Pickleball has a lot of nuances, and one of the most intriguing and effective techniques to level up your game is the “flamingo” stance. If you’ve ever seen a player poised at the non-volley line on one leg, balancing with one foot lifted, you’re witnessing the “flamingo” in action. This move isn’t just about style points—it’s about maximizing reach and gaining a critical edge over your opponent.
Let’s break down what the “flamingo” is, when to use it, how to practice it, and some pitfalls to avoid.
What is the “Flamingo”?
The “flamingo” stance involves balancing on one leg while you lean forward, with your other leg lifted into the air behind you for balance. This stance allows you to reach farther over the kitchen line, enabling you to volley shots that would otherwise be out of reach. By using the “flamingo,” you can make more aggressive plays while staying within the boundaries of the game’s non-volley zone rules.
The flamingo is all about precision. Because players can’t have their feet touching the non-volley zone when hitting a volley, this pose allows them to stretch further while still keeping their feet behind the line. Think of it as an extra inch or two of aggressive reach that can make the difference between staying in control of a point or losing momentum.
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@kevindongpickleball Have you ever hit the flamingo 🦩 shot? It’s my favorite! Quick note: it is most commonly useful when hitting 4th shots (or any shot when your opponent is still transitioning to the kitchen line). Paddle: @Crush Pickleball (use KD15 for 15% off) Follow for more pickleball highlights, tips, and clips #pickleball #pickleballhighlights #propickleball #pickleballaddict #pickleballtournament #pickleballmemes #pickleballtips #pickleballathlete #kevindongpickleball #kevindong #crushpickleball #teamcrush #coachbmac #tristanshaw #philgruber ♬ original sound – Kevin Dong Pickleball
When to Use the “Flamingo” Technique
The “flamingo” isn’t a move you’ll be using all the time, but there are specific moments when it’s particularly advantageous:
- When you want to stay on the offensive: If you see an incoming shot that you know you can attack but it’s just beyond comfortable reach, the flamingo lets you get that extra stretch.
- To take away time from your opponents: Leaning in and volleying the ball before it bounces gives your opponents less time to react, putting them on the defensive.
- In fast-paced net rallies: The flamingo can help you keep the pressure on by volleying shots that would otherwise bounce, maintaining control of a quick rally.
How to Practice the Flamingo Technique
Like most advanced pickleball moves, the flamingo requires balance and control. Here are a few tips for practicing it:
Balance Drills: Work on standing on one foot and extending the opposite leg behind you, similar to the yoga pose called Warrior III. This helps strengthen the muscles you need to maintain stability while executing the flamingo on the court.
Wall Drills: Stand behind a line (as if it’s the kitchen line), practice balancing on one foot, and use a paddle to tap a ball against the wall. This helps simulate the feeling of leaning forward for volleys while balancing.
Slow Practice with a Partner: Practice with a partner by taking turns sending balls to each other that can only be reached using the flamingo. This lets you feel the difference in reach and helps develop confidence in using this move in real matches.
Here’s another great Flamingo shot:
3 Pitfalls to Avoid
While the “flamingo” can be a game-changer, it’s essential to use it wisely and avoid common pitfalls:
- Overuse: The flamingo is a situational technique. Overusing it can lead to poor court positioning, making it difficult to recover for the next shot. Save it for when you’re going on the offensive.
- Momentum Control: One of the biggest risks is allowing your momentum to carry you into the non-volley zone after the shot. This results in a fault. Always ensure you’re balanced enough to stay out of the Kitchen after making contact.
- Losing Stability: Leaning too far or misjudging your balance can cause you to lose control, which can mean a missed shot or an easy point for your opponent. Practice gradually, and ensure you feel comfortable before using it in a real game.
Is the Flamingo Right for You?
The flamingo is best suited for players at skill levels 3.0 to 4.5 and above who are comfortable at the non-volley line and already have a solid offensive strategy. Beginners may find this technique challenging due to the balance and control required, but practicing the fundamentals of balance will help you incorporate it over time.
If you’re just starting with pickleball, focus on perfecting your positioning at the non-volley line and learning when to volley versus when to let the ball bounce. Once you feel confident with these basics, you can gradually start experimenting with the flamingo to extend your reach and improve your offensive play.
Key Takeaways
The Flamingo technique is your secret weapon for gaining an edge at the net—extra reach, no NVZ rules broken, and total control. With some balance drills and strategic timing, you’ll be ready to dominate key moments. Need that extra inch at the net?
Channel your inner Flamingo and take your game up a notch. Give it a shot—it might just be the game-changer you’ve been looking for!
