Drive in Pickleball

Mastering the Drive in Pickleball:

Understanding Groundstrokes and Drives

One of the fundamental skills in pickleball is the drive, particularly as part of groundstrokes. Groundstrokes are shots made after the ball has bounced once, unlike volleys which are hit before the ball bounces. Mastering the drive in pickleball is crucial for improving your pickleball game. a drive can be hit as either a groundstroke (after the ball bounces) or as a volley (before the ball bounces).

The Philosophy Behind a Proper Drive in Pickleball

Executing a drive in pickleball is like solving a math equation; everything must align perfectly from start to finish. Key factors include organizing your stance, timely preparation, adequate spacing, and activating the kinetic chain through the use of major body parts. This guide will break down each step to ensure you can hit powerful and accurate drives.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hitting Drives

Preparation: The Ready Stance

• Feet Shoulder Width Apart: Start in a ready stance with your feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your paddle up and slightly in front of your body. For drives during movement, perform a split step (jump stop) as the ball crosses the net.
• Turn: Rotate your hips to the side you’re hitting the ball, coiling your body to utilize your hips and shoulders effectively.
• Set: Adjust your position based on the ball’s trajectory.

Executing the Drive

• Weight Transfer: Shift your weight from the back foot to the front foot. This transfer is crucial for control and consistency.
• Contact Point: Strike the ball in front of your body, ideally before it reaches its peak bounce. Keep your wrist firm, allowing for a slight hinge to meet the ball squarely.
• Follow-Through: Execute a smooth follow-through, swinging from low to high. Ensure your knuckles face your ear and your elbow is beneath your chin. Direct your hips and belly button towards the target.

Detailed Steps for Proper Execution

1. Ready

If you are getting ready for a return of serve, this is simple: feet shoulder width apart, paddle up, and slightly out in front of your body. If you are about to drive when coming out of a moving position, perform a split step (jump stop) as the ball crosses the net from the other side.

2. Turn

Turn your hips to the side that you are hitting the ball on, opening both your shoulders and hips. Coil your body to use your hips and shoulder effectively.

3. Set

• Drop Step: If the ball is coming to you, perform a drop step with your dominant foot, getting into a closed stance. Knees should be slightly bent, weight on the balls of your feet, paddle at chest height and out in front.
• Move Across Court: If the ball requires you to move, pivot your dominant foot and step forward with the non-dominant foot into a closed stance. Use small steps to reach the ball.

Execution

• Weight Transfer: Ensure your weight shifts from the back foot to the front foot through the shot. This transfer is crucial for control and consistency.
• Contact Point: Strike the ball slightly out in front of your body, ideally before it reaches its peak bounce. Keep your wrist firm but allow it to hinge slightly to meet the ball squarely.
• Follow-Through: Execute a smooth follow-through, swinging from low to high. Ensure your knuckles face your ear and your elbow is beneath your chin. Direct your hips and belly button towards the target.

Tips for Polished Strokes

• Avoid Over Swinging: Control and clean contact are key. Power should come from your body, not excessive wrist action.
• Contact Timing: Aim to hit the ball as it starts to slow down and descend. This timing takes advantage of the ball’s reduced pace.
• Swing Modification Near the Kitchen: Shorten your swing as you approach the kitchen. This adjustment requires less power and more precision.

Drive in Pickleball: Vision and Anticipation

Maintaining a forward field of vision is vital. By keeping the ball within this field, you can better anticipate your opponents’ movements and react accordingly. Always make contact with the ball within your peripheral vision zone, allowing for greater awareness and strategic placement of your shots.

Mastering the Drive in Pickleball

Mastering the drive in pickleball requires a blend of strategic positioning, precise timing, and controlled movement. By following these detailed steps and keeping core principles in mind, players can improve their groundstroke game, making their drives a formidable part of their pickleball arsenal. Remember, the key to a successful drive lies in preparation, execution, and the ability to read the game, making every shot count with precision and power.