Nov 26, 2024

Defensive vs. offensive volleys at the kitchen

Tip 1

Being able to distinguish between defensive and offensive volleys is a valuable skill when it comes to playing high level pickleball.

Defensive volleys are used when someone attacks you by driving the ball at you from the baseline or speeding up from the kitchen. The most common type of defensive volley is a block volley which allows you to take the pace off the ball and reset it into the kitchen.

There are a few important tips to focus on when learning how to successfully hit a block volley:

Keep your grip loose and relaxed. The looser your grip, the easier it will be to absorb the pace of the ball.
Use the tip of your paddle to track which direction the ball is being hit to you so it’s easier to figure out if it’ll be a forehand or backhand volley. As your opponent speeds up, point towards the ball with your paddle. This will allow you to follow it to either your forehand or backhand side.
Don’t swing! All you need to do is literally block the ball off your paddle. Since your opponents are hitting hard any swing will push the ball past the kitchen.

Remember, you want to use your opponents’ power rather than generating your own. If you try to reset a hard shot with a swing, you’ll lose control and hit the ball too far. Save the big swings for your attacks.

Tip 2

Deciding between hitting an offensive or defensive volley at the kitchen line comes down to the height you’re contacting the ball (whether the ball is taken above or below the height of the net) and if your body is in position to attack.

You are in position to attack if your feet are set and your body is not in motion. It’s usually not advantageous to go for an attack while you are on the run.

When you contact the ball above the net, you are able to hit down and still keep it in. That means you can hit hard without the risk of hitting the ball out. When your feet are set and you are in position to attack, you will be ready to recover quickly to respond if your opponents get the ball back.

If you contact the ball below the net, it is more difficult to attack because you need to hit up to get it over. If you hit hard and up it will go out, and if you hit it soft and up your opponents will be able to slam it back.

If you are able to contact the ball above the height of the net and your feet are set, you should feel comfortable attacking by hitting the ball hard.