The net is where pickleball games are won and lost. Players who can control volleys at the kitchen line have a significant advantage, dictating the pace, pressuring opponents, and finishing points with precision. If you want to elevate your game and dominate at the net, mastering advanced volley techniques is essential.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Why net play is crucial in pickleball
- The different types of volleys and when to use them
- How to stay balanced and ready for fast exchanges
- Advanced techniques to put away points at the kitchen
- Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Drills to sharpen your volley skills
By the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge and techniques to take control of the net and outplay your opponents with sharp, strategic volleys.
Why the Net is the Most Important Area in Pickleball
Pickleball is a game of positioning and control, and the kitchen line is the most dominant position on the court. Players who control the net can:
✔️ Attack weak shots and put points away quickly
✔️ Limit opponents’ shot options, forcing them into mistakes
✔️ Cut off angles and reduce reaction time for their opponents
✔️ Force opponents to hit defensive shots instead of attacking
If you’re stuck at the baseline or mid-court, you’re on defense. But when you’re at the kitchen line with strong volleys, you’re in control.
Types of Volleys and When to Use Them
To dominate at the net, you need to know how and when to use different volley techniques. Here are the most important types:
1️⃣ Punch Volley (Offensive Volley)
A punch volley is a quick, controlled shot used to attack and put pressure on opponents.
- Best used when: The ball is above net height and you want to keep the opponent on defense.
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How to execute:
- Keep your paddle out in front.
- Use a short, firm punch motion instead of a full swing.
- Aim for the opponent’s feet or deep into their court.
📌 Pro Tip: Aim for their backhand side—most players struggle with backhand volleys.
2️⃣ Block Volley (Defensive Volley)
The block volley is used to neutralize power shots and reset the rally when an opponent attacks.
- Best used when: Your opponent hits a hard drive or speed-up shot.
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How to execute:
- Keep your paddle steady and soft.
- Let the ball hit your paddle without swinging.
- Aim for a soft drop into the kitchen to take away their power.
📌 Pro Tip: If a banger is attacking aggressively, use block volleys to slow them down and regain control of the rally.
3️⃣ Roll Volley (Topspin Volley)
A roll volley adds topspin to keep the ball low and difficult to return.
- Best used when: You have a mid-height volley and want to keep the ball low.
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How to execute:
- Start with your paddle slightly below the ball.
- Brush up on the ball to add topspin.
- Aim for a deep shot or a sharp angle.
📌 Pro Tip: Use this against opponents who stand too far back—the topspin will force them to hit upward, giving you an easier shot.
4️⃣ Drop Volley (Soft Touch Volley)
A drop volley is a soft shot that falls just over the net, making it difficult for your opponent to attack.
- Best used when: Your opponent is deep in the court, and you want to bring them forward.
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How to execute:
- Loosen your grip slightly for a softer touch.
- Aim for the ball to land just inside the kitchen.
- Follow through with minimal motion to avoid popping it up.
📌 Pro Tip: This works well against aggressive baseliners who struggle with short balls.
How to Stay Balanced and Ready at the Net
Fast volleys require quick reflexes and proper positioning. Here’s how to always be ready for the next shot:
✔️ Keep your paddle up and in front of your body. Never drop it below your waist.
✔️ Use a slight forward stance—knees bent, weight on the balls of your feet.
✔️ Stay close to the kitchen line but not touching it, so you can volley without stepping in.
✔️ Split-step before every shot to react quickly.
📌 Pro Tip: Players who stand too tall at the net are slower to react—stay low and engaged.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Even experienced players make mistakes at the net. Here are the most common ones and how to correct them:
❌ Swinging Too Much on Volleys
🚫 Big swings make you lose control and pop the ball up.
✅ Fix it: Keep your volley strokes short and compact—less motion, more accuracy.
❌ Standing Too Close to the Net
🚫 If you step too close, you’ll be forced to hit out of the air awkwardly.
✅ Fix it: Stand 1-2 inches behind the kitchen line so you can react properly.
❌ Paddling Too Low
🚫 If your paddle is down by your waist, you lose reaction speed.
✅ Fix it: Keep your paddle up and in front of your chest.
Drills to Improve Your Net Game
1️⃣ Reflex Volley Drill
- Have a partner hit rapid volleys at you.
- Focus on quick, controlled returns without swinging.
2️⃣ Targeted Punch Volley Drill
- Place cones or markers at your opponent’s feet.
- Practice aiming low volleys at those targets.
3️⃣ Soft Drop Volley Drill
- Stand at the net and practice hitting soft volleys that land in the kitchen.
📌 Pro Tip: Practicing different volley types will make you more adaptable in real matches.
Final Thoughts
Mastering advanced volley techniques will give you a major advantage in pickleball. Controlling the net means dictating the pace, pressuring your opponent, and winning points efficiently.
- Use punch volleys to attack and control points.
- Use block volleys to absorb power shots and reset the rally.
- Use roll volleys to keep opponents on defense.
- Use drop volleys to bring baseliners forward and force errors.
- Stay balanced, keep your paddle up, and react quickly.
With practice and proper technique, you’ll be able to dominate at the net and take your game to the next level!
