Catherine Parenteau’s Pro-Level Advice: Catherine Parenteau, one of pickleball’s top professionals, continues to share valuable insights through her instructional content. Her latest lesson focuses on how to master the return of serve, a skill often overlooked but critical for setting up success in a point.
Parenteau emphasizes that a well-placed return can immediately put pressure on opponents, making it harder for them to advance and control the rally.
“I think a lot of people overlook returns. If you mishit a return, you’re on defense right off the bat,”
explained Parenteau.
“But if you hit a strong return, it’s a lot harder for your opponents who are stuck or on the baseline to come forward.”
Key Strategies for an Effective Return
1. Positioning Before the Return
Where a player stands before hitting a return can greatly impact their ability to execute a strong shot.
- Against a strong serve: Stand one to two feet behind the baseline to allow more time for reaction.
- Against a shorter or weaker serve: Stand closer to the baseline to maintain control and take advantage of the positioning.
2. Using the Strongest Shot
Parenteau stresses the importance of playing to one’s strengths.
“I’m going to make sure that the first shot I hit is going to be my strength, so I’m hitting a forehand,” she shared.
For those who favor their backhand, returning with a pickleball backhand is just as effective. The key is to set up a return that feels comfortable and controlled.
Additionally, positioning should favor the strong side, ensuring the return can be executed with confidence and accuracy.
3. The Proper Technique for a Controlled Return
Once the opponent serves, the returner should:
- Perform a split step as the opponent makes contact with the ball.
- Pivot the feet and turn sideways to line up the return.
- Follow through on the shot before advancing to the kitchen line.
Parenteau cautions against the common mistake of running forward while attempting the return.
“A lot of players try to run and hit the ball,” she explained. “That makes it very challenging for your return to be good. You might start mishitting the ball.”
She emphasizes that clean shots require balance and stability, making it essential to stop, hit the ball, and then move forward toward the kitchen line.
4. Placing the Return for Maximum Effectiveness
Parenteau highlights that depth is the most important aspect of the return.
“The number one goal is to hit it as deep as possible. You want to make your opponent’s third shot difficult,” she explained.
For an added strategic edge, targeting an opponent’s weaker side—such as hitting more shots toward their backhand—can increase the chances of forcing errors or weak responses.
5. Adjusting the Return’s Height
Parenteau advises players to adjust the height of their return based on their movement to the kitchen line.
- For extra time to advance: A higher return allows the returner to reach the kitchen more comfortably.
- For greater difficulty for the opponent: A lower return makes it harder for them to execute an aggressive third shot.
At the highest level of pickleball, the best returns are lower in height, forcing opponents to hit upward on their third shot.
“If you need more time to get up to the kitchen line, hit a higher return, but you’re looking for depth too,” Parenteau advised. “Don’t just go for a lob every time.”
Applying These Tips to Improve Performance
By focusing on proper positioning, using the strongest shot, stabilizing before hitting, and returning deep and low, players can gain a significant advantage early in a rally. Parenteau’s advice provides a clear strategy for making the return a weapon rather than just a defensive shot.
With intentional placement and execution, mastering the return of serve can turn the tide of a match and set up a stronger offensive game.
News in Brief: Catherine Parenteau’s Pro-Level Advice
Catherine Parenteau shares expert tips on mastering the return of serve, emphasizing proper positioning, playing to strengths, and hitting deep, well-placed returns. She warns against hitting while running forward, encourages players to target opponent weaknesses, and highlights the advantage of lower returns at higher levels of play. By following these strategies, pickleball players can set themselves up for success on the pickleball court.
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