Pickleball Transition Zone Mastery Tips: Professional pickleball player Catherine Parenteau has revealed four simple but important tips to help players improve their transition zone play. In a recent video filmed in partnership with Pickleball Central, Parenteau explained how stopping movement, using the right stance, adjusting paddle height, and keeping the paddle in front can make a big difference.
Parenteau’s video was shared to help players become more confident and controlled when moving from the baseline to the kitchen. She spoke from experience and aimed her advice at beginner and intermediate players.
Stop Moving Before the Opponent Hits
Catherine Parenteau started by explaining how many players make the mistake of rushing to the kitchen line after hitting their third shot. She said it’s important to stop moving before the opponent hits their return.
“You want to stop once you hit your third shot drop or drive. You want to make sure that you stop whenever your opponents are about to hit the following shot.” – (Parenteau)
She added that moving while the opponent hits the ball can make it harder to change direction. Stopping helps players stay balanced and ready to move left or right depending on where the ball goes.
Use a Baseball Catcher Stance
The second tip focused on how players should position their bodies during transition. Catherine Parenteau compared the correct stance to a baseball catcher’s position.
“If you want to think of a baseball catcher, that’s when…they’re pretty wide here, wide base…they’re always trying to protect the ball with their bodies.” – (Parenteau)
This wide stance helps players move quickly in either direction and keeps them stable when hitting their next shot. Parenteau suggested bending the knees, staying low, and leaning forward with weight on the front foot.
Keep the Paddle Lower
Next, Catherine Parenteau advised players to hold their paddle lower when in the transition zone. She explained that since opponents often aim at the feet in this area, it helps to be prepared.
“You’re not at the kitchen anymore…so you don’t need to expect the ball coming straight to your face…You want to expect the ball to be lower towards your feet.” – (Parenteau)
Parenteau also noted that a lower paddle position makes it easier to let out balls go by. Keeping the paddle high might make players hit shots that would have gone out otherwise.
Keep the Paddle in Front
In her final tip, Catherine Parenteau emphasized the importance of paddle position. Many players tend to pull their paddle back while moving forward, which can cause mistakes.
“You want to make sure you keep your paddle out in front…By taking the paddle back, it’s very hard to know…are you hitting the ball in the sweet spot?” – (Parenteau)
She reminded players that backswings can cause too much power and make it harder to control soft shots. Keeping the paddle out in front helps with accuracy and control during play.
Light-Hearted Finish and Final Thoughts
Catherine Parenteau ended her video on a fun note, with a few bloopers and laughs while trying to record the final message.
“Thanks for watching. I hope you enjoyed these four tips on how to master your transition zone. I’m getting nervous…Thanks guys for watching my video. I hope this is going to help you, uh, this help you with your game…Mastering your transition…transition…mastering your transition zone.” – (Parenteau)
Why These Tips Matter
Parenteau’s four tips can help players of all levels feel more confident while moving up the court. By focusing on footwork, body position, and paddle control, players can improve their transition game — a part of pickleball that is often overlooked. Her advice is easy to follow and meant to help players stay balanced, prepared, and in control during important moments in a rally.
News in Brief: Pickleball Transition Zone Mastery Tips
Catherine Parenteau, in partnership with Pickleball Central, shared four easy tips to improve transition play: stop before the opponent hits, use a wide stance like a catcher, hold the paddle low, and keep it in front. These tips aim to help players gain control and confidence while moving toward the kitchen line.