Comprehensive Volley Strategy in Pickleball with Drills

Robert Elliott
hot placement, and net dominance. Focus on punch volleys for offense, block volleys for defense, and drop volleys to change pace. Enhance your skills with partner drills, fast-paced volley exchanges, and accuracy-focused wall drills to improve consistency and control at the net.

Block Shot. What, When, Why and How

Robert Elliott
A block shot in pickleball is a defensive shot used to slow down your opponent’s aggressive drive or volley. Use a block shot when your opponent hits a fast, hard shot and you need to neutralize their power while staying in the rally. It helps regain control by softly deflecting the ball back over the net with minimal force. To execute a block shot, hold your paddle steady, absorb the impact, and use soft hands to guide the ball back into play, often aiming for your opponent's feet or the kitchen area.

When to hit a Dink vs a Hard Shot

Robert Elliott
Dink when you want to slow down the game and force your opponent into a soft, controlled exchange, typically used when both teams are at the net. Hit hard when you see an opening or want to put pressure on your opponent, especially when they are out of position or at the baseline. Knowing when to dink versus hit hard is key to balancing strategy and control.

Why is the Transition Zone Important?

Robert Elliott

Why is the Transition Zone Important? Shifts the balance of power: Moving through the transition zone effectively helps you gain control at the kitchen line, which is the most dominant position in pickleball. Keeps you...

What is the Transition Zone?

Robert Elliott
The transition zone in pickleball, also known as 'no man's land,' is the area between the baseline and the kitchen. Players often find themselves in this zone while advancing to the net, making it a challenging position that requires smart shot selection and quick movement to avoid being caught off guard.

How to Score in Doubles

Robert Elliott
Pickleball uses a unique scoring system where points are only scored by the serving team. Learn how to keep score, understand the serving sequence, and reach the winning score of 11 points, with a required 2-point lead to secure victory.