Powerful Return of Serve Tips by Collin Shick: In the changing landscape of pickleball, where serves are faster and paddles more advanced, mastering the return of serve has become a crucial component of competitive play. For those keen on refining their return game, Collin Shick, a prominent figure in the PPA Tour’s top 20 for Men’s Singles, offers invaluable guidance. His insights can help players at any level enhance their return strategy and elevate their performance on the court.
The Crucial Role of Depth
Depth is paramount when it comes to returning serves effectively. As the game grows more competitive, the ability to place returns deep in the opponent’s court becomes a fundamental skill. A shallow return invites the opponent to advance, making it easier for them to seize control of the net and dictate play.
According to Shick, the goal should be to direct the return to the back one-fifth of the court. This deep placement challenges opponents to play from behind the baseline, making it more difficult for them to execute aggressive third shots or passing shots. Shick emphasizes that to achieve this, players should aim for their opponent’s feet and ensure their paddle follows through to the opposite ear. The swing should be forward and outward, avoiding a straight-up motion that could result in errors.
Minimizing Angles
Reducing the angles available to opponents is another critical aspect of a successful return. In singles play, especially against opponents skilled at hitting passing shots or targeting the kitchen corners, positioning the return toward the center of the court can be advantageous. By focusing returns to the middle, players make it easier to defend against shots from the sides, which tend to be more challenging and precise. Centralizing the return also provides a larger margin for error, improving overall defense and positioning.
Targeting the Weak Side
When facing an opponent with a discernible weakness, targeting that area can provide a strategic advantage. If an opponent is less proficient on one side or struggles with particular shots, directing the return to exploit that weakness can shift the balance of play. However, this approach should complement the primary objectives of depth and angle reduction. A well-placed return that combines these elements will often yield the best results.
Deciding When to Approach or Stay Back
In pickleball singles, the decision to advance to the net or remain at the baseline is influenced by various factors, including the serve’s depth and personal playing style. Men’s singles players frequently choose to move to the net after returning, utilizing the opportunity to apply pressure and control the point. Conversely, women’s singles often see a preference for staying back, focusing on consistent baseline play.
Players should assess their movement speed and comfort with net play when making this decision. The depth of the serve and the subsequent positioning can dictate whether advancing to the net or remaining back is the more effective strategy.
Finding the Right Approach
The art of returning serves in pickleball is not one-size-fits-all. Each player must experiment with different strategies to find what works best for their game. By focusing on the key elements of depth, angle reduction, and exploiting weaknesses, players can refine their return game and enhance their overall performance.
A deep return is always best and reducing angles helps in defending against tough shots. With these principles in mind, players can approach their return of serve with confidence and precision, paving the way for a more effective and enjoyable pickleball experience.
News in Brief: Powerful Return of Serve Tips by Collin Shick
Collin Shick, a top 20 player on the PPA Tour, shares expert tips on mastering the return of serve in pickleball. Emphasizing depth, minimizing angles, and targeting opponents’ weak sides, Shick advises players to place returns deep in the court and centralize them to improve defense.
He also discusses the strategic decision to advance to the net or stay back based on the serve’s depth and personal playing style. These insights are essential for refining return strategies and boosting overall performance.
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