Short-Hop Midcourt Defense: Aim Between Their Feet
Summary
Richard Pickleball says midcourt short hops go wrong when you pick the wrong landing spot. Aiming middle lets the attacker lunge in and generate pace. Going forward or really wide runs into a higher net.
The high-percentage target is right between the opponent’s feet. The reply they can hit from there is hard to attack, which keeps you in the point instead of feeding the next putaway.
Key takeaways
- Short-hop target = between the attacker’s feet
- Middle and wide/forward targets raise pace or net height against you
- A ball at their feet is hard for them to attack cleanly
Action items
- Have a partner feed midcourt attacks and only allow short hops aimed at their feet
- Film one basket and count how often your short hop lands between the feet vs middle