🏃 Positioning & Movement: Golden Rules for Stability and Court Control
In pickleball, getting to the right spot is often more important than hitting the perfect shot. Your position on the court dictates your available options. Always strive to be balanced and ready.
The following Golden Rules focus on maximizing your stability, optimizing your court position, and using disciplined footwork like the split step.
7. Stay Balanced at All Times
As with all sports, you always need to be in position. Proper body position means: a. Having your knees bent, waist slightly forward, and weight on the balls of your feet, with your feet approximately shoulder distance apart. b. Your weight should be equal on both feet. If your weight is significantly unevenly distributed, you won’t be able to push off effectively, and that side will be compromised.
8. When Compromised, Reset
Any time you are not balanced and in position: a. If you are caught off-balance at the NVZ, simply hit the ball straight over the net, aiming deep. b. If you’re compromised at the baseline, try lobbing the ball high and deep to give yourself time to establish position and move toward the NVZ line.
9. Execute the Split Step
Once you hit the ball and start coming to the net, ensure you execute the Split Step just before your opponent hits the ball. a. This makes it easier to hit the ball because you are stopped and stable. b. If you are stopped, you have the ability to move laterally in any direction. c. Stopping reduces the relative speed of the ball coming at you, giving you more reaction time.
10. If You Can’t Make It Past the Transition Area, Stay Back
When you hit a return or groundstroke from the baseline or behind it, if you cannot make it past the first 4’ of the court, you are better to stay back at the baseline. If you stop too early, it's very difficult to return a deep ball and recover for the following shot.
11. Stop If You Hit a Poor Shot While Approaching the Net
When you or your partner hit a high (attackable) shot while at the baseline or transitioning through the Transition area, and your opponents are at the net, avoid advancing further toward the net. a. Instead, consider moving slightly closer, but prioritize maintaining your position to allow for better reaction time. b. This strategic positioning can help you anticipate your opponent's next move and respond effectively, minimizing the risk of being caught off guard.
12. Use the Reverse Split Step
Use a reverse split step to get off the NVZ line when you need a little extra reaction time. a. This helps you stay balanced and ready to respond quickly while keeping your body weight forward. b. Once the threat is over, recover back to the NVZ line so you’re in position to regain control of the rally.
