Master the Fundamentals: Proper Serving & Receiving Position
Learn essential footwork and positioning for winning service games.
Introduction
In this 4+ minute pickleball instructional video, coaches Steve Paranto and Bonnie Williams demonstrate critical service rules and footwork fundamentals. Proper positioning as the serving team versus the receiving team is vital to control the point. Follow their expert tips to avoid common mistakes and quickly gain an offensive advantage.
Serving Team Positioning (00:25)
When serving, do not come to the net after the serve. Stay behind the baseline to hit your third shot. This allows you to move forward or back, adjusting your position. If you serve and move forward inside the kitchen line, you'll get caught if the return is deep. Take a step back after the serve to optimize positioning. The one-three-five serving pattern keeps the server back. Follow this rule 100% of the time.
Receiving Team Footwork (01:58)
When receiving serve, immediately move up to join your partner at the non-volley line. Don't admire your return - transition forward urgently. Even if you must float the return to buy time, get to the net ASAP. There are two footwork techniques: A) Static Split-Step - Hit the return still and move forward after. B) Dynamic Footwork - Shuffle or step through the ball forward as you swing. This pro footwork gets you closer on aggressive returns. Choose what's comfortable. Both styles advance you to the net.
Getting to the Net (04:03)
A common mistake is admiring your return and forgetting to approach. After a great return, excitement can distract you from moving up. Avoid this error at all costs. Even on a mishit return, make your priority urgently getting to the kitchen line. Join your partner before the third shot crosses the net. Proper positioning requires discipline and repetition to form good habits.
Recap (04:26)
- Serving team, stay behind baseline to hit third shot
- Receiving team, immediately get to the kitchen line
- Utilize static or dynamic footwork advancing to net
- Don't admire returns - transition forward urgently
- Discipline yourself to proper positioning every point
Summary
Coaches Paranto and Williams demonstrate the optimal footwork, positioning and transitions for serving teams versus receiving teams. Follow their expert guidance to avoid common mistakes and quickly master these pickleball fundamentals. Proper positioning provides a significant competitive advantage - practice intentionally until the habits become second nature.
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