Foundations · Skill 4 of 8

Footwork

Every good dink, volley and reset starts with being balanced and set at contact, and the split step is what gets you there in time.

Think about this while you play

Split step as the opponent's paddle meets the ball.
Small adjustment steps; be set before you swing.
Knees bent, weight on the balls of your feet.

Common mistakes and fixes

Skipping the split step: frozen, flat-footed stance as the opponent hitsVideo Sync: watch pro pickleball footage and split step on every pro contact until you sync 20 in a row.

Overreaching: one big lunge to the ball, ending too close or too farBaby Steps Challenge: cover 10 meters in at least 45 small steps, then use quick adjustment steps before every dink and drop.

Landing on heels: heavy thumping steps and slow first moveJump rope or bounce on the balls of your feet for 2 minutes; pass when you get 100 jumps without heels touching.

In the app

For subscribers

The Split-Step Reaction Ball 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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