low and unattackable, move up immediately.

• If the shot is too high or too deep, wait before rushing in—your opponents might drive it back at you.

✅ Pro Tip:
After a good drop, move forward in controlled steps, keeping your paddle ready for a block in case of a counterattack.

2. After Hitting a Deep Return of Serve

• As the return team, you have the advantage because one player is already at the net.

• Hit a deep return and then immediately move forward—this prevents the serving team from driving or dropping effectively.

• Moving up quickly after your return keeps you and your partner in an aggressive position.

✅ Pro Tip:
As you move up, stay low and balanced to be ready for fast shots.

3. When Your Opponents Are in Trouble

• If your opponent is off-balance, reaching for a shot, or hitting from an awkward position (e.g., stretched wide), move in aggressively.

• This puts pressure on them to make a perfect shot, often leading to mistakes or weak returns.

• Be ready to attack volleys when they pop up.

✅ Pro Tip:
Watch your opponent’s paddle angle—if they’re forced to hit upward, it’s your cue to move forward and attack.

4. During a Dinking Rally

• Once you and your opponent are engaged in a dinking battle, staying at the net is the best position.

• Dinking keeps the ball low, making it difficult for the opponent to attack.

• Being up at the NVZ allows you to attack weak dinks and control the tempo of the game.

✅ Pro Tip:
Stay light on your feet and watch for high dinks—those are attackable.

⏳ When to Stay Back (or Move Up Cautiously)

While the goal is to move up to the net, there are times when staying back (or moving cautiously) is the smarter play.

1. If Your Third Shot is Too High

• If your third shot isn’t a good drop shot, don’t rush in.

• A high third shot gives your opponent the chance to smash it back at you.

• Instead, stay back, reset the rally, and look for a better opportunity to move up.

❌ What NOT to do:
Don’t run forward blindly after a poor third shot—you’ll be an easy target for an attack.

2. If Your Partner is Stuck at the Baseline

• Moving up while your partner is still back creates a gap that your opponent can exploit.

• If your partner is forced to stay back (due to a weak return or deep shot), stay with them and move up together when possible.

✅ Pro Tip:
Good teams communicate—call out when to move up together so one player isn’t left alone.

3. When Defending Against a Power Hitter

• Some opponents love to drive the ball and hit hard passing shots.

• If you rush up too soon, they can blast the ball at your feet, making it hard to react.

• Instead, hang back slightly and anticipate the drive, blocking it back or counterattacking when possible.

✅ Pro Tip:
If your opponent keeps driving at you, try hitting a soft reset shot into their kitchen and move forward from there.

4. If You’re Forced to Hit a High Ball (Like a Lob)

• If you or your partner hits a lob or high return, staying at the net is dangerous because your opponent might smash it.

• Instead, retreat to a defensive position to prepare for the overhead smash.

• Once the danger is over, you can work your way back up.

✅ Pro Tip:
When backing up, stay in an athletic stance so you can quickly react to the smash.

📏 The Golden Rule: Move as a Team

✔ Move together – If one player is up and the other is back, it creates a big gap for opponents to exploit.
✔ Communicate – Call out when to move forward or when to hold back.
✔ Stay balanced – Don’t rush in without control—good footwork is key to avoiding mistakes.

🎾 Final Thoughts

Since you’re working toward a 4.0 level, your focus should be on:
✔ Perfecting your third shot drop to move up confidently.
✔ Recognizing when to hold back and reset the rally.
✔ Communicating with your partner so you move as a unit.

Would you say you rush in too soon or hang back too much right now? We can refine your strategy based on your playing style!

The Kitchen Is Calling—Just Make Sure You Answer Wisely

Great players don’t just know how to play—they know when to move. Use these guidelines to sharpen your net instincts, support your partner, and pressure your opponents into mistakes. Like any skill, it takes repetition and awareness—but soon, reading the court will become second nature.

Until next time, stay sharp, stay balanced, and keep loving the game.

Your PICKLEBACKCLUB Team 🥒🎾

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