Stop Sprinting to the Kitchen: Treat the Transition Zone as a Journey

Summary

Troy Akin contrasts a 4.0-plus player, who is happy to hit one, two or three balls to earn the way to the kitchen, with a typical 3.5 who sprints up and hits the transition ball off balance, often popping it up.

After a good third-shot drop, move forward but get balanced and split-step as the next ball is about to come over, so you can hit the reset with firm, low feet instead of on the run.

Key takeaways

• The transition zone is a journey, not a race
• Split-step before the opponent’s contact
• Reset with firm, low feet
• Rushing in leads to off-balance pop-ups

Action items

• Drill third-shot drop, move, split-step, reset
• Give yourself permission to take two or three balls to reach the line
• Notice whether you’re still moving when your opponent hits