One of the keys to success in pickleball is the ability to hit shots that are low and hard to reach for your opponents. Low shots are especially effective when playing against players who are taller or have a longer reach, as they can be more difficult to get to and return. In this blog post, we’ll go over how to keep pickleball shots low and give you an edge on the court.
Here are the quick and easy steps you can practice:
Step 1: Use a low, deep serve
One of the best ways to keep your shots low is to start with a low, deep serve. This means hitting the ball with a lot of topspin and aiming for the back of the service box, close to the baseline. A low, deep serve can be especially effective when serving to an opponent’s backhand, as it can be more difficult for them to generate power and lift the ball up over the net.
Step 2: Use a low, flat forehand
Another effective way to keep your shots low is to use a low, flat forehand. This means hitting the ball with a lot of pace and minimal topspin, aiming for the low part of the court near the baseline. A low, flat forehand can be especially effective when returning a serve or when hitting a groundstroke from the back of the court.
Step 3: Use a low, slicing backhand
A low, slicing backhand can also be an effective way to keep your shots low. To hit a slicing backhand, you’ll need to use an open stance and make contact with the ball on the backside, using a sweeping motion to impart sidespin. This will cause the ball to slice or curve through the air, making it harder for your opponents to predict where it will land and giving you an advantage.
Step 4: Practice your low shots
To improve your ability to keep your shots low, it’s important to practice your low shots regularly. This can help you develop the proper technique and muscle memory, as well as the confidence to hit low shots in game situations. You can practice your low shots by hitting against a wall or practicing with a partner, focusing on hitting the ball with a lot of pace and control.
Step 5: Vary your shots
While it’s important to be able to hit low shots effectively, it’s also important to mix up your shots and not become too predictable. By varying your shots and mixing in high shots, lobs, and other types of shots, you can keep your opponents guessing and make it harder for them to anticipate what you’ll do next.
Conclusion
To make pickleball shots low all the time requires a lot of practice. I hope that by following these steps and practicing your low shots regularly, you can improve your ability to keep your shots low and give yourself an edge on the pickleball court.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, being able to hit low, hard-to-reach shots can give you a strategic advantage and help you win more points. By mastering the art of the low shot, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a pickleball powerhouse.