3 Shots You Need to Play 4.0+ Pickleball
Pickleball is all the rage right now, with nearly 5 million people in the United States playing this sport. This game has really taken off thanks to its accessibility and fun factor. People of all ages can play and engage in friendly competition on courts everywhere. However, it also gets competitive at a highly skilled level, where players need to be able to place the ball well and execute shots with precision.
If you're a 4.0+ pickleball player, you know that the game is much more than just messing around on the court. To excel at this sport, you need to master a handful of specific shots that will help you gain control over your opponents. As explained so eloquently by In2Pickle on Youtube, there are three main shots you should focus on if you want to raise your pickleball game to the next level.
This post will cover each of these shots in detail so you can begin incorporating them into your game. Read on for an in-depth look at the Deep Punch Volley, Third Shot Drop, and Dinks. Let's get started.
1. The Punch Volley
The Punch Volley is one of the most important shots in pickleball. Usually sent from the Non-Volley Zone, this shot gives you control of the game and creates space for yourself. A Punch Volley aims to keep the ball low and is placed strategically in the opposing court.
Let's say your opponents are held back at the baseline by a deep shot. This is the perfect time to execute a well-placed Punch Volley. Start by positioning yourself at the NVZ line or nearby. Then, get into your ready position with your knees bent and weight slightly forward. While waiting for your opponent's return shot, mentally prepare for what you want to do with the ball once it returns.
When your opponents send the ball towards you, aim for a spot along the side wall, preferably near one of their players. Keep your opponent at bay and prevent them from coming any closer. The idea is to keep them trapped in their own court.
One thing to avoid is hitting down on the ball, as it will risk going too low and hitting the net. If it does clear the net, there's a good chance it will land closer to the Non-Volley Zone, which defeats the purpose of a well-executed Punch Volley. In a similar vein, you don't want to hit a short, choppy volley that lacks power.
Instead, focus on driving the ball as far into the opponent's court as possible while keeping it low and near the sidewall. This will ensure that your opponents have a hard time returning your shot, thus giving you control over the pace of play.
2. The Third Shot Drop
The Third Shot Drop is another key shot in pickleball, and it's beneficial when you're trying to move the action to the Non-Volley Zone. In fact, it would work well against an opponent using the punch volley and positioned in the Non-Volley Zone.
Most of what you hear about pickleball is to hit low and fast, preventing pop-ups and other gaffes when volleying. However, you still have to consider where you're located on the court. If you find yourself too far back from the net, you need time to get to a good position. A fast, low shot won't do the trick. At this point, you may need to execute a Third Shot Drop.
Instead of trying to hit the net, focus on hitting your ball slightly higher in the air and placing it near one of your opponent's feet. This will slow things down and allow you time to get into position. And since you're trying to gain time, make your shot as slow as possible.
A Third Shot Drop can also help you gain control of the game in tight situations. Let's say you're tied up at the net or close to it, and the play is fast and hectic. Now is your chance to step back and slow things down. Hit a long, high Third Shot Drop to buy yourself a few moments.
Depending on your opponent's style and strengths, it may be a good idea to use the Third Shot Drop as a change-up throughout the game, every now and then throwing in something different to keep your opponent off guard. Keep this tool in your arsenal, and you'll find it handy time after time.
However, remember that this is considered one of the most challenging shots in pickleball. You don't want to simply lob it and open yourself up to an aggressive return shot. Instead, take time to practice the Third Shot Drop and learn how to execute it perfectly so you have control over the game when you need it most.
3. The Dink Shot
Finally, 4.0+ pickleball players need an effective Dink Shot to get the job done. This shot is simple in its execution but often requires finesse to pull off correctly. There are two main types of Dinks: the defensive dink and the aggressive one.
Defensive Dink
When playing a defensive Dink, your goal is to bring the game back to neutral. If you find yourself in trouble, whether from an aggressive play or a hard-hitting shot, the defensive dink can be just the thing to help you get back on your feet.
Try lobbing the ball ever-so-gently over the net and toward your opponents to play this type of shot. Keep it in the Non-Volley Zone to prevent an attack from them. Doing so will give you time to regroup and get back into the game, limiting your opponents' chances of scoring a big point.
Aggro Dink
If you want to use an aggressive Dink shot, you must take advantage of the momentum you've built up. For example, if you're the one who puts your opponent in a tough spot, they might respond with a neutral dink or dead dink. Don't reciprocate with that same type of dink. Instead, try to capitalize on their mistake.
Go for an aggressive dink by aiming for open space. It will put your opponent on their heels, forcing them to move laterally. As they move back and forth, chances are they'll miss the ball entirely or hit a bad shot. Either way, you've gained the advantage.
Conclusion
Congratulations on learning how to play a strong 4.0+ pickleball game! Whether you're new to this level of play or looking to brush up on your skills, these three shots are a great place to start. Focus on practicing each of them consistently and regularly, so you can master them all in no time. Good luck!
