Pickleball is a unique sport because it appeals to players of all ages. However, players in different age brackets may have different challenges and considerations to help them succeed on the court.
In a new Selkirk Pickleball TV series, “Senior Success,” senior professional pickleball player Steve Paranto shares tips for seniors who play pickleball. In the first episode, Steve gives insight on how to buy time on the court.
Early preparation at the baseline
One of the key components that can help seniors succeed on the pickleball court is effectively buying time to react to shots. The best way to do this is to start each shot from a balanced ready position.
Players should stand with their hips square to the net, their knees slightly bent, and their paddle out in front of their body.
Then, pivot your foot to make a shot. If you are hitting the ball on the right side of your body, your right foot will pivot behind you, bringing your hips square to the right sideline.
If your arm is properly in front of your body, when you turn to make a shot, you won’t need to move your arm back because it will already be in the proper starting position to swing through the ball.
Although this seems like a minute adjustment, keeping your paddle out in front of your body can buy you a lot of time.
Early preparation at the kitchen
Similar to a ready position at the baseline, you should start with your hips square to the net, knees bent, and your paddle out in front of you.
However, when at the kitchen line, you can hold your paddle higher in the air than you would at the baseline. This is because you are more likely to receive volleys at the kitchen line, so by holding your paddle higher, you are limiting the amount of ground you have to cover when receiving a volley.
It’s also important to pre-set the paddle face as early as possible in the direction in which you want the ball to travel.
For example, if you are standing on the right side of the court and you want the ball to travel cross-court, you should point your paddle face toward the opposite side of the court before you make contact. Just be careful not to open your paddle face too much to your opponent as this will often lead to a pop-up.
After each shot, return to your neutral ready position.
Using footwork and ball tracking to get set early
Another technique to buy time on the court is tracking the ball’s trajectory early so you have ample time to get your feet set for the next shot.
Let’s say you are serving. As soon as your opponent begins swinging their paddle to hit the return, you should be tracking the ball.
Pay attention to how the ball comes off their paddle. Depending on how where opponent’s paddle is pointing, you can typically tell quite early where the ball will land.
Communicate clearly and quickly with your partner to determine who will take the next shot. From there, move your feet — keeping your paddle out in front of your body — to receive the next shot.
Do not wait until the ball crosses the net to move. Move as soon as you know where it’s going to go.
Tips for buying time after serving
Because you can only score on a serve, many people think that the serving team in pickleball automatically has an advantage.
However, the opposite is often true because the serving team has to work their way to the kitchen line — where the majority of points are won — while the receiving team can automatically move there after the return.
Getting to the kitchen line after a serve can be difficult for many players, but earning appropriate time to transition to the non-volley line can be especially challenging for senior players.
Tip 1: Hit a high-arcing drop shot
Rather than opting for a fast-paced drive, which your opponents can easily slam back at you, attempt to hit a high-arcing drop shot that lands inside your opponent’s kitchen.
Hitting the ball with a high arc causes it to travel more slowly, which in turn, gives you the chance to move forward.
If you’re confident in your drop, your partner can begin moving forward as you execute the drop. They can then cover a lot of the middle until you can make your way to the kitchen line.
Tip 2: Hit a low drive
If you prefer a faster game, you can hit a low drive. The key word here is low.
Your shot must travel just over the net. If it’s high, your opponents will have a lot of time to volley the ball back at you as you move forward.
Remember, your low drive should be hit as a setup for your next shot. You likely won’t hit a winner off your first drive.
Instead, your drive should force your opponent to hit a block volley, which gives you an easy opportunity to hit a fifth shot dink.
Tip 3: Communicate early
To hit either option effectively, you need to communicate with your partner quickly and clearly. So, as soon as you see the trajectory of your opponent’s return, call out who should be taking the ball.
Most players will hit the best third shot from a forehand position. If you and your partner are both right-handed, position yourselves close to the left sideline and the center line so that much of the court is open to your forehand shots. If you use opposite dominant hands, position yourselves near each sideline.
As the ball is struck, call out who will take the ball. Some partners prefer to have one player be the leader by calling who should hit every ball while some prefer to call only their own balls. Make sure you have a clear plan going into each match for how you and your partner will communicate.
Tip 4: Consider a lob shot
While a lob shouldn’t be used in every scenario, it can be used occasionally. Aim a high lob over the non-dominant shoulder of the player who hit the return.
You will likely catch them as they are running toward the kitchen, making it difficult for them to change directions in time to receive the ball.
Tips for buying time with your return of serve
It can be a difficult task to get to the net quickly after returning their opponent’s serve.
Being firmly placed at the kitchen line is important because it allows you and your partner to compete on neutral ground — or even take an offensive stance — against your opponents.
Using footwork to advance yourself on the pickleball court
Beginners just learning how to execute a return of serve should always hit the ball while their feet are firmly planted on the ground. This will not only help with shot accuracy but also safety.
However, more advanced players can consider implementing a cross-step while hitting the ball to help them gain a little more court space. This cross-step, which is also used in tennis, is sometimes called the “chip and charge step.”
When implementing this cross-step, you should still start your return of serve as normal. Turn your body sideways, with your hips parallel to the sideline, to load your paddle arm behind the ball.
However, rather than keeping your feet planted, cross your back foot over your right foot as you make contact with the ball. Use this momentum to carry you toward the kitchen line.
Remember to keep your shoulders level as you swing through the ball so that you don’t hit it out of the court or into the net.
Common errors that cost you time after the return of serve
There are a few common mistakes many new players make that cost valuable time that could be used to advance to the kitchen line. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Admiring your shot. If you hit a good return of serve, that’s great! Just don’t get caught watching. You did the work to set yourself up well, now follow it up by advancing to the non-volley zone.
- Keeping your arms still. Your arms can be a powerful tool to help create the momentum you need to get to the line. Don’t be afraid to pump them as if you’re finishing a race.
- Hitting a hard groundstroke. If you hit the ball hard and fast to your opponent, they will likely return it just as quickly. Give yourself time to get to the net by hitting a high-floating ball.
