After a drop, you want move in to the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line. However, you can only move in if you deserve to be there by hitting a quality drop.

If you hit a poor drop, you should (1) communicate and warn your partner that you hit a poor drop by shouting “Heads up!” or “Watch out!”; and (2) stop, or retreat a little and split stop, and be in a position to play more neutral or defensive pickleball. By staying further back from the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen after a poor drop, you will have a little more time to react to the next shot—which will likely be strong shot by your opponents in light of your poor drop. Improve on your next shot and continue to strive to move in to the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line.

Key Takeaways:

1. After a poor drop:
a. Communicate with your partner; and
b. Stop, or retreat a little, so that you are in a position to play neutral or defensive pickleball.