Tipbit #44 – Defending the Smash

 

The best strategy in hitting an overhead is to aim for an open spot on your opponent's court, ideally targeting the area near their feet and try to directed it at the closes opponent who has less time to react. Now, as a defender there are several keys to Defending the Smash from being a winner.

 

First of all you want to be low, knees bent, and paddle down. That way you can dig the ball back up after it bounces. When you're retreating to field their overhead, don't turn and run, backpedal. Keep your eyes forward and retreat as deep as you can before the ball reaches your opponent. Then, just before your opponent hits the ball, it's imperative that you split step. Give up one or two of your steps back in retreat to ensure you get your split step in. This split step not only halts your backward momentum, but it gets you back on balance and ready to move in any direction

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Next you need to try to read the angle of the upcoming smash. That can best be done by reading the face of their paddle just as they prepare to strike the ball. That gives you the needed split second to get a jump on their ball. If they’re taking their smash from somewhere near their sideline (X), try to position yourself to cut off the angle (X) of
the smash by moving horizontally across the court and communicate with your partner to move horizontally with you. If they’re observing your court position that might force them to then try to hit directly down the line, a much tougher overhead (high part of the net, shorter court and with less margin for error). See below pic.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Try to use triple vision as you react to their overhead, if they stay back after hitting their smash, then try to drive the ball at their feet. If they retake the net then your goal is to land a drop in the kitchen that allows you and your partner to advance back to the NVZ.  But, if you’re pinned back near the baseline, your best bet might be sending back lobs until you get something softer you can work with.

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 Aim your defensive lobs deep and in the middle of the court. My thought here is that it will cut down on their ability to hit a sharp angle off the overhead; which cuts down on the amount of court you and your partner have to defend.

 

                 Just remember, if you can’t laugh while playing pickleball, you’re doing it wrong.
                                      C’ ya on the Greenwood courts. President Lueck