In the world of pickleball, few topics ignite as much spirited debate as the ideal strategy for returning a serve. A recent post by user wesleychuauthor sparked quite the conversation regarding whether it’s better to use a deep high second shot return or go for a fast, low, and deep approach. With the backdrop of personal experiences and personal opinions, this discussion showcases the diverse strategies employed by players at various skill levels. The poster shares their conviction that high, deep shots, while allowing their team time to move toward the kitchen, may be the optimal move over their brother’s suggestion of hard, low returns that can lead to quick exchanges in an intense match. As players chimed in with their insights, it became clear that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to this pickleball quandary.
Summary
- Discussion revolves around the effectiveness of high, slow returns versus low, fast ones.
- Players emphasize the importance of getting to the kitchen and controlling the game.
- Responses show a strong mix of pros and cons for each strategy, making it clear there is no universal solution.
- Individual player skill levels and experiences shape their views on the best returns.
The Case for High and Deep Returns
Many players support the high and deep return strategy, highlighting that it offers crucial time to advance toward the kitchen. One user mentioned, “If it’s a good serve I love to hit a high and deep return. Like you said it keeps them back and gives me plenty of time to run up to the kitchen.” This sentiment resonates with those who feel that allowing time to reposition is essential at higher levels of play, especially when playing against opponents who may respond quickly. Moreover, players argue that slow, lofty returns can lead to errors on the opponents’ side, with some stating that bangers might overcommit and swing too hard at it, leading to mistakes. Ultimately, the strategy aligns with the philosophy that setting up for the next shot is more critical than outright aggression on the returns.
Championing Lower, Faster Returns
Contrastingly, several users advocated for a faster, lower return strategy. One player declared, “The harder and lower (and deeper) the second, the more difficult the third ball drop!” Here, the key lies in making things challenging for the opposing team as early as possible. Players embracing this strategy argue that hard returns can keep opponents on the defensive and limit their options. A popular line of reasoning is that if you can maintain a high enough skill level to handle the quick transitions that come from serving or returning aggressively, it can create an advantageous situation. Tactically, aiming for the opposing team’s weak points, such as their backhand, can also yield significant benefits, especially at 3.5+ levels of play.
Finding a Balance: Mix It Up
What stood out from the discussion was the general agreement on the importance of mixing both strategies. For instance, one player mentions, “I like to mix it up; doing the same thing every time just lets your opponent be perfectly prepared for what’s coming.” Players recognized that while consistency is important, predictability could lead to unrequited advantage for the opponents. By combining both strategies, players can keep their adversaries off-balance and unable to settle into a rhythm. Some respondents pointed out that the serve being either harder or softer can dictate the choice of return strategy, emphasizing the dynamic nature of gameplay and how situational awareness can adjust approaches seamlessly.
Adapting to Individual Styles and Conditions
An overarching theme in the comments was the need for players to evaluate their individual skill levels and their partners’ skills as well. With the learning experiences that come from playing in mixed levels of competition, players noted the importance of adapting strategies based on personal comfort level and performance under pressure. For example, a player at a 4.3 DUPR mentioned “I used to hit harder returns and then would get caught mid-court… points are rarely won in the first 3-4 shots.” This reinforces the idea that players should place focus on their strengths and weaknesses when determining their approach to returns. Ultimately, it was the encouragement of creating an understanding of one’s playing style that emerged as a central takeaway from this dialogue.
As the conversation demonstrated, both returning strategies in pickleball carry weight depending on the game context and the players involved. Each approach has its compelling arguments, but the take-home message seems to resonate around the idea of adaptability and situational awareness. The ability to adjust one’s game plan in real-time—balancing high deep returns with fast, low approaches—could indeed lead the way to victory on the courts. Remember, whether you’re spiking a hard return or floating a gentle lob, it’s all about getting to the kitchen unscathed and maintaining control of the game at every point.