Take Time Away: Pressure Opponents by Taking Balls Out of the Air

Summary

Tanner says time is the currency of pickleball: take as much of it from your opponents as you can. Do that by stepping in and taking balls out of the air, which gets you an easier, higher next shot.

The key is anticipating which ball you can volley, being out in front, and reaching with your shoulder instead of your wrist. Once opponents know you are a threat to speed up, they start playing more passively.

Key takeaways

• Time is the currency: take it away
• Volley balls you can reach to earn higher next shots
• Reach with the shoulder, no wrist
• A visible speed-up threat makes opponents passive

Action items

• In dink games, try to volley any dink you can reach from the line
• Practice shoulder-only punch volleys against a wall