If you or your partner have popped the pickleball up so that your opponents are able to hit an offensive shot, immediately prepare yourself to dig out a “put away” shot from your opponents by:

1. Taking a step back off of the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line to buy yourself a fraction more reaction time;

2. Dropping into a lower athletic stance, as the pickleball will mostly likely be hit hard down at your feet or socks;

3. Preparing your paddle out in front of your body in Pickleball Ready; and

4. Reminding yourself not to do too much with the pickleball, but rather having the mindset to simply keep the pickleball in play (in other words, over the net and into the middle of the pickleball court).

Try these tips and see whether you are able to improve your defense and keep some points alive on the pickleball court!

Key Takeaways:

1. To dig out the put aways from your opponents:

a. Take a step back off of the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line;

b. Drop into a low athletics stance;

c. Get your paddle out in front of your body; and

d. Keep it simple and find the pickleball with your paddle.