Technique of hitting on the fly in pickleball

One of the most important things in pickleball is the volley, which allows you to control the game and attack your opponent. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the technique of hitting the ball on the fly so that you can improve your game and reach new heights.

If you are looking for a full article about the rules of pickleball, we mentioned them in this article.

What is a hit on the fly?

A volley is a hit to the ball in the air before it touches the ground. It is a key element of the pickleball game, especially near the “kitchen”, a non-playing area located 7 feet from the net. In the kitchen, no shots are allowed after the ball has touched the ground.

There are two main types of wills:

Block volley: This is more of a defensive shot, used when you are caught off guard. The goal is to gently return the ball into the opponent’s “kitchen”, creating an opportunity for the next shot.

Attacking volley (punch/swing volley): is an aggressive stroke aimed at attacking the opponent. It requires more power and precision, allowing you to win points with powerful and accurate strokes.

Technique of will fulfillment

  1. Starting position:
    Take an athletic stance with your knees slightly bent and the racket in front of you. It is important to maintain a relaxed grip – squeezing the racket too hard can lead to inaccurate strokes.
  2. Meeting the ball:
    Point the racket forward until it meets the ball. It is important to meet the ball in front of you, this will give you more control and power.
  3. Racket angle:
    The racket angle determines the trajectory of the ball. A too open angle will cause the ball to fly off the court, and a too closed angle will cause it to hit the net.
  4. Stroke control:
    During a blocking volley, it is important to meet the ball softly using a relaxed grip. For an attacking volley, add power and momentum by moving forward during the stroke.

The choice of where to hit depends on several factors: your position on the court, the position of your partner and opponents, and the location of the ball. However, there are some general strategies:

in the center: a simple and reliable option;

into the opponent’s body: a bold and effective technique that can confuse the opponent;

into the opponent’s weakness: it is often the backhand;

at the opponent’s feet: a hard shot to deflect.

Most often, players make mistakes by trying to hit the ball too hard and with too much amplitude. This leads to out-of-bounds shots. To reduce the number of mistakes, try to imagine the court a little smaller, focusing on more accurate shots. It is also important to vary your strokes so that your opponent cannot predict your actions.

Frequently asked questions and answers

What is a volley in pickleball?

A fly kick is a kick to the ball made in the air before the ball touches the ground. This technique is often used near the “kitchen” to control the game and the opponent’s attack.

What is the difference between a blocking volley and an attacking volley?

Block volley: A defensive stroke aimed at gently returning the ball to the opponent’s “kitchen”.
Punch/swing volley: An aggressive stroke that requires more power and precision for attacking actions.

How do you execute a punch on the fly?

Take an athletic stance with your knees slightly bent.
Hold the racket in front of you with a relaxed grip.
Meet the ball in front of you for better control and power.
Adjust the racket angle to avoid mistakes in the ball’s trajectory.

Where is the best place to strike on the fly?

In the center: A simple and reliable option.
Into the opponent’s body: Confuses the opponent.
Into the weak side: Usually the opponent’s backhand.
At the opponent’s feet: A difficult option to hit.

What are the most common mistakes when performing a punch on the fly?

Too hard a hit that causes the ball to go out of bounds.
Large amplitude of racket movement.
Incorrect racket angle.

How to avoid mistakes during the game?

Imagine the court a little smaller and focus on the accuracy of your shots.
Vary your strokes so that your opponent cannot predict your actions.

Why is a hit on the fly important in pickleball?

A shot on the fly allows you to control the pace of the game, execute quick attacks and force your opponent to make mistakes, creating favorable opportunities to win points.

How to train the volleying technique correctly?

Practice your starting position, ball control, and direction of attack regularly. Ask your partner to help you practice blocking and attacking volleys to improve your level of play.


Іван Тимченко
Фанат піклболу і спортивний оглядач.

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