Play smarter, not harder: how to keep the ball low in pickleball?

Playing pickleball requires a diverse set of skills, including the ability to hit shots at various heights. While high shots can be effective in certain situations, keeping the ball low is an essential component of the game.

Low-ball shots are those that are hit closer to the ground and have a lower trajectory. They can be used both offensively and defensively, making them crucial for any pickleball player.

In this article, we will teach you to keep the ball low while playing pickleball.

By the end of this article, you will have a deeper understanding of the importance of keeping the ball low in pickleball and the skills required to master them.

Understanding the basics of low shots

To master keeping the ball low in pickleball, it’s important to start with the basics. There are some key elements to consider.

To keep the ball low means to hit closer to the ground for a lower trajectory than high shots (pop-ups). This type of shot is hit with a backspin, causing the ball to bounce low and stay close to the net.

This offers several advantages. It can be used to keep the ball in play for longer periods, force the opponent to move closer to the net and create fewer opportunities for successful aggressive plays for your opponent.

Keeping the ball low can also be effective in disrupting an opponent’s rhythm and forcing errors.

Highball shots, on the other hand, are hit with topspin and have a higher trajectory. They can be used to hit winners and put the opponent on the defensive. However, they are also more difficult to control and can be easier for the opponent to anticipate and return.

Understanding the basics is crucial to developing a well-rounded game. In the next section, we will explore the techniques involved in keeping the ball low.

Techniques for how to keep the ball low in pickleball

Hitting a successful low shot requires a combination of proper technique and strategy. There are some key techniques to focus on when you keep the ball low.

Grip and stance adjustments

One of the most important aspects of hitting a successful drop shot is adjusting your grip and stance. Your grip should be under the proper paddle angle, firm but relaxed, with the paddle held in a “continental” grip.

This grip involves holding the paddle under the proper paddle angle with the thumb and index finger on the handle, and the remaining fingers wrapped around the paddle’s edge. This grip allows for greater control over the paddle and helps you generate the necessary backspin to hit a drop shot.

Your stance is also crucial when you keep the ball low in pickleball. You should position yourself slightly closer to the opponent’s court than you would for a high-ball shot, with your weight shifted onto your front foot.

To execute the shot into the strike zone, bring the paddle back with a slight bend in your elbow, and then extend your arm forward while rotating your wrist to create the backspin necessary for a low shot.

With these adjustments, you’ll know how to keep the ball low in pickleball successfully in no time!

Timing and contact point considerations

In addition to grip and stance adjustments, timing and contact point are key factors to consider when using a proper low-shot swing technique.

Timing is crucial because hitting the attackable ball at the right moment allows you to make contact with it when it is at its lowest point, just before it starts to rise to its highest point. This allows a pickleball player to generate the backspin necessary for a low trajectory.

To achieve the right timing for your net height and for the particular situation, it’s important to start your forward swing just as the ball reaches the highest point of its bounce without hitting the ball early or too late.

This means that you need to anticipate the ball’s trajectory, position yourself accordingly, and generate power. As the ball approaches, shift your weight onto your front foot and prepare to swing.

When making contact with the attackable ball, aim to hit it slightly behind your body to generate the necessary backspin.

This means that you should contact the attackable ball on the right pickleball paddle angle, with your wrist slightly flexed to create the desired spin. Keep your paddle face angled slightly downwards to help guide the ball toward the ground.

To maximize your success when you keep the ball low, it’s important to practice timing and contact point without hitting the ball early or too late. Work on anticipating the ball’s trajectory and adjusting your position accordingly.

Experiment with hitting the ball at different points in your swing to find the ideal timing for the game situation and net height, and contact point for generating backspin and a low trajectory. With practice, you’ll be able to execute low shots into the strike zone with ease and precision.

Shot selection strategies

When you need to keep the ball low in pickleball, shot selection is just as important as grip and stance adjustments and timing and contact point.

One swing technique to keep the ball low is to target your opponent’s feet. This can make it difficult for them to return the ball effectively and force them to hit a weaker shot.

Another strategy is to hit a low shot into the strike zone as a counter to your opponent’s high-ball shot. If your opponent hits a high-ball shot, it may be difficult for you to hit a winner, as the ball will have a higher trajectory and be easier to return.

Instead, consider hitting a low shot to keep the ball in play and force your opponent to make another shot.

Finally, low shots can also be effective in setting up volleys and putaway. If you hit a low shot that forces your opponent to hit a weak return, you can follow up with a quick volley or putaway shot into the strike zone to win the point.

To master shot selection strategies for keeping the ball low, it’s important to pay attention to your opponent’s movements and give them fewer attackable balls.

Practice performing low shots to different areas of the court and observe how your opponent responds. With practice and experience, you’ll be able to make effective shot selections and use low shots to your advantage in every game.

Practicing low shots

Now that we’ve covered the basics of low shots and the techniques involved in executing them successfully, it’s time to focus on practice.

Improving your low shot accuracy requires dedication and practice, and there are several drills and exercises you can use to hone your skills.

Drills and exercises to improve low shot accuracy

To improve your accuracy and consistency in performing low shots, there are several drills and exercises you can incorporate into your practice routine.

“Bounce back” drill

This drill involves hitting the ball against a wall or backboard and aiming to hit the ball so that it bounces back low.

Stand a few feet away from the wall and hit the ball with a low trajectory, using a backspin to create the desired bounce.

This drill can help you develop a feel for hitting low shots and improve your control over the trajectory of the ball.

“Drop shot” drill

In this drill, you practice hitting short, low shots that land just over the net. Stand close to the net and aim to hit the ball with a low trajectory so that it drops over the net and stays low.

This drill can help you develop touch and finesse in performing low shots and make it more difficult for your opponent to return the ball effectively.

“Partner drill”

This drill involves practicing low shots with a partner.

Stand on opposite sides of the court and hit the ball back and forth with a low trajectory, aiming to keep the ball close to the net.

This drill can help you improve your timing and coordination with a partner and develop a better understanding of when to keep the ball low during gameplay.

Incorporating low shots into gameplay situations

Once you have developed a good understanding of the basics of low shots and have practiced the techniques involved in executing them, it’s time to incorporate them into gameplay situations. Here are some tips for using low shots effectively during gameplay.

• Use low shots to keep the ball in play

Keeping the ball low can be effective for the ball to remain in play for longer periods, which can be especially useful during defensive play. Aim to hit the ball with a low trajectory so that it bounces close to the net, making it more difficult for your opponent to hit a winner into the strike zone.

• Create opportunities for volleys and putaway

Low shots can also be effective in setting up opportunities for volleys and putaway.

Aim to hit the ball with a low trajectory so that it bounces close to the net, creating an opportunity for you or your partner to move in and hit a putaway shot.

• Disrupt your opponent’s rhythm

Low shots can be an effective way to disrupt your opponent’s rhythm and force errors.

Aim to mix up your shots, alternating between high and low trajectories, to keep your opponent guessing.

• Use low shots strategically

Low shots should be used strategically, not as a default shot selection. Consider the court positioning of your opponent and choose your shots accordingly.

For example, if your opponent is positioned close to the net, hitting a low shot may force them to move back and create an opportunity for you to hit a winner.

By incorporating low shots into your gameplay strategy, you can gain an edge over your opponents and win more points.

Game situations for low-ball shots

Keeping the ball lower can be a valuable weapon in a player’s arsenal, but it’s important to use them strategically and in the right situations.

Offensive scenarios where low shots are effective

To fully leverage the offensive potential of low shots, it’s important to use them in the right scenarios and with the proper technique.

• When your opponent is positioned close to the net 

If your opponent is positioned close to the net, hitting the ball diagonally and low can be an effective way to force them to move back and create space for you to hit a winner.

This is especially effective if your opponent is not comfortable playing from the back of the court.

• When you’re looking to set up a putaway shot

Low shots can be effective in setting up opportunities for volleys and putaway.

By hitting a drop shot with a backspin, you can force your opponent to hit a weak shot that you can then put away.

• When you want to disrupt your opponent’s rhythm 

Low shots can be used when the ball loses momentum to disrupt your opponent’s rhythm and force them to adjust their positioning and shot selection.

This can be particularly effective if your opponent is playing with a lot of confidence and hitting a lot of winners.

• When you’re playing against a taller opponent

If you’re playing against a taller opponent, hitting a low shot can be an effective way to keep the ball low and force them to hit shots from an uncomfortable position. This can be particularly effective if your opponent has a weak backhand.

By using low shots strategically in offensive scenarios, you can create opportunities to hit winners and put pressure on your opponent.

Remember to mix up your shots and keep your opponent guessing to maximize the effectiveness of your low shots.

Defensive scenarios where low shots can be used

Low shots can also be effective in defensive scenarios, where they can be used to disrupt opponents and regain control of the point.

• When your opponent is attacking the net aggressively

By hitting a low shot with a backspin, you can force your opponent to back off and hit shots from the baseline.

This can give you more time to set up your next shot, and can also help to break up their rhythm and force them to hit weaker, defensive shots.

• When your opponent is hitting high, looping shots that land deep in your court

These shots can be difficult to handle and can put you on the defensive.

By hitting a low shot with a backspin, you can force the ball to bounce low and stay close to the net, making it difficult for your opponent to hit an effective return.

This can help you regain control of the point and put your opponent on the defensive.

• Countering hard shots that are difficult to handle

By hitting a drop shot, you can take some of the paces off the ball and force your opponent to hit a weaker shot, giving you more time to set up your next shot.

This can be particularly effective if your opponent is hitting shots with a lot of paces and you are struggling to keep up.

However, it’s important to remember that low shots require good anticipation and positioning. You need to be ready to move quickly to the right position and hit the ball with the right technique to keep it low and give them fewer attackable balls.

Tips for mastering low shots

Mastering low shots in pickleball requires more than just understanding the techniques and strategies involved.

By following these tips, you can improve your accuracy and consistency with low shots and become a more well-rounded player.

Mental approach to executing low shots

The mental approach you take when performing low shots can have a significant impact on your success. Here are some tips to help you develop the right mindset:

• Stay calm and focused

Low shots require precision and control, which can be difficult to achieve if you’re feeling anxious or distracted. Focus on the task at hand and stay calm and centered, even under pressure.

• Visualize the shot

Visualization is a powerful tool for improving performance in sports. Before hitting a drop shot, visualize the ball’s trajectory and where you want it to land. This can help you execute the shot more accurately and not send it beyond the kitchen line.

• Trust your instincts

Once you’ve trained your body to hit low shots effectively, trust your instincts and let your muscle memory take over. Don’t overthink the shot or try to make too many adjustments on the fly, you may lose accuracy.

• Be patient

Low shots often require patience and a willingness to stay in the rally longer.

Don’t try to force a winner or rush the shot. Instead, focus on keeping the ball in play and waiting for the right opportunity to attack.

By adopting the right mental approach, you can improve your accuracy and consistency with low shots and make them a more effective part of your game.

Common mistakes to avoid when hitting low shots

While low shots can be a valuable tool in pickleball, there are several common mistakes that players make when trying to execute them. Here are some things to avoid:

• Lifting the ball

Low shots require a backspin to keep the ball low and close to the net. If you hit the ball with topspin or hit it too flat, it will likely sail over the net and give your opponent an easy opportunity to attack.

• Poor footwork

Footwork is crucial when performing low shots. Make sure you’re in the right position to hit the ball and use your feet to adjust your stance as needed. If you’re off balance or out of position, you’ll have a harder time executing the shot effectively.

• Overhitting the ball or hitting the ball early

A low shot, as well as a dink shot, is typically hit with less power than high shots and pop-ups that sometimes go beyond the non-volley zone line or the kitchen line. Trying to hit the ball too hard can cause you to lose control and send the ball too high or too far beyond the kitchen line.

• Failing to anticipate the opponent’s response

Low shots can be effective in forcing your opponent to move closer to the net or hit an awkward shot. However, if you’re not prepared for their response, you may not be able to capitalize on the opportunity you’ve created.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can improve your success rate with low shots and use them more effectively to gain an edge in your matches.

Conclusion

Mastering low shots takes practice and dedication.

By incorporating these shots into their gameplay, players can improve their overall performance and increase their chances of success on the court.

FAQ