Sometimes on the pickleball courts, the pickleball will come so fast and so deep that you do not have enough time to do exactly what you want with it. In particular, sometimes when you are about to hit a drive, you are not able to hit the drive with the perfect mechanics. Nevertheless, do as many things properly as you can to create a good outcome. To make adjustments when you are in a jam when hitting a drive, try the following time-saving strategies:

1. Prepare for the drive by taking a step or two backwards to give yourself more time to react to the drive.

2. Take a shorter backswing to give yourself more time to find your contact point on your drive.

3. Simply block through the pickleball like a wall by (a) compressing your body and shifting your weight to your foot on the side of the pickleball; (b) taking a shorter backswing; (c) pushing through the pickleball out in front of your body; and (d) having a shorter follow through out in front of you. This blocking drive will enable you to use your opponents’ power from their drive against them.

Try also playing a simpler shot—in other words, keep the placement of your drive simple. The goal is to get the pickleball over the net and in play!

Key Takeaways:

1. If you are in a jam on your drive, do as many things properly as you can to create a good outcome.
2. To save time when you are in a jam on your drive, try:
a. Taking a step backwards to give yourself more time to react;
b. Taking a shorter backswing; and
c. Blocking through the pickleball like a wall and using your opponents’ power from their drive against them.
3. Keep the pickleball over the net and in play!