In pickleball, the net is the most valuable real estate on the court. Control it, and you dictate the pace, angles, and pressure. As a senior coach who’s seen hundreds of matches swing at the NVZ (non-volley zone) line, I can tell you: Net play isn’t just about hitting—it’s about dominating space.
1. Get to the Net First—Safely
- Why it works: The closer you are to the net, the less time opponents have to react.
- How to do it: After your serve return, move forward with small, quick steps. Don’t rush blindly—approach behind a deep return or a third-shot drop.
Pro Tip: Your goal is to be at the NVZ line together with your partner. Gaps between you give opponents easy passing lanes.
2. Own the Middle
- Why it works: Most balls travel through the middle, and controlling this space forces opponents to hit riskier shots to the sidelines.
- How to do it: Position your paddle slightly toward the center, ready for forehand or backhand volleys. Step in to cut off floating balls early.
Pro Tip: If in doubt, take the middle ball—especially if it’s on your forehand.
3. Use Sharp Angles
- Why it works: Short crosscourt shots pull opponents wide, opening up the opposite side.
- How to do it: From the NVZ, dink or volley at a sharp angle, making them move off balance. Follow up with a fast ball to the space they just vacated.
Pro Tip: Angles work best when disguised—start your stroke like a straight shot, then cut across at the last moment.
4. Attack High Balls Immediately
- Why it works: High balls at the net are your green light to apply pressure or finish the point.
- How to do it: Step into the shot, keep your paddle above the ball, and drive it down with a short punch motion.
Pro Tip: Aim at their body or feet—it’s harder to defend than going for the sidelines.
5. Change Pace to Disrupt Rhythm
- Why it works: Constant speed is predictable; mixing soft and fast shots forces errors.
- How to do it: Blend slow dinks with sudden quick volleys. Use a soft shot to draw them in, then fire at their weaker side.
Pro Tip: Always be ready for a counterattack—after speeding up the ball, expect it to come back fast.
Net Play Drill — Pressure Ladder
- Start at the baseline, hit a deep return, approach the NVZ.
- Play three soft dinks crosscourt.
- On the fourth ball, attack with a volley or drive.
- Reset and repeat, focusing on quick recovery and court positioning.
Bottom line:
Net play isn’t about reckless attacking—it’s about smart pressure. Be first to the line, cover the middle, use angles, attack high balls, and mix your speeds. Do this, and you’ll turn rallies into your advantage before your opponents know what hit them.
