Secret to Better Pickleball Footwork: Pickleball professional Zane Navratil, co-host of the PicklePod, recently introduced an intriguing footwork technique called the “Anchor Foot.” In a sport where balance and quick reaction are key, Navratil’s method focuses on reducing movement to increase efficiency and control on the court. This approach can be particularly useful during dinking gatherings and helps players maintain stability while moving around the kitchen line.
What Is an Anchor Foot?
For those who know basketball, this idea is similar. Just like basketball players pivot on a planted foot to look for options, pickleball players can use this technique to help with balance and control.
Maintaining Balance on the Court
The key to this technique lies in staying balanced as players lower their hips and bend their knees. For example, when at the kitchen line and a ball is hit to the right, players should anchor their left foot while moving their right foot to reach the ball. Conversely, if the ball comes to the left, they would anchor their right foot and move their left.
This method resembles performing lunges, with an importance on balance. By anchoring their foot, players remain aware of their position on the court, which helps avoid overextending or stepping too close to the kitchen line. An anchored foot allows them to rotate efficiently and quickly regain position for the next shot.
When to Use the Anchor Foot
The anchor foot technique is particularly useful during dinking rallies at the kitchen line. However, its principles can be applied across the entire court. Efficient movement means recognizing when to anchor a foot and when it’s necessary to move both feet to track down the ball.
With regular practice, players can develop a sense of when to stay anchored and when to adjust their stance based on the situation.
Practicing the Anchor Foot
To perfect this skill, players should practice with a partner at the kitchen line. They should focus on maintaining one foot anchored while hitting dinks back and forth.
Paying attention to how far they can move without breaking their stance will help improve balance. They can also work on using the lower half of their bodies for support.
If players find themselves losing balance or unable to keep their foot anchored, they should try bending their knees more to get lower down the ball.
Testing limits by reaching for wide shots without moving their feet will improve their balance and range of motion.
Players can also incorporate this drill into their warm-ups, allowing their bodies to get accustomed to minimal movement during dinking gatherings.
For a full breakdown of this technique, they can watch the instructional video from Zane Navratil here:
News in Brief: Secret to Better Pickleball Footwork
Pickleball pro Zane Navratil recently introduced the “Anchor Foot” technique, a strategy that highlights keeping one foot planted to improve balance and efficiency during gathering, especially at the kitchen line.
This method helps players stay in control by reducing unnecessary movements and focusing on pivoting around a stable foot. Practicing this footwork can improve players’ range, balance, and reaction time during pickleball games.
ALSO READ: Parris Todd’s Footwork Drill in Pickleball: Transform Your Pickleball Game!
