Description:
Jerry Jayapal
Many people believe the return in pickleball has to be a powerful shot but that’s not the case due to the two-bounce rule. Your goal on the return is to actually get to the kitchen line before your opponent hits their third shot. Your focus should be on executing a shot that gives you the most time to advance.
There are also some mechanics to consider when trying to lift a ball up when you make contact with a ball that’s in front of you. You should be looking to somewhat chip it, trying to lift that ball up. It can be tough to do, especially on a deep serve which is why having a deep serve can be so effective.
The last piece to consider is where you’re standing in relation to the sideline and center line. This actually depends on if you prefer to hit the ball on your forehand or your backhand. For instance, if you’re hitting with your right hand, you would likely stand closer to the center line if you want your third shot to be on your forehand. This allows you to get a better forehand return and protect your backhand. If you prefer to hit your third shot on your backhand, you would slide closer to the sideline.