Airborne Shots in Pickleball: In pickleball, the airborne attack is a key pickleball strategy to pressure opponents. When a deep dink is hit too far, players can “punish” their opponents by taking the ball out of the air and attacking it. This approach forces opponents to make riskier shots and can lead to easy points.
When to Use an Airborne Attack
An airborne attack happens when the ball bounces high enough to hit without touching the kitchen line. Steve Dawson, a pickleball professional with 18 major wins, prefers this aggressive strategy over backing up and letting the ball bounce.
He explains that when opponents know a player will attack a high bounce, they are more likely to play riskier dinks. These dinks are prone to mistakes, like falling short into the net or giving an easy target for an aerial attack.
Types of Airborne Attacks
There are two main types of airborne attacks. The first is when the ball is close to the knees but still below the net. Dawson suggests using a topspin shot to make the ball dip quickly, making it harder for opponents to return.
The second type is the favorite of many players, including Dawson. This happens when an opponent mishits a shot, and the ball sits up in the air, easy for a pickleball attack. In this case, the player can smash the ball and finish the rally with a strong shot.
Tactics for Effective Airborne Attacks
Dawson recommends attacking the player directly in front, as an airborne attack delivers speed and power over a short distance. This leaves the opponent with less time to react.
Dawson also stresses that players shouldn’t worry about whether the shot will land on the court. When hit with speed, the ball is hard to dodge, even if it might miss the court.
Disguising the attack is important. If a player’s dink and airborne attack look different, opponents can anticipate the next move. But if both shots appear the same, it becomes much harder for the opponent to predict.
Strategic Use of the Airborne Attack
Dawson reminds players that attacking off a bounce should only happen when the ball sits high enough to be attacked. It’s not about attacking every shot but waiting for the right moment when the opponent’s dink is vulnerable. By making smart choices, players can improve their game and win more points.
News in Brief: Airborne Shots in Pickleball
An airborne attack in pickleball involves hitting a high ball out of the air, putting pressure on opponents. This aggressive pickleball strategy forces risky shots and can lead to easy points. Effective airborne attacks rely on timing, speed, and disguise, helping players capitalize on opponents’ mistakes and win points.
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