After you hit a great drive, remember to move in toward the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line. Move in as much as you can, while remaining under control with your feet and your body. Once your opponents are about to strike the pickleball, perform your split step and get in the Pickleball Ready position.

Even though you hit a great drive, anticipate that your opponents will send the pickleball back to your side of the court. Always expect the pickleball to come back. Also, if you hit a really great drive, be ready for your opponents to pop up the pickleball for an easy put away shot for you and your partner.

If you hit a poor drive, play a bit more defensive pickleball and consider not moving into the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line as quickly as you otherwise would. By staying back a bit on the court, and not being quite as aggressive, you will buy yourself more time to react to your opponents’ return shot. Be in the proper ready position and reset the point, if necessary.

Key Takeaways:

1. After you hit a quality drive:
a. Move in toward the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line;
b. Anticipate that your opponents will return the pickleball; and
c. Be on the hunt for a pop-up from your opponents, which should result in an easy put away for you and your partner.
2. After you hit a poor drive:
a. Play a bit more defensive pickleball; and
b. Play a bit farther back in the court that you otherwise would to give yourself more time to react to your opponents’ shot.