The return is the easiest shot in pickleball to turn into an advantage. The serving team has to let it bounce, so a deep, medium-pace return gives you time to move to the non-volley line while they are stuck at the baseline.
Pace is your enemy here. A slower, deeper return that lands within a few feet of the baseline is better than a hard one that lets the serving team counter and lands short.
Key cues
- 1Start a step behind the baseline
- 2Contact out in front, swing low to high
- 3Follow your return to the kitchen line
- 4Split step as the opponent hits the third shot
Common mistakes
- Returning short and staying at the baseline
- Hitting too hard and missing long
- Stopping in the transition zone