Volleys Done Right: Paddle Positioning for Precision and Power

In pickleball, mastering the volley begins with maintaining the correct paddle position. A solid ready position, ideally angled at 11 o’clock, helps with both defense and offense, particularly for balls hit towards your body. By keeping the swing short and controlled, players can maximize their accuracy and prevent mishits. Practicing with quick drills inside and outside the kitchen reinforces this technique, allowing players to improve power and precision without sacrificing control.

When focusing on volleys, compact swings are key to preventing errors. Many players tend to use large swings, believing that more power comes from a bigger motion. In reality, the opposite is true. A short, compact swing ensures that the sweet spot of the paddle makes consistent contact with the ball, resulting in more power and accuracy. During practice, players should focus on getting back into the ready position after every shot, which helps with defensive plays.

Another essential aspect of successful volleys is grip strength. When in a volley rally, gripping the paddle slightly harder ensures you generate enough power to counteract the opponent’s shots. This technique becomes especially crucial during faster exchanges when you have less time to react. Whether practicing volleys inside or outside the kitchen, it’s important to maintain focus on keeping the swing short while transitioning quickly back to the ready position.