Success in pickleball comes down to controlling the net. Following a return, it’s critical to move immediately to the kitchen line and establish your footing in preparation for any shot coming your way. This allows you to react offensively to the 3rd shot. Moving forward through your return swing—as opposed to moving backward or remaining flatfooted—enables you to hit a solid, deep return, while also getting to the net quicker, where your partner is already positioned and waiting for you. One trick is to imagine racing the ball you just hit. Try to get to the kitchen line before the ball gets to your opponent.
