Do you regularly hit your return shot back to your opponent? In this week’s video I show you what to look for, where the open shots tend to be, and when you should use them…
Let’s dive into a common mistake that many players, including myself, often make on the pickleball court. It’s the tendency to always hit the ball back to our opponents instead of strategically directing it elsewhere, potentially winning the point. In the heat of the game, we tend to freeze and become fixated solely on the ball, neglecting to consider the positions of our partner and opponents. This is a crucial aspect that can greatly impact our performance and hinder our ability to reach the next level in our game.
To address this challenge, I’ve set up some visual targets that can serve as reference points. When you have the opportunity for a put away shot or an offensive play, these spaces tend to be more open than others. First, let’s focus on the dinking third shot positions, particularly the outside quadrants in the corners. These areas often become available when players are excessively pinching the middle of the court. So, instead of aiming directly at your opponents, consider directing the ball to these open spaces behind them. It’s a strategic move that can catch them off guard and create scoring opportunities.
Next, we have the middle deep shots. Whenever you encounter a high ball anywhere in the middle of the court, make it a habit to aim for the middle target. By drilling this shot repeatedly, you develop the muscle memory and mental readiness to exploit the opportunities provided by high balls in the middle. Remember, the goal is to hit through your opponents, not simply at them. By targeting the open spaces and exploiting your opponents’ positioning, you increase your chances of securing a successful shot and gaining an advantage on the court.
Lastly, let’s explore the back targets on the outside. While it’s commonly said that “middle solves the riddle,” that’s not always the case. When your opponent has a high forehand, their natural instinct is to cover the middle space. This opens up opportunities for you to target the spaces on the sides. Especially in a down-the-line situation, these back targets often offer ample margin for success. Remember, it’s crucial to develop good practice habits by repeatedly hitting the same shots to these specific targets. This way, when you find yourself in a match, your brain will be wired to instinctively go for these shots, leading to improved performance and better match outcomes.
So, let’s challenge ourselves to break the habit of hitting back to our opponents and instead focus on strategic shot placement. Practice hitting to open spaces, exploit your opponents’ positioning, and watch your game reach new heights. Good luck out there on the pickleball court!
