Handle Short Returns with a Push, Not a Roll
Summary
Richard Pickleball looks at short returns, the ones that force you to move up. Because the ball is lower and you have less space, trying to roll it often puts you on top of the ball and into the net.
Instead he opens the paddle face a little and pushes through the ball. That gets him under it so he clears the net, without the pop-up that a big lift would create.
Key takeaways
- Short returns leave less room for a roll
- Pushing with a slightly open face clears the net more safely
- The goal is under the ball without popping it up
Action items
- Have a partner feed short returns and hit only push third shots
- Film a few and check whether you’re rolling or pushing