Main Points
- Focus on the fourth shot and its variations in pickleball, essential for controlling points.
- Strategies for handling various shot types and scenarios at the no-volley line.
- Importance of consistency and practice in elevating game performance.
Summary
In this instructional video, Vicky introduces a series of drills focused on mastering the fourth shot in pickleball. The fourth shot, pivotal in maintaining the advantage during play, can vary widely and includes responses to third shot drops, drives, and other scenarios. This training aims to equip players with the skills needed to effectively handle and respond to these situations while at the no-volley line.
- Introduction to the Fourth Shot:
- The fourth shot is crucial in setting up winning points and maintaining an advantageous position at the no-volley line.
- Unlike the third shot drop, which is heavily emphasized, the fourth shot’s role can shift depending on the rally’s progression, often extending to the sixth, eighth, or later shots.
- The primary goal is to make safe, strategic decisions that support both the player and their partner in gaining control over the point.
- Drill Focus:
- Response to Drops: When receiving a low, challenging shot, the safest play is to send it back as a dink, keeping it in the “Red Zone” to maintain control.
- Handling Drives: As drives become more common in advanced play, it’s crucial to practice blocking these effectively. The feeders will simulate various drives, allowing players to work on their blocking technique.
- The Scorpion Shot: For shots received at a favorable height, players can attempt the Scorpion shot, turning to reach for high balls and executing aggressive returns without backpedaling.
- Advanced Techniques:
- Drop and Pop: This involves taking balls at arm’s length and sending them back with controlled speed, emphasizing placement over power. The goal is to gain a positional advantage while minimizing risk.
- The Roll: Players practice rolling shots, a technique useful for keeping opponents deep. This is effective for maintaining pressure and controlling the pace of the game. Practicing both forehand and backhand rolls is encouraged to maximize versatility.
- Practical Application:
- Variety in Feeds: Feeder partners will deliver a mix of shot types, including drops, drives, and loftier balls, providing a comprehensive practice environment for different fourth shot scenarios.
- Strategic Placement: Emphasis is placed on making smart, tactical decisions, such as targeting corners or exploiting opponents’ positioning to maintain or gain the upper hand.
Drill Execution:
- Players are set up at the no-volley line with feeders delivering various shots.
- Key exercises include:
- Dinking: Returning low balls safely to build points.
- Blocking: Managing drives with solid, controlled blocks.
- Drop and Pop: Executing controlled, mid-speed returns.
- Rolling: Keeping opponents back with deep, rolling shots.
- Scenario Practice: Feeders send a range of shot types to simulate real-game conditions, helping players refine their reactions and shot selection under different circumstances.
By integrating these drills into regular practice, players can significantly enhance their ability to handle the fourth shot and beyond, ensuring better control and positioning at the no-volley line. Vicky emphasizes the importance of consistent drilling, recommending that players drill as much, if not more, than they play to see marked improvements in their game.