The Split Step and Understanding Balance – Pickleball Strategy
Understanding balance and proper footwork are important in Pickleball. About 80% of all rallies are won at the NVZ line. Understanding this, the goal of every pickleball team should be to get to the kitchen line as quickly as possible. The split-step is an effective and balanced way to transition through no mans land.
Getting to the NVZ Line
A team pinned to the baseline understands that they need to get to the kitchen line. This will give them the best chance at winning the rally. Do you storm in recklessly or wait for the perfect drop shop? Unless you are extremely skilled you are not going to hit the perfect drop every time. This will leave you unable to cover the distance necessary to get the NVZ line. If you storm the line recklessly you will not have the balance or footwork necessary to return the ball that coming back at you.
Balance and Footwork
Balance and footwork are the keys to good groundstrokes and volleys. If you are recklessly storming forward towards the non-volley zone line you are in a very unbalanced position. This type of explosive forward motion and momentum leave you a vulnerable position. It will be difficult to move or rotate your body quickly as you hit your shot. If you are able to get the ball back over it will likely be a poor shot allowing your opponent to take control.
What is the Split Step and Why Should the Split Step be Executed in Pickleball?
The split step is move used in pickleball to reset you so that you will be in a balanced position. A pickleball split step is a little hop to get on the balls of your feet. Your feet should be about shoulder width apart. Now that you are balanced you can quickly move in any direction. The timing of the split step is critical. It should be executed just before your opponent hits the ball.
Being balanced and hitting a good shot from a bad spot is better than a bad shot from a good spot. If you cannot make it all the way from the baseline to the kitchen line before your opponent is ready to strike the ball don’t worry. Depending on you speed and quickness, it may take you a couple of shots to split step all the way in.
Visual Learner
Here is a quick video to visually breakdown the split step for you.