Rob Nunnery’s Run-Through Return Technique: Pickleball pro Rob Nunnery shares an important strategy to help players get to the kitchen line faster after returning serve. This pickleball technique, called the “run-through return,” allows players to move quickly while hitting the ball, improving their positioning for the next shot.
Effective Movement for Faster Returns
In a recent YouTube video, Nunnery discusses the crucial importance of reaching the kitchen line quickly after returning serve. He explains that many players make the mistake of starting too close to the baseline, making it difficult to move into position for their first volley. According to Nunnery, a deeper starting position and moving forward during the return are key to getting to the kitchen line in time.
Nunnery stresses that hitting the return from a deeper position, with a short backswing and forward momentum, is far more effective than standing still and trying to move in after the return. This technique ensures that players get to the kitchen line before their opponent can hit their third shot, which is crucial for taking control of the point.
The Run-Through Return Technique
The “run-through return” involves starting from a deep position in the court and moving forward as you hit the ball. By doing this, players can use their forward momentum to reach the kitchen line quickly. This approach reduces the time it takes to position yourself for the next shot and keeps opponents on the defensive.
Nunnery explains that, instead of hitting the ball from the baseline, players should focus on hitting the return while already moving forward. With this strategy, even players who aren’t the fastest can still make it to the kitchen line in time.

Nunnery’s Non-Negotiable Rule
For Nunnery, getting to the kitchen line by the time your opponent hits their third shot is a non-negotiable rule. He believes this technique significantly improves a player’s ability to win points and gain control of the match.
“How many points would you win if you hit every ball from the kitchen line instead of sometimes hitting from further back?”(Rob Nunnery).
He insists that by using the run-through return, players will automatically improve their chances of winning points and better their overall performance.
News in Brief: Rob Nunnery’s Run-Through Return Technique
Rob Nunnery’s advice on the moving return of serve is a game-changer for pickleball players looking to improve their positioning and take control of the game. By incorporating this strategy into their play, athletes can better prepare for their opponent’s third shot and stay in a more aggressive position throughout the match. To further enhance your skills, Nunnery encourages players to subscribe to his channel for more tips and drills.
