How to Reset a Point in Pickleball (And Why It’s Crucial for Winning More Rallies)
Calm the chaos, regain control, and turn defense into offense
Pickleball is fast. The ball comes low, quick, and with spin—and if you're stuck reacting, it's easy to get pushed into a corner, flailing and hoping for a mistake. That’s where the reset comes in. Think of it as a “get out of jail” card: a way to take a chaotic, defensive scramble and turn it into a calm, neutral rally.
So, what exactly is a reset?
A reset is when you intentionally slow the game down—usually from the kitchen, or midcourt and hit a soft, low ball into the kitchen, neutralizing your opponent’s attack. It’s not about winning the point right away. It’s about stopping the bleeding, buying time, and leveling the playing field.
Why Reset a Point?
You’re on defense. You or your partner got jammed up or popped one up, and now you're being attacked. A reset slows their momentum.
You’re out of position. Maybe you’re stuck halfway in no-man’s land. Resetting lets you safely move forward.
Your opponents are better attackers. Sometimes it’s smart to force them to play a softer, dink-style game rather than feed their drive-happy habits.
When to Reset
You’ll usually attempt a reset when:
You’re transitioning from the baseline to the non-volley zone (kitchen)
You’re being overwhelmed by pace or spin (this is when I try to think reset)
You just hit a weak shot and need to regroup
Resets often happen in the “transition zone”—that awkward 5 to 10 feet behind the kitchen. From here, it’s dangerous to speed up, but equally dangerous to just lob up a return. The reset becomes your lifeline.
How to Execute a Reset
Loosen your grip pressure. Think 3 or 4 out of 10. A tight grip sends balls flying.
Keep your paddle low and out in front when off the kitchen line. You’ll need to absorb pace and redirect the ball softly.
Aim just over the net. Ideally, your shot lands in the kitchen with minimal bounce.
Use your legs. Stay low and bend through the knees for balance.
Tactical Tips
Don’t go for perfection. A reset just needs to be low and unattackable, not perfect.
Reset early in rallies. The longer you’re off balance, the more likely your opponent is to hit a winner.
Communicate with your partner. If one person is resetting, both players should be on the same page defensively.
Know when not to reset. If you're in control, don’t give it away with an unnecessary soft shot.
Final Thought
Resets don’t show up on highlight reels. They don’t feel heroic. But they win games. Mastering the reset is the difference between surviving a firefight and giving away free points. It’s the ultimate pickleball power move—precisely because it’s not about power at all.
