Building · Skill 6 of 7

First Step Reaction

At the kitchen line, pop-ups, poaches and hands battles are decided in a split second, so your first move after the split step decides whether you're on time.

Think about this while you play

Land the split and go; any pause kills the spring.
Lead with a quick jab step toward the ball.
Expect every ball to come to you.

In the app

For subscribers

The Shuffle-to-Ball Drop Reaction drill, a 10-minute warm-up, and a challenge you can count in your next open play, so you know when you've got it.

Practice it, don't just read it

Pickleball Game Plan gives you one skill at a time with a drill, a warm-up and a challenge you can count, plus gym and match-day plans.

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