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Improving Your Pickleball Game: Techniques for the Baseline Shot

Coralie Gourde-Cabot
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In this article, we will focus on an essential technique for pickleball: the blow at the bottom of the short, whether in back or forehand. This technique is crucial to dominate your opponents and improve your global game. Here are detailed tips to perfect your blow at the bottom of the short.


Understand the blow in the background

The coup at the back of the short is the fourth blow of a typical exchange. After a service, a return and a third blow (either a drop or a drive), the fourth blow can be decisive. If you can hit this blow in the air rather than let it bounce, you will have a strategic advantage.


Steps to control the blow in the background

  1. Positioning
    • After returning the service, prepare to move towards the net.
    • Adopt an athletic position with the slightly bent knees and the body weight slightly forward.
  2. Reading the third stroke of the opponent
    • Pay attention to your opponent's third stroke, whether it is a drop or a drive.
    • If possible, anticipate and place yourself to hit the fourth blow in the air.
  3. Socket and handle
    • For a reverse, use a continental socket, similar to a socket for a frisbee throw.
    • For a forehand, use a semi-ouestern or estern socket, according to your preference.
  4. Acceleration and transfer of weight
    • Treat the blow in the background as a frisbee throw. Acceleration and weight transfer are essential.
    • Transfer your weight from your rear foot to your front foot while swinging the racket forward.
  5. Snap of the wrist and top spin
      • Add a wrist snap to increase the upper rotation (top spin) of the ball.
      • A good superior rotation keeps the ball low and making your opponent's return more difficult.

Advice to improve your technique

  1. Practical with a Frisbee
    • Play frisbee to improve your wrist snap and weight transfer.
    • Treat the blows in the background like frisbee throws to feel the necessary acceleration.
  2. Power exercise
    • Start by hitting balls with all your power, trying to send them far.
    • Focus on maximum acceleration and wrist snap before working with precision.
  3. Transition and net at the net
    • Train to move forward quickly to the net after your return from service.
    • Work on the transition between the short background line and the net to improve your transition game.


Conclusion

The coup at the back of the short is an essential component of the pickleball which can make the difference between a successful attack and an effective defense. By following these tips and by practicing regularly, you can improve your game and dominate your opponents. Do not forget to always adapt these techniques to your style of play and your personal preferences. Good luck and have fun on the court!


Source: Selkirk TV

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