Megan Fudge’s Secret to Winning Pickleball Rallies: In pickleball, staying in control of a rally can often mean the difference between winning and losing a point. Recognizing this, professional pickleball player Megan Fudge DeHeart recently shared a valuable pickleball drill on her Instagram that focuses on an essential skill: knowing when to reset the attack during a rally.
The drill, dubbed “Recognize the Reset,” emphasizes the importance of awareness and decision-making amid a fast exchange, often referred to as a “firefight” in pickleball terms. DeHeart encourages players to “put their glasses on”—a playful nudge to stay sharp and observant—and understand when to reset the attack using a technique she calls “catch and release.”
The concept is straightforward: if a drill partner strikes the ball downward, it signals the need to brace for a reset. The goal is to neutralize the partner’s advantage by catching the ball softly and controlling its return, thereby breaking their aggressive momentum. Conversely, if a player manages to maintain control of the ball’s height or even creates an opportunity to hit downward, DeHeart advises staying aggressive and “in the fight.” However, once the player’s shot lifts and allows the opponent to hit from high to low, it’s time to catch and release, resetting the rally to regain control.
View this post on Instagram
This drill, according to DeHeart, is about more than just reacting; it’s about anticipating the next move and adjusting accordingly. The reset is not just a defensive play, but a strategic choice to prolong the rally and wait for a more favorable position.
“Happy drilling!” she concludes, reminding players that improvement in pickleball, like in any sport, comes from diligent practice and a deep understanding of the game’s variations.
News in Brief: Megan Fudge’s Secret to Winning Pickleball Rallies
Professional pickleball player Megan Fudge DeHeart shared a key drill on Instagram called “Recognize the Reset,” focusing on controlling rallies by knowing when to reset the attack. The drill emphasizes awareness during fast-paced exchanges, or “firefights.” DeHeart advises players to “catch and release” when their opponent strikes downward, softening the ball to neutralize their advantage and regain control.
The technique encourages strategic thinking, prolonging rallies for better positioning. DeHeart’s training insights, which highlight mental sharpness and decision-making, continue to resonate with the pickleball community, helping players refine their skills and elevate their game.
ALSO READ: Megan Fudge DeHeart’s Epic Transformation: From Ironman to Pickleball Pioneer
