Follow the Flight of the Pickleball: A Strategy for Success

While playing the other day against a strong opponent, I hit a decent arcing return of serve from my right side to their left hand player, he ripped a drive right past me down the line. Why? Because on my return, I ran to the middle of my side of the kitchen, even though I hit my return towards the line. 

The fix? Follow the ball. The importance of following the flight of the pickleball cannot be overstated. Understanding how to utilize this concept can significantly enhance your strategy and performance on the court, whether you find yourself in the backcourt or engaging in kitchen play.

When you or your partner hits just about any shot, it’s crucial to track its trajectory. This is where the strategy of adjusting your positioning based on the ball’s flight comes into play. For example, if you hit a return of serve crosscourt as the right side player, as you approach the net (always return and come in), you need to angle towards the middle of the court. By doing this, you’re preparing to respond to the next shot your opponent makes. The same principle applies when your partner hits the ball, maintaining a keen awareness of its flight path allows you to align your movements accordingly, creating a coordinated front.

In doubles, communication is vital. As you adjust your position based on your shot, it’s essential that your partner does the same. If one player moves to cover the line as the ball was just hit to the opponent on their side of the court, the other should shift to ensure coverage in the middle.. This coordinated approach minimizes the available angles for your opponents and strengthens your overall defense.

The concept of following the flight of the pickleball also translates seamlessly into kitchen and dinking play. When you are dinking, keeping your eyes on the ball allows you to gauge your next move accurately. If you dink cross court, and you follow the ball, you’ll now be covering the middle as you should.

In conclusion, following the flight of the pickleball is a crucial concept, whether you’re in the backcourt trying to earn your way to the kitchen, or engaging in kitchen battles. By staying aware of the ball’s trajectory and communicating with your partner, you can effectively enhance your positioning, minimize your opponents' options, and elevate your overall gameplay.