Tanner Tomassi Urges Pickleball Players: Tanner Tomassi, a professional pickleball player, recently shared a video explaining why the drop volley is the worst shot in pickleball. He urged players to avoid using it, as it often gives opponents an easy path to the kitchen line, reducing defensive pressure.
In his video, Tomassi emphasized the importance of keeping opponents at the baseline to maintain control during a match.
“Stop doing this. It’s the drop volley that gives your opponents a free ride to the kitchen.” – (Tanner Tomassi)
He added that this shot works only about “1 in every 100 times,” making it an unreliable strategy.
Understanding the Drop Volley
The drop volley involves hitting a soft shot from midcourt, intending to land the ball in the opponent’s kitchen area. While it might seem like a good way to control the pace, Tomassi explained that it often backfires, giving opponents an advantage by allowing them to approach the net easily.
Tomassi suggested that players focus on keeping their opponents pinned at the baseline instead. By hitting deeper shots, players can prevent their rivals from advancing and maintain a stronger defensive position.
When the Drop Volley Might Work
Tomassi acknowledged there are rare situations where the drop volley could be effective.
“The only time the drop volley could be used is if your opponents are really far off the baseline, hitting a ball off their back foot.” – (Tanner Tomassi)
In these instances, the shot might catch opponents off guard, but the risks usually outweigh the rewards.
Expert Advice for Improvement
Tomassi’s video is part of his ongoing effort to educate pickleball players about better strategies. By avoiding low-percentage shots like the drop volley, players can improve their consistency and gain an edge in matches.
“Make them earn it by trying to keep them back!” – (Tanner Tomassi)
Tomassi encouraged his followers, reinforcing the value of smart, calculated play.
Why It Matters
Tomassi’s advice highlights a common pickleball mistake among players of all skill levels. By focusing on higher-percentage plays, players can avoid giving opponents easy opportunities to control the game. His insights offer practical guidance that could help recreational and competitive players elevate their performance.
As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, tips like these from experienced professionals provide valuable tools for improvement. By incorporating Tomassi’s advice, players may find themselves better equipped to handle challenging situations on the court.
News in Brief: Tanner Tomassi Urges Pickleball Players
Tanner Tomassi warns pickleball players to avoid using the drop volley, calling it an unreliable shot that gives opponents easy access to the kitchen line. Instead, he advises focusing on keeping opponents pinned at the baseline to maintain control. His insights emphasize the importance of higher-percentage plays to improve consistency and overall performance.
