Callie Jo Smith on Ball Driving Techniques: Pickleball player Callie Jo Smith recently posted a video on Instagram, sharing pickleball tips on when she chooses to drive the ball rather than drop it during matches. Smith explained the key scenarios where driving the ball gives her an advantage and offers insights for players of all levels.
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Key Scenarios for Driving the Ball
In her video, Smith broke down a couple of key situations where she prefers to drive the ball instead of opting for a drop shot. She explained that if her opponent returns the ball high, she avoids hitting a drop shot because it might feel awkward.
Instead, she takes advantage of the high return by driving the ball back with power, aiming for a shorter return.
Driving When Opponent Is Slow
Smith also shared that if her opponent is slow to approach the kitchen or net after returning the ball, she will drive the ball toward their feet. She explained that this pickleball strategy works particularly well when her opponent is slow to move forward, allowing her to catch them off guard with a low, fast shot that forces them to lift the ball.
“If the person that I’m playing is kind of slow coming up to the kitchen or slow coming to the net, I’m going to drive at that person or do that hybrid or off pace drive to get it at their feet.” – (Callie Jo Smith)
Strategic Advantage for Players
By driving the ball low to her opponent’s feet, Smith can force them into a defensive position, making it easier for her to control the rally. This strategy also helps her take control of the pace and flow of the game.
Her video sparked a discussion among her followers, encouraging them to share their experiences and thoughts on when they prefer to drive the ball over dropping it.
News in Brief: Callie Jo Smith on Ball Driving Techniques
Pickleball player Callie Jo Smith shared insights on Instagram, explaining when to drive the ball rather than use a drop shot. She emphasized two key scenarios: when an opponent returns the ball high, Smith drives it with power to exploit the height, and when an opponent is slow to approach the kitchen or net, she targets their feet with a low, fast drive.
This strategy helps Smith control the rally and forces opponents into a defensive position. Her tips sparked discussions among players, offering valuable guidance for players of all levels aiming to improve their game.
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