My students often comment that it seems the best players are able to cover the whole court but move less. The key is learning efficient court movement.
it’s too big
Players often think the pickleball court is bigger than it is. In reality, you have more time than you think you have. The key is to create time and space. To do this you must learn how to move around the court efficiently. Take for example getting to the non-volley zone line. For me, there are no more than six steps between the baseline and the NVL. Once there it is only one step to either the sideline or the centerline. With this in mind, in many cases, I can often walk to the NVL. Worse case, I can move through the transition zone after one or two additional shots.
stand taller
- Pull your chest up and keep your hips underneath you;
- Rather than bending your knees, let your knees relax and let them bend naturally;
- Shift your weight, 60-70% of your weight should be on the ball of your foot that is closest to the ball. This enables you to pivot to the ball and accelerate more quickly.
- Keep your paddle in front of you…extend your elbows which will engage your shoulders.
now practice
interrupted, evaluate your posture. Ask your drill or playing partners to assist you in this evaluation. They may be able to see things that you can’t during play.efficient court movement
The keys to efficient court move are proper setup, moving your body in unison toward the ball, and staying calm. We really do have more time than we think we have. And we make more time when we move efficiently. But it requires PRACTICE!
