The Fourth Shot in Pickleball Doubles: In pickleball doubles, the fourth shot can change the pace of a rally. According to John Cincola of John Cincola Pickleball, many amateur players miss the chance to play aggressively at this crucial moment. Understanding the best approach can help players maintain control and pressure their opponents.
Choosing the Right Fourth Shot
After returning a serve, the receiving team moves toward the kitchen line, expecting a third shot drop. Players have three main options for their response.
Reach In and Volley:
Cincola recommends taking the ball out of the air when possible. “A roll volley lets you apply pressure and keep your opponents back,” he said. If done correctly, this shot can win the point before opponents reach the net.
The Half Volley:
If the third shot drop is too strong to volley, players may have to take a half volley. However, this defensive shot is not ideal. “This shot can’t be aggressive—it’s soft, with upward motion—so you’re usually giving up the kitchen line,” Cincola explained.
The Step Back Approach:
An underused but effective option is to take a quick step back and let the ball bounce. This allows players to hit an aggressive topspin groundstroke. “It creates threat, time, spin, and pace,” Cincola said.
Why the Step Back Works
The goal for the receiving team is to maintain their advantage at the net. A half volley often results in losing that position, while stepping back helps keep control.
Cincola also highlighted the strategy of baiting opponents. “If they’re in transition and you speed it up, they might fire back. That’s fine—if you’re at the kitchen line and they’re not, you’ve got the high ground,” he said, referencing a famous movie quote: “It’s over, Anakin. I have the high ground.”
Executing the Step Back
Cincola outlined five key steps to perform this move successfully:
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Recognize the ball – If it has a high arc, step back.
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Drop the outside foot – This creates space and better positioning.
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Get the paddle tip under the ball – Staying low helps with lift.
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Use a compact topspin swing – Snap up and finish in the ready position.
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Prepare for a counterattack – Stay alert in case the opponent fires back.
When to Avoid the Step Back
This technique works best when the receiving team controls the rally. However, if the return is short, opponents can move in quickly and force a softer shot. In such cases, players may need to use a half volley and adjust their strategy.
Cincola encouraged players to practice these techniques and apply them in their matches. “That’s all I’ve got. Hope you enjoyed the article. Don’t forget to screenshot this breakdown so you’ve got it handy next time you hit the court,” he said.
News in Brief: The Fourth Shot in Pickleball Doubles
Pickleball coach John Cincola explains the importance of the fourth shot in doubles. He highlights three options: volleying, half volleying, or stepping back for a groundstroke. Cincola emphasizes the step-back technique as a powerful strategy for keeping control at the net and applying pressure on opponents.
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