Hey pickleball enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into one of the most crucial yet often overlooked aspects of pickleball – nailing the timing for your hitting position when it comes to soft shots like dinks and drops.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your intermediate skills, this guide will help you understand how to prepare your hitting position early, ensuring consistent and controlled soft shots.

Early Preparation is Key

One common mistake many beginners and intermediate players make is waiting until the last second to prepare their hitting position. This can lead to rushed shots and inconsistent performance.

The pros, on the other hand, know the importance of early preparation. They set their paddle face early, simplifying the timing and allowing for a smooth, controlled shot.

Paddle Positioning

To hit a consistent drop or dink, you need to prep your paddle early. Here’s a simple routine to follow:

1. Get to the Ball: Move quickly to where the ball is going to be.
2. Set Your Feet: Ensure you’re balanced and ready to hit.
3. Hold Your Paddle Ready: Position your paddle correctly before making contact with the ball.

By eliminating unnecessary backswing, you can focus on a smooth follow-through, ensuring your soft shots land precisely where you want them.

Check out the video below to see pickleball pro player and Dylan Goldman demonstrate this technique:

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A post shared by Dylan Goldman (@dylgold_pb)

Explore more game-changing techniques in videos shared by our pro player friends:

• Unlock Insane Power and Spin with This Wrist Lag Trick
• Pros’ Choice: Block or Punch Volleys?
• Hitting with Your Hips: A Key to Better Pickleball Shots

The Ready Position

To get into the hitting position early, you need to nail your ready position. Think of it like a baseball player waiting for a pitch or a football player at the line of scrimmage – slightly bent knees, paddle out in front, and ready to react. Here’s how you can perfect it:

1. Knees Slightly Bent: Stay low for better balance and quicker reactions.
2. Paddle Out Front: Hold your paddle in front of your chest, with your elbow slightly bent. This position allows you to move the paddle left or right quickly.
3. Grip and Wrist: Keep your wrist locked and your grip loose. Imagine someone could easily take the paddle from your hand; this ensures you’re not too tense.
4. Slight Backhand Angle: Point your paddle slightly towards your backhand side, about 11 o’clock if you’re right-handed, or 1 o’clock if you’re left-handed.

As one seasoned player advised, “If your paddle is down by your legs, you’re an easy target since you’ll need to lift it to chest height before making your next shot. Keeping the paddle in front of your body allows you to quickly move it left or right, making you more agile and prepared.”

Adjusting Paddle Position

Your paddle position can vary depending on the situation. Here are three key factors to consider:

1. Offense or Defense: On defense, favor a backhand position to block shots. On offense, keep your paddle facing forward, ready for a quick reaction.
2. Distance from Opponents: If your opponents are close, lean towards a backhand position for quick defense. If they’re further away, you have more time to react, so keep your paddle forward.
3. Ball Direction: If the ball is coming from directly in front of you, prepare for a speed-up shot with a backhand position. If it’s coming from cross-court, be ready to attack with a forward paddle position.

Paddle Height

Finally, consider the height of your paddle. Adjust it based on the ball’s trajectory and your opponent’s positioning.

For instance, if your opponent is hitting up from a low position, keep your paddle higher. Conversely, if they’re striking from above, lower your paddle accordingly.

How Early Positioning Transforms Anyone’s Pickleball Game

Getting into the hitting position early has been a game-changer for anyone I know who tried it. Trust me, mastering the timing and positioning for those soft shots isn’t just about skill—it’s about preparation.

One tip that really made a difference for me is always anticipating the ball’s trajectory. By predicting where the ball will go, you can get into the perfect position ahead of time, which gives you a crucial edge. Practicing this anticipation along with maintaining a low, balanced stance has made my dinks and drops more consistent and effective.

So, next time you’re on the court, focus on getting ready early and see how much your game improves. It worked for me, and I’m confident it will work for you too!

The featured image in this article is courtesy of the APP.