Master the Art of Pickleball Serve Returns: Pickleball player John Cincola recently shared practical tips for returning serves, focusing on how players can strike the right balance between control and positioning. In a video, he explained how today’s game has evolved and why both shot quality and movement to the net matter during the return.
Finding the Right Balance
Cincola pointed out two key goals for every return: reaching the kitchen line and hitting a solid return. “There’s a balance that we have to strike,” he said, referring to how players must choose between shot quality and movement.
How Serve Returns Have Changed
According to Cincola, players used to focus more on getting to the net. “Four or five years ago the priority was put more on getting to the kitchen line,” he said.
To do that, many players used slice returns with “a little bit of a float” so they had more time to move up. These returns had less power but gave players a chance to get in a better position.
Power Versus Position
Hitting a faster return can come at a cost. “The harder we hit the ball… the bigger swing we take, all of those things could sacrifice our ability to get to the kitchen line quickly,” Cincola explained.
His advice suggests players should think carefully about how hard they swing and when to take risks.
Teaching New Players What Matters Most
Cincola’s tips are useful for beginners and experienced players. He wants players to understand that the speed of the ball and how fast they move are important. His goal is to help others make smarter choices during returns.
News in Brief: Master the Art of Pickleball Serve Returns
John Cincola shared smart tips on pickleball serve returns, showing how players must choose between hitting a strong shot and reaching the kitchen line quickly. He explained how strategies have changed and why balance matters. The video gives clear, helpful advice for players looking to improve positioning and shot control.
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