Don’t Catch Directly in Front — Contact Beside the Body

Summary

All Things Pickleball (with Sammy) shows why catching the ball directly in front limits you — from that spot the paddle mostly goes up, so you can clear the net but you can’t create angles.

A small drop step into a semi-closed stance lets you take the ball more toward the side (for example near the right knee for a righty). Same makeable ball, more directional options offensively.

Key takeaways

• Front-on contact limits you to “up”
• Drop step + semi-closed stance moves contact beside the body
• Side contact unlocks angles

Action items

• In a feed drill, force a drop step before every forehand so contact is beside the knee
• Compare 10 front-catch vs 10 side-catch balls for angle variety