As previously mentioned, most points in pickleball are won and lost at the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line. As a result, it is so important to get to the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line, and then hold that line! Try to squeeze the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line as much as possible. In other words, keep your toes within a couple inches of the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line.

The reason for this is to (1) take time away from your opponents to react to a shot; (2) take away angles from your opponents and put more pressure on your opponents to hit a quality shot; and (3) avoid exposing your feet to your opponents, which would otherwise make for an easier put away shot by your opponents. Generally, the closer your feet are to the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line, the more difficult you will make it for your opponents to hit a winning shot.

To practice your ability to hold the line, set-up on the pickleball court with you and your partner directly across from one another at the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line. Have your partner simply toss pickleballs to you, aiming for the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line. It is your job to protect the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line, and do not let the pickleball bounce at or near your feet. Instead, strike the pickleball with your paddle in the air and lift up with your paddle, so that you consistently hit dinks into your partner’s side of the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen. Remember to stay compressed in Pickleball Ready, while working on your dinking basics and footwork.

Key Takeaways:

1. Keep your toes within a couple inches of the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line to put pressure on your opponents and make it more difficult for them to hit a winning shot.
2. Practice holding the line so that it becomes second nature.