Recognize offensive, neutral, and defensive balls and choose a compact attack or soft reset accordingly.
Equipment
- Pickleball paddles
- Pickleballs
- Pickleball court
- Ball basket
Setup
A hitter begins at the non-volley line or in transition. A feeder sends alternating high, neutral, and low balls while an observer tracks decisions.
How to run it
1. The feeder varies height, pace, and distance from the hitter.
2. The hitter calls “attack,” “neutral,” or “reset” before contact.
3. Play the selected response to a safe middle or feet target.
4. Award one decision point and one execution point separately.
5. After 10 balls, switch roles. Progress to random feeds and remove the verbal call.
Coach Dave’s cues
Attack when balanced, in front, and above a comfortable contact height. Reset when stretched, below the net, or defending. Use a compact paddle path for both.
Watch for
Attacking simply because the ball is near the kitchen, using a big backswing, gripping tightly on resets, or aiming at a person instead of a safe target.