Paddle Position At The Net | How To Defend Body Shots

I've been playing about a month & now I'm playing with higher level players who excell in the NVZ. Your video has really helped me not only to defend but actually score a point when the opportunity presents itself.

thanks Jordan. great video! theres a difference between a tennis ready position and pickleball ready position, nice job explaining ready position for pickleball

Great teaching Jordan I have learned a lot from this and changed my paddle positioning doing much better

Great video...one of the best I’ve viewed as a novice!

Nice vide thanks

Good stuff. Love your videos.

Thanks for another great, and useful, video!

New to the game and I have struggled with holding my paddle up too high with the edge facing forward, I will have to try your way as it looks like you are more prepared to get balls.

Makes sense = Thank you!

Thanks Jordan, I have been struggling with that right handed under cut defense, obviously it doesn't work. I think what happens to me is, while dink rally is on I tend to drop my paddle low defending the middle or my feet. I am always amazed how well certain players have the ability to keep the ball low during volleys. I tend to lose net battles, my returns seem to get a little higher each return. I'm a little on the short side, any suggestions for little guys?

I so much agree, Wilson!

Seems to me that many ready positions are fine and actually the more important part is anticipating the shot coming. That allows you to load forehand or backhand and hit the ball in front of your body. Isn't the biggest key getting your paddle out in front at the ball as opposed to moving the paddle sideways or backwards at the ball? Any position that allows you to read the ball and move the paddle forward to the ball can realistically accomplish this. Some ready positions can add tension when it is generally better to fully relax and react instinctively.

Great video Jordan. .I have a question about the kitchen. Here's the scenario...2 opposing players are at the kitchen line and a volley begins. A serving player returns a volley that hits the opposing players body but then he steps into the kitchen. I say the serving player loses the point because he stepped into the kitchen even though the player hit by the ball doesn't return the shot. Am I right?

Hey Jordan. I play against a lot of physically strong opponents who can hit very hard volleys that are hard to handle. I have tried blocking and slowing the game to attempt to reset the point, but in the end, a vast majority of points ended with them slamming a volley at my body or where I couldn't return it well. Is there a way to effectively return their hard shot to help win the point or put them on the defensive...? If it goes to a long volley session, I always end up losing or having to slow it down (and still losing), so would it be possible to make a strong first counter that could improve my chances of winning the point...?

Jordan, the one hard body shot I have trouble with is the unexpected fast ball...any ideas?

Makes it look easy.

It seems to me that waist high is a bit vague as to paddle height in the ready position. A 6'4" players waist is a bit different than a 4'10 players waist. Maybe it is better to refer to the ready position in terms of a constance like net height, instead of a variable like a players height. Is that why several of the pro womens paddle position seems to be higher than the mens.

What camera did you record with this video with?

When Jordan says this is the ideal ready paddle position his paddle is about 3" below his sternum. Yet 75% of the time while volleying his ready position is either sternum hight or higher. So is it do as I say or do as I do?

I will try your tips. I am the worst player on the court!