Here’s something most of us know: If you’re hanging back at the baseline, you’re probably losing points. Yet, most intermediate players at local clubs rarely rush to the kitchen line—the spot where pros dominate.
So, why do so many players stay back?
Why Staying Back Is a Losing Strategy
Pickleball is all about controlling the kitchen. The team that gets to NVZ first holds the advantage. Being at the kitchen cuts down on the angles your opponents can hit, reduces the court you have to cover, and gives you the best chance to hit shots at their feet—leading to more forced errors.
Yet, many players avoid moving up, either because they’re not coached to do it or they feel safer at the baseline, relying on power shots. But here’s the kicker: power players get crushed by advanced players. Why? Because at higher levels, opponents can easily return those hard shots, making them a liability.
The Fear Factor: Why Players Don’t Rush the Net
A lot of players feel uncomfortable at the net. It’s understandable—up close, the game speeds up. There’s a fear of getting hit or losing control in dink rallies. But this mindset is what keeps you stuck at the 3.0 to 3.5 level. Dinking and third-shot drops are harder to master than power drives, but they’re crucial if you want to elevate your game.
Here’s the hard truth: staying back is easy. Moving up takes skill, patience, and practice. The pros like Andrei Dadescu and Anna Leigh Waters aren’t just rushing the net for fun—they’re doing it because 75% of points are won at the kitchen line.
Why Pros Dominate the Net—and You Should Too
If you watch the pros, they’re always working their way up to the kitchen. The closer you are to the net, the more dangerous your shots become. The angles open up, and you can attack with confidence. Every step you take toward the net reduces the chance your opponent has to lob or pass you.
Still not convinced? Consider this: every foot you’re behind the kitchen line is another opportunity for your opponent to place a shot you can’t return. That’s why you see pros fighting for the NVZ from the very first rally. They know it’s where the game is won.
Just check out Anna Bright and Andrei Dadescu versus Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters—watch how they rush to the net right after the serve:
Stop Waiting for the Perfect Drop
One of the biggest mistakes intermediate players make is waiting for the perfect third-shot drop to move up. The reality? You don’t need the perfect drop.
Even a good enough drop is your cue to start creeping forward. If your drop isn’t great, follow it up with a fifth-shot drop. The key is to inch your way up, not hang back waiting for the ideal moment.
Is the “Power Game” Overrated?
Yes, hitting hard from the baseline can win you points—against beginners. But against advanced players, bangers (those who rely solely on power) lose. Why? Because they’re predictable, and seasoned players have fast hands and reset skills to neutralize power.
The kitchen game is about patience, soft hands, and forcing mistakes through control, not raw strength.
How to Start Owning the Kitchen
- Stop fearing the net: Start practicing third-shot drops and soft dinks in your warmups. Get comfortable playing closer to the net.
- Commit to moving up: After your return or third shot, make a point to inch toward the NVZ. Don’t hang back hoping for a perfect opportunity—create it.
- Watch your opponents’ body language: When they’re forced to hit a low shot, that’s your cue to move up. A low shot means they’ll have to hit soft, giving you time to advance.
The Bottom Line
Staying back may feel safer, but it’s a losing strategy in the long run. If you want to take your game to the next level, you need to get comfortable at the net. The kitchen is where the action happens, and the sooner you make that shift, the faster you’ll start winning more points.
So, are you ready to stop hanging back and start dominating at the net? It’s time to change your game and make the kitchen your new home. 🎾
