1. PICKLEBALL LESSON: BACKHAND AND FOREHAND RETURN
Backhand and Forehand Return: strokes and movement
Many players often discount the importance of the service return; however, if done correctly, you can set the stage for the rally to develop in your favor. This video will demo the pickleball forehand and backhand return of service motion, strokes, and movement.
This pickleball video aims to demonstrate the correct fundamentals of the pickleball serve return for both the forehand
...
and backhand.
The key focus of the service return starts with the proper court position and stance, followed by proper contact point, placement, and forward movement.
You want to ensure that you are nimble with your shot selection based on several variables, such as depth and angle of serve, serving team positioning, and your opponent's strengths and weaknesses. As a general rule, your shots should be down the middle. What is the advantage of hitting down the middle? By hitting in the middle, you reduce the angles and areas of opportunity from the serving team, allowing you to maintain optimal positioning for your next shot while also increasing confusion. Another question when returning is, who should be contacting the ball, and if the wrong person takes it will it open up the court for your next shot? Does that mean that you should not hit wide to someone with a weakness – this is where you need to be nimble. However, it depends on your skill level as well.
The more accurate and consistent you are, the more you can vary your returns to take advantage of any weakness your opponents may have. In the end, the return of serve is an important shot as it sets up the rally and allows the returning team to get in position and control the rally while reducing variables. Hitting wide may be a smart strategy at times; however, you need to ensure you are ready for any angles it gives your opponents.
If, after your service return, you can make it to the kitchen or non-volley zone and are in your ready position, all the better. However, for most of us, that doesn't always happen. If you are moving forward, under control, with your paddle in front of you when you contact the ball without even trying, you will be transferring your weight forward, which allows you to direct the ball better while also helping to pull you forward as well. Do not stop to evaluate or admire your shot. Always be prepared for the next shot with your paddle in the ready position, comfortably in front of your sternum.
This lesson demonstrates a pickleball drill to help you improve your return. Start by having the player standing about a foot and a half behind the baseline returning serves or returning serves fed from the non-volley zone line. Demonstrate the proper court position and stance, followed by the proper contact point, placement, and forward movement.
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