There is nothing more frustrating in pickleball than consistently popping the ball up. Whether you’re giving your opponents a juicy overhead or a floaty dink that gets dominated, high balls are a one-way ticket to losing the point.
To help you stay in control, here is a breakdown of how to stop popping the ball up from different locations on the court.
1. Soften Your Grip at the Kitchen
A common mistake at the kitchen line is "slapping" the ball with a "wristy" motion. This quick acceleration causes you to lose control because you are simply reacting to the ball rather than guiding it. To fix this, focus on two key concepts:
- Grip Strength: On a scale of 1 to 10 (where 10 is white-knuckled and 1 is falling out of your hand), aim for a 3 or 4. Soft hands lead to better control.
- Dwell Time: Instead of slapping, try to feel like the ball is "carrying" on your paddle. Increasing dwell time allows you to guide the ball to its next spot with much more precision.
2. Master the Transition "Stick"
Resetting the ball while moving through the transition zone is one of the hardest skills in the game. The secret to a perfect reset is to avoid moving your hands forward into the ball.
- Catch and Stick: Imagine you are catching the ball with your paddle rather than hitting it.
- Let the Ball Work: Keep your paddle still and let the ball reset itself off your paddle face.
- The Drill: Practice by setting your paddle down and literally catching the ball with your hand to get used to "sticking" the motion without extra forward movement.
3. Prioritize Early Preparation
Many pop-ups happen because a player is still moving while they are trying to hit the shot. The best pros are always set with their feet and paddle face before making contact.
- The "Net Rule": By the time the ball crosses the net, you should have already decided whether you are hitting a forehand or a backhand.
- Freeze Frame: Aim to be planted and stationary — almost like a "freeze frame" — right before you hit your dink.
4. Avoid the "Short Hop Trap"
Hitting the ball immediately after it bounces (a short hop) is often a "last resort" defensive move that leads to unforced errors.
- For Drops and Dinks: Let the ball descend and fall into your paddle. Giving yourself that extra half-second of space and time ensures you aren't rushing the shot.
- For Drives: While you want to catch a drive on its way up, you should still avoid the short hop. Aim to contact the ball just before its highest point (the apex) for maximum power and control.
By softening your grip, slowing down your feet, and avoiding the rush of the short hop, you'll keep the ball low and force your opponents to work for every point.