Kyle Koszuta Pickleball Reset Strategy: Pickleball coach Kyle Koszuta, founder of ThatPickleballSchool, is helping recreational players fix a common problem: panicking from midcourt and trying to hit the ball too hard. His latest training approach focuses on resetting—a soft, controlled shot used to neutralize the point and safely work back to the kitchen line.
Many players struggle when stuck between the baseline and kitchen, especially after missing a third shot drop or falling into a defensive spot. Koszuta advises against swinging harder under pressure, which often makes rallies harder to recover. Instead, he teaches players to remain calm and use soft touches to buy time and shift momentum.
The Value of Resetting in Doubles
Resetting is especially important in doubles, where one player might have to cover for a teammate. Koszuta explains the impact of a good reset when opponents are pressuring the team at the kitchen line.
“This happens all the time. Someone hits a lob or a high dink, and now your team is in a bad position,” said Kyle Koszuta.
He emphasizes that solid resets help players stay in the rally, giving them a better chance to recover and regain court position.
“Your goal with a reset is simple: buy time, neutralize the rally, and earn your way back to the kitchen line—the most dominant position on the court.”
Fixing Common Mistakes in Reset Shots
According to Koszuta, many amateur players make errors during resets by using wrist flicks or big arm swings.
“One of the biggest issues? Players try to flick their wrist or use big arm movements when they’re stuck in transition,” he said.
Koszuta offers several practical tips to correct this:
“Avoid wrist flicks. Most players don’t have the control to flick with consistency.”
“Use two hands. Keeping your off-hand on the paddle adds control and stability.”
“Keep everything in front of you. Whether it’s forehand or backhand, avoid reaching or swinging wildly.”
Rather than hitting with force, he encourages players to think of resetting as a soft lift.
Step-by-Step Training for Better Resets
To help players improve their reset mechanics, Koszuta introduces a clear training progression. He starts with backhand resets and explains the technique in simple terms.
“Start with backhand resets. Most people struggle here,” said Koszuta.
Players are told to use an open paddle face at a 45-degree angle, with a short lifting motion and both hands on the paddle. He also stresses grip control.
“Focus on compact swings. Tuck your elbows, keep your paddle between your shoulders.”
A looser grip allows the paddle to absorb the ball’s pace and lift it softly.
“Create arc, not speed. Soften your grip. A looser hold lets the paddle absorb pace and adds a gentle lift.”
Resetting Is a Mental Game Too
Koszuta also highlights the importance of mindset during resets. He urges players to stay calm and look for soft contact when under pressure.
“Here’s the mindset shift: the moment the ball goes up—whether it’s a lob, a pop-up, or a drive—you should be dropping your paddle and preparing to lift.”
He encourages players to avoid trying to be perfect with every shot.
“If you miss into the net, the point’s over. If you miss a little high, there’s still a chance they mess up their overhead or give you another ball to work with.”
Control Starts with Balance
Koszuta points out that many players make contact while still moving, which leads to mistakes. He teaches players to stop and get balanced before hitting the ball.
“Another overlooked key? Stop moving when you hit.”
He adds that being still during contact increases control and consistency.
“The moment your opponent is about to hit, get balanced. Make contact in a still, controlled position.”
Knowing When to Reset and When to Attack
A key lesson from Koszuta’s training is learning to read the ball. He says the height of the ball should determine whether to reset or attack.
“If the ball is below net height, it’s time to reset. If the ball is above net height—forehead level or higher—you can apply pressure.”
He warns against trying to attack balls that are too low.
“You’ll be hitting up while your opponent is hitting down. That’s a losing exchange.”
Smart shot selection, according to Koszuta, is a sign of advanced play.
“Know when to slow it down. Know when to strike. That’s maturity on the court.”
Resetting Takes Patience
Koszuta helps players understand that getting back to the kitchen doesn’t have to happen all at once.
“One of the breakthroughs we saw was the realization that you don’t have to get back to the kitchen line in one shot.”
He says it’s normal to take two or three resets before stepping forward again.
“Your job isn’t to force your way forward with every ball. Your job is to defend well, create a neutral point, and then work your way back up once you’ve earned it.”
Why the Reset is a Pro-Level Skill
At the professional level, resets are even more important. Koszuta explains that hard shots alone aren’t enough to win points.
“At the pro level, you’d be surprised how many ‘putaways’ come back.”
He says that elite players have great reflexes and court awareness.
“You can’t rely on power alone.”
The ability to reset keeps players in the game, even when they’re pushed back or pressured.
“That’s why being able to reset, stay in the point, and reestablish neutral—even after losing ground—is such a valuable skill.”
In the end, Koszuta reminds players that consistency matters more than power.
“You don’t need to win the point right away. You just need to play one more ball.”
News in Brief: Kyle Koszuta Pickleball Reset Strategy
Pickleball coach Kyle Koszuta is helping players improve their midcourt game by teaching soft resets instead of hard swings. His step-by-step approach focuses on balance, grip, and patience. Koszuta says smart resets help players regain control and return to the kitchen line—the best position for success in pickleball.
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