Neutralize Reach: Lob or Attack the Open Side

Summary

Richard Pickleball addresses the opponent who creates offense by reaching early and often until nowhere feels safe. Reaching changes the map: some spots get harder, but others open.

Two clean answers: lob while they are leaned in — recovering for the overhead is tough from that posture — or speed up through the middle (or their forehand) when they are stretched on a backhand reach and cannot get the paddle across in time.

Key takeaways

• Reachers open lob and middle/forehand attack lanes
• Lob while they are leaned in; overhead recovery is hard
• Speed up middle or forehand when they are stuck on a backhand reach

Action items

• In games, call ‘reach’ out loud and choose lob or middle attack within one ball
• Drill: partner leans on a backhand reach; you only may lob or speed middle