Pro Pickleball Return Strategy: A growing number of professional pickleball players are adopting a new approach to returning serves, moving away from underspin in favor of powerful, driven shots. This shift is designed to make returns more difficult for opponents to handle, giving the returning player a strategic advantage.
A Shift in Strategy
Traditionally, players relied on an underspin return, using a slice motion to create backspin. This method allowed for longer hang time, providing extra seconds to advance to the kitchen line. However, top professionals are now favoring a flatter, faster return, similar to a topspin forehand drive, which limits their opponents’ ability to control the next shot.
Why the Driven Return Works
The primary advantage of the driven return is that it forces opponents into uncomfortable positions. When the ball comes in faster and lower, it pushes opponents back, making their next shot harder to execute. Pro player John Cincola explains, “When the ball comes in and bounces, it’s much tougher for your opponents to handle.”
While the underspin return offers more time to move forward, it also allows the ball to sit up, making it easier for opponents to set up an effective response. Additionally, an underspin return unintentionally provides opponents with free topspin, which helps them generate aggressive shots with better net clearance and control.
Mastering the New Return
Adopting the driven return requires a few adjustments. Players should focus on a low-to-high groundstroke motion, aiming for a flat or slightly topspin shot. Forward movement through the shot is key, ensuring a strong return with momentum. Cincola suggests a simple drill to develop this technique:
“Start with your forehand groundstroke. Drop the ball and try to brush up the back of it. Now add a “load step.” Shift your weight to your right foot (if you’re hitting a forehand), drop the ball out in front, then push off and run through the shot. That’s your motion for returning the serve.” – (john Cincola)
When to Use the Old Return Style
Despite the advantages of the driven return, there are situations where the traditional underspin return might still be effective. Players with limited mobility or those unwinding a stack formation may benefit from the extra time a floaty return provides.
However, even in these cases, professionals recommend avoiding excessive backspin. Instead, a higher, neutral swing can still offer extra time while keeping the return difficult for opponents.
Impact on the Game
As more players adopt this new return strategy, the pace and intensity of professional pickleball matches continue to evolve. The driven return in pickleball puts additional pressure on opponents, making defensive play more challenging.
Amateurs looking to improve their game may benefit from integrating this pickleball technique into their repertoire, following the lead of top professionals.
News in Brief: Pro Pickleball Return Strategy
Pro pickleball players are shifting from underspin to driven returns for better control and pressure on opponents. This new strategy limits floaty returns, reduces opponents’ attacking options, and increases the difficulty of the next shot. Experts suggest practicing forward momentum and a flat swing for optimal results.
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