Connor Garnett’s Kitchen Line Tips: Connor Garnett, ranked World No. 3 in pickleball, has released a new video teaching players how to stop getting stuck in the middle of the court. In the video, Garnett shows how to move forward with confidence and make better shot choices to reach the kitchen line safely and quickly.
In this step-by-step lesson, recorded at The Pickler, Connor Garnett explains the most common mistakes players make and how to fix them. He uses live drills and match play examples to break down the best ways to transition from the middle of the court to the kitchen.
Drops vs. Drives: Knowing the Right Shot
Connor Garnett explains when to hit a drive or a drop shot. He says players need to know the difference and pick the right shot during a game.
“So we’re going to have less time after it. But what I’m using a drive for is either to get an easier next ball to drop and get to the kitchen or if I have a partner that can shake and bake.” – (Garnett)
Drives can also help if the other team struggles with fast shots. For drop shots, Garnett explains they are about control.
“It gives us more time to move up and it forces our opponent to either hit a weaker shot on that next ball because we get it low or they’re going to take an unnecessary risk.” – (Garnett)
Key Techniques to Master
Connor Garnett also explains how to hit better shots with proper form. For drives, players should use their whole body.
“It’s my hips are bringing the paddle out and then the arm goes for the ride. A lot of times people try and use the arm a little too much for power.” – (Garnett)
He adds that players should aim for the other team’s hips using only 60% power. For drop shots, Garnett says players must stay low and in control.
“We’re staying low through it, balancing that cup of water on the head and then not breaking the wrist.” – (Garnett)
He also tells players to let the ball drop before hitting.
“This is something that I talk about a lot but it’s so important and can really help your game.” – (Garnett)
Smart Movement in the Transition Zone
To move up to the kitchen line safely, Garnett says players must watch the ball closely and only move at the right time.
“I really want to emphasize the split step and then moving on a good shot.” – (Garnett)
He shows drills to help players practice this. He warns that moving too fast is risky.
“I see a lot of times people are moving in too quickly without split stepping or without being balanced as they’re hitting this shot.” – (Garnett)
Team Play and Good Communication
Pickleball is a team game, and Garnett says talking with your partner is key.
“This is a team sport. So not giving an indication to your partner whether you hit a good or a bad shot…will help allow your partner to move up with you on those good shots and be a little bit more aware if it isn’t great.” – (Garnett)
He also gives advice on staying in control.
“We want to be balanced on contact and then moving. We don’t want to be in a rush to get to that kitchen.” – (Garnett)
Rec Play Demonstration
To end the video, Connor Garnett plays a game to show all the skills in action. He points out what works and what doesn’t during real play.
“So the four things we’re going to call out in this wreck play are: not moving forward if it’s a good shot, not splitting on our opponent’s contact point, making the right shot selection in the midcourt…and partner communication.” – (Garnett)
He gives live tips during the match.
“We saw Cheyenne kind of stay back there and not scoot up on that good ball taking that ground away. And so there that’s one where Cheyenne was moving through that shot. It was a little bit more attackable. She’s moving as she’s making contact.” – (Garnett)
News in Brief: Connor Garnett’s Kitchen Line Tips
World No. 3 Connor Garnett shares tips to help players stop getting stuck mid-court. In a new video, he explains shot choices, movement, and teamwork. Garnett uses drills and real games to show how to safely reach the kitchen line. His lessons help players improve their overall performance.
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