7 KEY Ways To Keep The Ball LOW In Pickleball (So You Can Prevent An Attack Before It Happens)

Throughout your journey as a pickleball player, you may find yourself sending your shot over to you opponents side higher than you would like, more frequently than you would like. That's not ideal because the higher you send the ball over to the other side, the more likely you are to be attacked. Especially if your opponents are further up in the court.
What separates a great pickleball player from the rest is their ability to keep the ball low at key moments and on demand. Keeping the ball low makes it more challenging for your opponent to make successful aggressive plays against you.
Today, we're going to look at 7 key ways to keep the ball low in pickleball
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[@melisamelisa8929]

With these tips and my trusty Oliver-Sport paddle, I'm ready to keep opponents on their toes and prevent any attacks before they even happen. This content is pure gold, thank you! Your insights are invaluable and truly help elevate my game.

[@primetimepickleball]

Awesome!

[@roger_roger10]

By far one of the best pickleball channels around. Always clear instruction, helpful videos with excellent commentary. Thank you for your hard work in putting these together.

[@primetimepickleball]

I really appreciate your comment and kind words Roger. I’m glad you find the content and the delivery helpful. 😁

[@alohaleslie9407]

Perfect timing to find this. I have a good enough slice backhand and a really good natural top spin forehand. However, I need to add more slice to my forehand when I am close to net, as in dinking and resetting. Your video addressed all that I am working on in a very clear and concise way. Thanks so much Nicole! :)

[@primetimepickleball]

Happy to help!

[@lisaduncan6140]

Once again another fabulous teaching video! Your instruction Nicole is above reproach - short and concise with excellent visual examples. I also applaud your understanding and execution of technique embedded within key strategies. Well done!

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks so much Lisa! Glad you enjoy the videos.

[@deanakonda]

Totally agree!! As a beginner, your videos are right on point and super helpful! I have liked and subscribed! Thanks again :)

[@mdkayesrony767]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHPVZIyaes91mdU

[@admranger]

Another great video Nicole! I love the stop action that shows the point you are teaching at the moment. Thanks!

[@primetimepickleball]

You are so welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@janlucas3242]

That was one of the best, most concise videos on how to be a better pickleball player! Thank you! What a great one to share with everyone I teach!

[@primetimepickleball]

Awesome Jan! Happy to hear that it’s very share worthy 😁. Thanks for your comment.

[@MattMcGurk]

Awesome advice, thanks so much. Keep it low first before learning spin. Got it 🎉

[@jeaniealfafara]

Definitely 1 of the top training videos I have watched. You are a Wonderful Teacher...my Favorite!

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks so much 😊

[@deanmarty5956]

I said it before. I will say it again: Nicole you are the best!!!!!!!!!! I've learned so much by buying your course on double strategy and by analyzing most of your video (not done yet there is a lot of them 😀) Thanks again!

[@primetimepickleball]

Thank you so much for saying that Dean! I'm so happy to hear that you have gotten a lot of value from the course and the videos. Yes, there's a lot... and more coming ;)

[@gracenmotion2402]

Best tips I’ve ever watched. Been playing at the Y for 3 months as a beginner and been murdered or advised wrongly by some that has kept me frustrated or wanting to give up due to their arrogance and bad attitude…Thank you 🙏 for the awesome tut… I’ve fallen back in love with the sport… will watch it over & over…

[@primetimepickleball]

Thank you! So happy to hear you aren't going to give up and that our videos helped to play a role in that. Yes, you have to be picky about who you take advice from out there.

[@heidibancroft834]

Thank you for talking about the high hits. That’s my focus lately and I can’t find much on this particular subject. I appreciate it.👍

[@primetimepickleball]

Glad you liked it Heidi!

[@emilygreene6366]

Hi, Nicole! I’m really enjoying these lessons! Thank you! I’m just starting to figure out spins, both receiving and delivering them. I played with a player that spins the ball so that it literally drops and dies by the time it lands on the other side of the net. It’s a really frustrating shot being on the receiving end, lol! What kind of spin is it? Do you have a video explaining the different spins and what they do? One spin bounces away from you and another towards you. I don’t know how to read the opponent’s paddle to know what to expect when it lands. I think I also need a video on how to read the opponent’s paddle, but I’m playing with three players that are a higher level than me and they all spin the ball. Thank you!

[@primetimepickleball]

Hi Emily! Glad you're enjoying the lessons :) Great questions. So generally, if they swing with a high to low motion that will put backspin on the ball. When that happens, it hits the court and stays down after the bounce. Sounds like that is what is happening to you. The opposite is true if they hit topspin which will be more of a low to high motion. It will bounce and kick forward so it can "get on top" of you (jam you) more than you expect. Sidespin will cut one way or another after the bounce. I may put this on the list for a video. In the meantime. Here's a video on how to hit a backhand slice: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmGrdqyedtiEnbM. If the swing looks like that then the ball will land and die. So, look for this type of motion as they hit, that will tell you a lot. Here's one that shows you the topspin motion: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaicimyHar19Y8U. Hope this helps!

[@RitaGilmore-um3ik]

Thank you for the information

[@edplay4153]

I pop up shots all the time. Thank you for all these good tips. I can't wait to try it out on the court.

[@primetimepickleball]

You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed these.

[@beyondthepale9071]

Best instructional videos out here - straight to the point and use of video and video angles - sweet

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks so much for the kind comment.

[@pandrus23]

Nicole, you are my favorite pickleball teacher on youtube. Your videos are clear and succinct and immediately relevant to my game. You also have great visual examples. Thank you so much for this quality content.

[@primetimepickleball]

I super appreciate you saying that Paul. I do put a lot of effort into these videos so I’m always happy to hear that they are well received. Thank you!

[@tomhesemann3680]

Agree.

[@susanfitzgerald9596]

So good! I learn so much from these videos:) Thank you.

[@briangeissinger4086]

Thank you. So much good information. 7 ways to keep it low- yes! Well covered! I will repeat watch this from time-to-time. Just slamming the ball won't get it, as you begin playing more advanced players. They can handle those fast balls and put you on the defense, especially, when they are hit to them even just slightly above the net height. They'll turn the table on you. Yep, keep em low and unatackeable.

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks Brian! Yes, have to evolve the skills and strategies to be successful at higher levels of play. You got it! 💪

[@davidpossien3061]

Excellent video. I'd say your best one to date. Keep up the great work!

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks David 👍

[@annamarietantillloproducel215]

I really appreciate you Nicole! I. I Can connect and learn more by watching and listening to your voice on pickle ball.

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks so much Anna! Your comment warms my heart. I’m glad you enjoy the videos.

[@user-pi5qq4br3l]

Best advice of anyone on KZbin! Long but packed video! BTW, let the ad's play over 20 seconds and she gets a higher payoff! Be kind to those who put effort into teaching!

[@primetimepickleball]

Thank you SOOOO much Micheal. This comment really means a lot.

[@slingshot360diecastracing6]

Thanks for these great tips! Just starting out and really enjoying it.

[@primetimepickleball]

You are so welcome!

[@StewsReplay]

Fantastic video. These aren’t covered as comprehensively often👍

[@primetimepickleball]

Thank you! Glad you think so!

[@angelomazzuca6244]

Nicole these last two videos have been outstanding and are exactly what my wife and I need to approaching 4.0 pickleball! Thank you ever so much.

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks Angelo! Glad you found them helpful! I'm rooting for you on your journey to 4.0 :)

[@shekina9473]

rofl

[@davidmcnaughton1603]

Well done....a great video that clearly teaches the skill that everyone tries to attain. The ability to keep it low!!!

[@primetimepickleball]

Very true! Thanks!

[@cathywieland7108]

I agree that this was so full of good, applicable information. Thank you!

[@primetimepickleball]

Glad you think so Cathy!

[@diannemolloy2174]

Thankyou Nicole another aspect I will work on. If you were to micro master one aspect or shot in pickleball what would it be?

[@primetimepickleball]

The reset shot! If you’re great at taking a high speed shot and sending it back slow with precision then the rest is far easier.

[@lizlemon9632]

Excellent and high quality info. Thx.

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks Liz! Glad you got value from it.

[@mariliacosta1169]

Unbelievably good, very well explained, I learned a lot!!!

[@primetimepickleball]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kendevore871]

Great video. I can’t tell you how many times I tried to drive low short balls too hard when I should have hit them soft so they landed at a low contact point. My game is much improved because of you. Thank you!

[@primetimepickleball]

So happy to hear!

[@jeremyvongkhamchanh9597]

This video is just what I needed!! Thanks!

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks Jeremy! Glad it was helpful.

[@paulmancini-sb9qn]

Great Job !!

[@primetimepickleball]

😁

[@AnnMitt]

Incredibly helpful!!! Thank you!

[@primetimepickleball]

Happy to help Ann!

[@deborahhumbert5963]

So helpful! Thanks!

[@primetimepickleball]

Glad this helped Deborah!

[@TheImano]

I love this video. Thank you.

[@primetimepickleball]

You’re welcome Wong! Thanks for the comment.

[@jacobrocks7]

Great info. I’m a tennis and squash player that just started pickleball..thanks

[@primetimepickleball]

Awesome! Welcome to pickleball. Glad you liked the video.

[@fkporsche1]

Very helpful information video. Thanks.

[@primetimepickleball]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robertthrailkill1368]

Superb narration, descriptive and easy to understand

[@primetimepickleball]

Thank you! I always appreciate the kind words and positive feedback.

[@kol_athletics]

Great tips!!😊

[@primetimepickleball]

Happy to help!

[@darlenevendegna2001]

Fantastic as always Nic!

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks Dar!

[@rebeccaboggs2893]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@primetimepickleball]

Glad you enjoyed the video Rebecca!

[@lennysheldon7685]

very good video. really helpful!

[@primetimepickleball]

So glad it's helpful. Thanks for the comment.

[@someshsaxena8325]

Excellent video

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks so much!

[@Sparky31388]

Lots of info here. Thank you

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks for the comment Stephan! Glad you enjoyed the info.

[@benjaminleavitt3666]

You have some great players in this video!

[@primetimepickleball]

Yes! They are great and gracious 😁

[@loblandmarks]

These are great tips!

[@primetimepickleball]

😎

[@judyfrench3888]

Best ever, imo. Thanks!

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks Judy! Means a lot.

[@Ana-vg5fr]

Great tips!

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks so much Ana!

[@mgarfinkel]

Great video!

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks Mir! 😊. Glad you liked it

[@nalynegunggavakin9682]

Wonderful video! I still remember your words of wisdom!

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks!

[@jackstein5486]

Terrific video!😊

[@primetimepickleball]

Thank you! 😃

[@billpaige6595]

Good advice

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@luisrodriguei.z7822]

Thanks! and greetings from Costa Rica 👏

[@primetimepickleball]

😁

[@jeandarnell-nq2ck]

Great advice

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks Jean! Glad you enjoy the advice.

[@fredjim6941]

What kind of paddle is being used in the first example of ‘dinks’ for the red shirted team? I’ve been looking for that paddle for awhile now. Thank you!

[@primetimepickleball]

It is the Selkirk Amped Invitka!

[@crmannino3781]

New here and enjoyed your teaching. Why when I hit 3SD, it still gets aggressively hit back at me?

[@primetimepickleball]

Glad you enjoy the video. Probably because it's bouncing too high. Hit it with less arc and get it down at their feet.

[@Terra_Divina]

Thank you so much for not polluting your brilliant video with pointless cheap music!!!

[@primetimepickleball]

haha you're welcome and thank you for the feedback

[@Crazy-Roland-vDrums]

Hi, how many inches off the ground across ALL shots EXCEPT serves is the BEST &/or IDEAL contact low point for practice? THANKS!!

[@primetimepickleball]

A low contact is not ideal. Get the highest you can.

[@Crazy-Roland-vDrums]

@@primetimepickleball all the pros strike the ball as low as possible... ~30" off the bounce.

[@jjaustintx]

Thanks!

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks so much Judy! I really appreciate it.

[@jimw6991]

Hey Nicole, who is the lady with her back to the camera in a black n white skirt and with brown ponytail? Notice her wrist action as she hits a rather good looking slice backhand return. Do you have a video detailing how to hit that shot? My slice backhand has much more sidespin and I am envious of her shot. :)

[@primetimepickleball]

Hi Jim! I believe you’re referring to Julie Heitman. Yes, she has a good slice. Make sure your paddle face is more level at contact and doesn’t have the tip pointed down. That’s often a big part of why it might sidespin more than underspin.

[@TheImano]

Nice video.👍👍👍

[@primetimepickleball]

Thank you 👍

[@777-Phil]

Thanks

[@primetimepickleball]

Welcome

[@caponteh]

How do I hold the paddle to top-spin vs slice?

[@primetimepickleball]

Please watch these two videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIHTk5yOlpKHjLc & kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHu4fH-Yr7JjeNE. They explain everything about grips and when to use which.

[@Simplentertainments]

Very informative video, wish the spoken content matches a little more with what’s being shown on the visual video. I feel like my brain is split into 2 part: one processing what’s being said and the other taking in what I see and match it up with what I hear, but one is a marathon runner and the other is a sprinter. Anyway. Probably unsolicited feedback… 😅

[@eddiemattison7792]

Yes! Thank you at 5:44 try to hit the ball at its highest peak....

[@primetimepickleball]

You got it!

[@gregflakus66]

I agree on pausing a little

[@primetimepickleball]

Ok, thanks.

[@cathygahan5324]

Love the video! However a slight pause at times would be a bit easier to follow. I find myself stopping the video, to process what’s been said. Thanks

[@primetimepickleball]

Thanks for the feedback Cathy. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@tgw230]

I think most people liked the pace of the video, nobody likes videos that drag on too long, pause it if you need to that’s why the pause button exists

[@xXxLax4LifexXx]

Pause it yourself brah

[@nalynegunggavakin9682]

Where to find link for Reset shot?

[@primetimepickleball]

There's lots on the channel. Just search the channel for "reset". Here's a good one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2fGf2Sri8mfaNU

[@donnacollins6698]

Love her voice

[@primetimepickleball]

Thank you!

[@soy_leche]

I appreciate the repeated replays. Helps see whats happnening without pausing, rewinding, etc

[@primetimepickleball]

Glad you like it Ryan!

[@VideoNOLA]

Do pickleball rules prohibit touching the racket surface with your other hand?

[@primetimepickleball]

You can do that in general. The only time you can't do that is to put your hand inside the kitchen after you've hit a volley.

[@marcogarcia6927]

I saw them steeping on the kitchen few times

[@primetimepickleball]

You can step into the kitchen as long as you don't volley it.

[@jamesmedina-bs6jj]

805 pm. No

[@primetimepickleball]

?

[@shanel624]

Is Jordan still part of the channel?

[@primetimepickleball]

Hi Shane, he hasn’t been part of the channel for over a year now. We did a video on it at that time. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGGydaCmmbqNe6c

[@kalemavin7846]

This is not leg foult? 6:32

[@primetimepickleball]

No it’s not because the ball bounced on her side.

[@islandboy9580]

Why not aim away from opponent vs at their feet?

[@primetimepickleball]

You can aim low and away as well if you have a good angle on a shot to an opening. That way you’ll force them to stretch away and down. Good option if it’s there for you but often times you want to beat them up through their feet first and THEN aim away when it will hurt the most. It’s a multi step plan.

[@frankfurter7260]

This is a good game for heavy women that don’t or can’t run.

[@primetimepickleball]

It’s a good game for everyone.

[@frankfurter7260]

@@primetimepickleball, agree.

[@jeanyves3364]

👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😉

[@primetimepickleball]

lol! Thank you!

[@qsicktv]

Damn. Is this a physics class? So complicated.

[@primetimepickleball]

Sorry you thought so.

[@qsicktv]

@@primetimepickleball I was drinking when I commented. I no longer find it complicated. In fact, it's great and I shouldn't comment when I am drinking. LOL

[@rastafarian6253]

Camera too far

[@primetimepickleball]

How close would you like it to be?

[@dwainehiggins4451]

Im seeing a lot of hits on or in the kitchen. What is this, amateur hour?? 😬

[@primetimepickleball]

Like someone is standing in the kitchen volleying? Where?

[@shekina9473]

that voice

[@primetimepickleball]

Thank you :)

[@samuelbellamy4218]

Fun game but dumb names and scoring. Makes sense keep your pickle out of the kitchen. Also totally makes sense to have the player number in with the score.

[@primetimepickleball]

It's a quirky name for sure.

[@Mobev1]

Am I too young to play pickleball at 50? I just feel weird out there and feel like I would regret not using my body for things like slalom skiing , surfing, spear fishing, tennis and golf.

[@Mayotauros]

No you aren't, but if you don't enjoy it as much as these other activities don't do it

[@jimkazmarek5302]

Hahaha!!! Joking right? Think you forgot water polo and alligator wrestling?

[@primetimepickleball]

Definitely not too young. It still has a stigma of being only for the senior community but that is no longer true. It can be a very intense game.

[@primetimepickleball]

Good point.

[@Mobev1]

@@Mayotauros well I do all those things and lift heavy because I have basically been retired since I was 30. Recently I’ve been playing some pickleball and won some 4.0 leagues. I just feel like the sport is probably the least technical sport out there once you figure out how to keep the ball low and hit the kitchen from anywhere. It is probably 50x easier than tennis which is a good thing and about the same for table tennis. In fact I brought a good tennis player out with me and in a half an hour I had him hitting the kitchen and dinking and we went on to run the challenge court at holly hill all day Saturday

[@dr.jamessylvesterdmd3053]

Excellent video

[@primetimepickleball]

Thank you very much!