We are about to take a deep dive into volleys. A volley is a shot in pickleball where you hit the pickleball before it bounces. Although some volleys will occur in the Transition Area, the majority of volleys will occur at the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line. As a result, it is imperative that you are in the Pickleball Ready position. Make sure (1) your feet are shoulder width apart; (2) your knees are bent, your body is compressed, and your weight is on the balls of your feet; (3) your paddle is in the 10 or 11 o’clock position; and (4) your paddle is pushed forward and your paddle head is up. Now, you are ready for your lessons on the volley basics.

Also, consider placing your fingertips on your non-paddle hand behind the tip of the top, outside corner of the paddle. This hand placement can help with balance at the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line and, for the advanced players, allow you to make small changes to your paddle grip. However, when you strike the pickleball, remember that this non-paddle hand will let go of the paddle.

Key Takeaways:

1. Be in Pickleball Ready with your paddle at 10 o’clock (or 2 o’clock if you are a lefty) when you are in the Transition Area or at the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line.
2. Always immediately get back to the proper ready position after each shot.
3. Consider placing your fingertips on your non-paddle hand behind the tip of the top, outside corner of the paddle to help with balance to make small changes to your paddle grip. Remember to release the paddle with this non-paddle hand prior to striking the pickleball.