What to Do When Pulled Off the Pickleball Court

In pickleball, staying in position is crucial, but sometimes you get pulled off the court by a well-placed shot from your opponent.

When this happens, knowing how to recover quickly and effectively can be the difference between winning and losing a point. In this video from Selkirk TV and Catherine Parenteau, you'll discover key strategies for recovering when pulled out wide.

#1 - Don’t Rush: Focus on Control

One of the most common mistakes when being pulled wide is trying to rush back into position too quickly.

Instead, focus on staying controlled. When you're stretched and forced to cross over to return a ball, take your time to reset. If you can bounce the ball back rather than hitting it in the air, it gives you and your partner more time to recover and get back into position.

As discussed in the example above, taking a shot out of the air can give your opponent less time to react, but it also gives you less time to recover. This could lead to poor positioning and unforced errors. To avoid this, try to bounce the ball, giving both you and your teammate a moment to reset.

#2 - Crossover Recovery: When and How to Use It

Crossing your feet is a natural reaction when you're chasing down a ball, but it can leave you vulnerable.

After hitting the ball, many players stay in a compromised position, making it difficult to recover for the next shot.

In the example, the player was still in the crossover motion, which limited their ability to react quickly. To improve, focus on keeping your body more squared towards the net after the crossover.

This will make it easier to return to a neutral position, ready for the next shot.

#3 - Make the next ball bounce

If you’re pulled wide and leave the ball up for your opponent to take out of the air, you have less time to react.

This puts you and your partner in a vulnerable position. However, if you make the next ball bounce in front of your opponent (reset it), it buys you time to get back into position.

A great spot to aim your reset is the middle of the kitchen, especially if your opponent is an Erne threat. Aiming for the middle also gives you more room for error and an easier clearance over the net.

#4 - Using the Lob to Buy Time

If you're in a panic and feel like your opponent has hit a strong shot, don't hesitate to use a lob.

This shot can give you and your partner the time you need to reset. While lobs aren’t the ideal first option, they are an effective way to stay in the rally when you're out of position.

The best strategy is still to reset the ball with a low, controlled dink, but the lob can be a great secondary option.

Key Takeaways for Recovery

Stay Controlled: Don’t rush back into position; focus on hitting a controlled shot that gives you and your partner time to recover.
Crossover Recovery: After crossing over to hit the ball, quickly reset your feet to face the net, ensuring you’re ready for the next shot.
Bounce the Ball: Whenever possible, let the ball bounce to buy yourself more time.
Aim for the Middle: As you advance, avoid resetting the ball too close to the sideline, which opens you up to an Erne.
Use the Lob When Necessary: In high-pressure situations, a well-placed lob can help you regain control.

By focusing on these techniques, you’ll be better prepared to handle situations where you’re pulled wide or off the court, allowing you to recover quickly and get back into position.

The more you practice these skills, the more natural they will become, helping you elevate your pickleball game.