James Ignatowich is giving out hot takes like this, instructional videos, and strategy input from other top pros in his weekly coaching newsletter! Click here to subscribe and catch up on previous editions.
When You SHOULD Back Off The Kitchen Line in Pickleball
Last Edited
Nov 11 2024
Category
Instruction
While I avoid it for the most part if possible, there are important situations where you can and should take a step off the kitchen line in pickleball.
This depends on who you are and what the exact situation is.
Women are off the line at a way higher rate because they are less inclined to attack out of the air then men, and usually want a extra half second to cover their body with two hands if they need to.
Men are generally hugging the line looking for any excuse to take the ball out of the air.
Regardless, here are a few specific situations I’ve found where it MAY be beneficial to take a step off the line in anticipation of an attack.
When & Why to Step Off the Pickleball Kitchen Line
Covering the middle: If the ball is cross court from you and you feel a middle attack coming, it may sometimes be best for you to move to cover that in sort of a backwards diagonal direction.
You will be able to cover a little more of that angle in between you and your partner and have a little more time to react.
Anticipated attack from your own corner: If your a left sider and the ball is in the right side corner in front of you, it could be a good idea to take a step back.
A lot of times in this situation I’ll put two hands on the paddle in anticipation of the speed up down my line.
Whenever you are thinking about using two hands instead of one, it’s wise to give yourself a little extra time in case you need to remove one quickly.
4th’s and 6th’s: Too many people have a habit of trying to take fourths out of the air at all cost, or coming right to the line off their return.
There are MANY situations where it’s a stronger position to let that drop bounce and then rip it. When all four players are at the kitchen, it’s definitely fair to be leaning in and looking for opportunities frequently.
Read Next: Pickleball Positioning Strategy Basics
When the opponents are back however, that ball needs to be as deep as possible, unless you’re worried about avoiding a crasher. No need to be all up on the line in this situation.
Join Pickleball’s Greatest Community
Subscribe to our FREE newsletter to be the most well-informed pickleball fan on the court, featuring news, giveaways, and much more!
