Kyle Koszuta’s Pickleball Return Tips: Kyle Koszuta shared key tips on where to place returns in pickleball to win more points. In a recent session, Koszuta explained three smart places to hit the ball back after a serve, helping players force more side-outs and create confusion between opponents.
Hit Returns to the Middle to Force Mistakes
Koszuta said the first spot to aim for is the middle of the court. “I don’t know who needs to hear this but it’s important to consider where you’re returning the ball in pickleball,” Koszuta said. “Hit the ball to the middle of the court. Serve comes to you, return goes there.”
He explained that sending the ball to the middle forces both players to decide who will take the shot. “If you make teams communicate enough with each other you know they won’t,” he added. This often leads to missed shots and easy points.
Target the Left Foot to Pressure Opponents
The second target Koszuta recommended is the left foot of the opponent on the right side of the court. “Hit the ball towards this player’s left foot,” he said. “Because one, this is often if this is a righty right here — good handwriting that is — this player’s backhand.”
Koszuta noted that this placement forces a decision: either the player has to reach for the backhand, or the partner might have to help. “Again, a decision and sometimes that can lead to confusion,” he explained. “And again confusion leads to good things for you.”

Aim for the Backhand to Reduce Attack Strength
The third option Koszuta shared was to attack the opponent’s backhand side. “Hit the ball towards this player’s backhand as well,” he said. “Same reason: weaker backhands mean they’re not going to hit as good of a shot towards you.”
Koszuta pointed out that if the players are reversed, the strategy changes. “If these people are reversed, this player right here is the one returning, then I probably wouldn’t hit this target as much ’cause it’s just a harder ball,” he said.
Why This Advice Matters for Players
Koszuta’s simple tips highlight how smart ball placement can quickly change a pickleball match. Making opponents guess and communicate under pressure often leads to mistakes. Players can use these return tips to win more side-outs and take control of games. More players are expected to practice these strategies to improve.
News in Brief: Kyle Koszuta’s Pickleball Return Tips
Kyle Koszuta shared three smart pickleball return targets: the middle of the court, the opponent’s left foot, and their backhand. His tips focus on causing confusion and weak returns to earn more side-outs. Players are encouraged to apply these tactics to improve their games and win more points.
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