When we are playing, our minds often race from thought to thought as it relates to our pickleball court position. Where am I aimed? … Where is my opponent going to hit the ball? … Can I get to the ball and control my return? … What’s my partner doing? The list goes on and on. But I think there are just three things to think about.
Pickleball court position…less is more
I believe less is more. We need to simplify our thinking on the court. I often see panic and stress when people are playing. This leads to too much movement, often leading with their upper body, which makes keeping one’s paddle up pretty difficult. This is why I stress balance so much. Balance supports my movement, paddle control, reaction time and power. Rather than stressing over a dozen different things, instead I focus on remaining in balance and only three things when I think about good pickleball court position.
#1. Paddle in Front of me
My first key to pickleball court position is to have my paddle in front of me. If my paddle is protecting my bullseye I know I am in a good position. If my paddle is below my waist, or I can’t see it, it will take me longer to get to the ball. Often it will cause me to have to move backward…a defensive direction on the pickleball court. Keeping my paddle up in front of me will also keep my head up, allowing me to see the court around me. Keeping my paddle in front of me ensures my frame is complete and I am steady. If my left (non-dominant) hand is up touching the paddle I am better able to lead with my shoulder.
#2. Ball in front of me
Making contact with the ball behind me is always trouble. This will pop the ball up and provide my opponent with an attackable ball. Typically our weight will fall backward and our head will drop. Often our whole body will pull into it trying to create space to make the shot. Contrast this with a ball I am able to hit in front of me. I am able to remain in balance, my weight naturally follows the ball propelling the ball over the net with control toward the target I have selected.
#3. Court in front of me
I always want my forward motion to be facing the direction from which the ball is coming. This position naturally ensures the court is in front of my body. Too often people are facing their bodies straight ahead and follow the ball with only their head. When they stand square and only follow the ball crosscourt with their head, they will create space behind them. When your body simply rotates as a unit toes, hips, chest, shoulders, head then everything is in front of you!
Focus on the Positive
Rather than worrying about where you should be or whether you are in position for the next shot, think of these three positive keys:
- Paddle in front of me;
- Ball in front of me;
- Court in front of me.
These are the only keys you need to ensure you are in the correct pickleball court position.
