Pickleball’s Biggest Mistake: In pickleball, one shot stands out as particularly ineffective—the drop volley. This shot, which involves playing the ball out of the air and attempting to drop it just over the net, has the lowest success rate. The idea is to have the ball bounce twice before the opponent can reach it, but executing it perfectly is challenging.
To perform it correctly, players need to bend their knees, take the ball out front, and cup it gently like catching a baseball with a mitt. Unfortunately, most players fail in these fundamentals, leading to either a weak shot into the net or a poorly placed ball, giving the opponent an easy return.
The Drop Volley: A Common Misstep at the Atlanta Slam
The drop volley became a talking point during the men’s doubles matches at the CIBC Atlanta Slam, where Dave Fleming, providing commentary, consistently pointed out the shot’s lack of effectiveness. Fleming noted that players repeatedly failed to execute it correctly, often making it a focal point of the matches—and a bit of a running joke. Despite its low success rate, players continued to rely on it, with predictable outcomes.
Why Players Should Ditch the Drop Volley for Better Alternatives
One of the key issues with the drop volley is that there are always better alternatives. For example, if the ball is hit above the net, instead of attempting a delicate drop volley, players can opt for a topspin drive volley. This shot is not only simpler but also more effective, keeping the opponents at bay and providing the player a stronger position in the rally. While the drop volley can occasionally work, it’s a low-percentage shot that often backfires, especially when compared to the consistency of the topspin drive volley.
Lessons from the Pros: Khlif vs. Staksrud
The difference between two elite players, Noe Khlif and Federico Staksrud, perfectly illustrates the risks of overusing the drop volley. Khlif, while highly skilled, often relies too heavily on the shot, leading to frequent misses or giving opponents time to react. Meanwhile, Staksrud opts for a topspin drive volley in similar situations. Though his shot doesn’t always win the point outright, it puts him in a better position to control the rally and win on the next shot. Khlif’s overreliance on the drop volley holds him back, while Staksrud’s strategic approach keeps him ahead.
Conclusion: Follow the Smart Play
If you want to improve your pickleball game, take a page out of Staksrud’s book and follow the advice of experts like Dave Fleming. The drop volley is a high-risk, low-reward shot that rarely pays off. Instead, focus on mastering the topspin drive volley for more consistent results. It may not win the point immediately, but it sets you up to control the game and ultimately secure the win.
News in Brief: Pickleball’s Biggest Mistake
The drop volley is widely considered the worst shot in pickleball due to its low success rate. Players often fail to execute it properly, leading to easy points for opponents. Pros like Federico Staksrud favor the safer and more effective topspin drive volley, which helps control rallies. During the CIBC Atlanta Slam, commentator Dave Fleming repeatedly pointed out the drop volley’s ineffectiveness, urging players to abandon it for smarter shot selections. Emulating top players by reducing the use of drop volleys can significantly improve a player’s game.
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