Split-Step as They Hit: When You Come In Off a Drop, Land Ready to Counter

Summary

Briones Pickleball Breakdown looks at the synchronization of split steps as players drop and come in. They’re looking for a ball that will descend into the opponents’ non-volley zone. If they get that — and get the opponents to step off the line, as Jack Munro does in the clip — both players can make progress. That’s what’s so good about a quality third-shot drop.

Then watch the timing: right as Jack is hitting his next shot, before anyone knows whether he’ll speed up or dink, the pair at the net is already in the act of their split. They both land ready for the counter if they need it.

Key takeaways

• A third-shot drop that descends into their kitchen can make them step off the line so you both make progress coming in
• Synchronize the split as you approach — don’t run through the next ball
• Be in the act of the split as they hit, whether it’s a speed-up or a dink, so you land ready to counter

Action items

• On your next 10 third-shot drops, watch whether the ball makes them step off the line before you keep coming in
• As you approach, time a split to their contact and freeze: you should be landed and ready, not still running