Pickleball is a fast-paced and fun sport that requires skill, strategy, and stamina. One of the most essential pickleball skills is the reset shot.
A reset shot is a soft, defensive shot that lands harmlessly into the opponent’s non-volley zone (NVZ), also known as the kitchen, and forces them to hit up on the next ball. A reset shot can help you gain control of the rally and neutralize your opponent’s attack. It is especially true when you are in a disadvantageous position or under pressure.
This article will explain the critical elements of a good reset shot. We will also explain how to hit it in different situations on the court.
Learn how to hit a reset shot in pickleball and improve your game!
What Is a Reset Shot in Pickleball?
A reset shot in pickleball is a soft, defensive shot that lands harmlessly into the opponent’s non-volley zone (NVZ), also known as the kitchen, and forces them to hit up on the next ball.
A reset shot can help you gain control of the rally and neutralize your opponent’s attack. This is especially important if you are in a disadvantageous position or under pressure.
Depending on the situation, a reset shot can be hit from the baseline, the NVZ, or the transition zone. The critical elements of a successful reset shot are:
- A light grip and a gentle swing
- A low and soft contact point
- An open paddle face and a slight spin
- An aim for the middle of the court or the opponent’s backhand or feet
- Follow-through with the arm and wrist
A reset shot is one of the essential skills to master in pickleball, as it can help you turn defense into offense and win more points.
Why It’s Important to Learn a Reset Shot?
Learning a reset shot in pickleball can give you a significant advantage over your opponents, as it can help you deal with difficult situations and regain control of the rally. A reset shot can help you:
- Defend against your opponent’s attack and prevent them from hitting a winner.
- The transition from the baseline to the NVZ and establishing a better position on the court.
- Recover from being pulled wide or out of balance and prepare for the next shot.
- Avoid unforced errors or giving your opponent accessible opportunities.
- Create openings for your attack and pressure your opponent.
A reset shot can also improve your mental game, boosting confidence, patience, and decision-making. Learning a reset shot can make you a more versatile and practical pickleball player.
How to Hit a Reset Shot in Pickleball?
A reset shot can be hit from different locations on the court, depending on where you are and where the ball is coming from. Here are some tips on how to hit a reset shot from the baseline, the NVZ, and the transition zone:
Reset Shot From the Baseline
If you are at the baseline and your opponent hits a deep or fastball, you cannot attack. You can hit a reset shot to give yourself time to move forward and join your partner at the NVZ.
To hit a reset shot from the baseline, use a soft and low contact point, aim for the middle of the court or your opponent’s backhand, keep your paddle face open and swing gently, and follow through with your arm and wrist.
Reset Shot From the Non-volley Zone
If you are at the NVZ and your opponent hits a hard or angled ball that you cannot volley aggressively, you can hit a reset shot to neutralize their advantage and force them to hit up on the next ball.
To hit a reset shot from the NVZ, use a continental grip and a short backswing, block or slice the ball with minimal spin, aim for the feet of your opponent or the NVZ line, and keep your paddle face perpendicular to the net and your body balanced.
Reset Shot From the Transition Zone
If you are in the transition zone (the area between the baseline and the NVZ) and your opponent attacks from their NVZ, you can hit a reset shot to stop their momentum and allow yourself to reach the NVZ.
To hit a reset shot from the transition zone, use a continental or eastern grip and a compact swing, slice or drop the ball with moderate spin, aim for the NVZ or just over the net, and keep your paddle face slightly open and your body low.
FAQs
Yes, you can redo a serve in pickleball if the serve hits the net and lands in, the receiver is not ready, there is a hindrance, the referee makes a mistake, or the referee stops playing. You can also use a drop serve, which is when you hit the ball after dropping it and letting it bounce once.
Consistently practicing the correct fundamentals of pickleball will help improve your ability to hit harder shots. Specifically, you should focus on developing greater power and speed in your swing through drills and proper footwork. Using heavier paddles can also provide more mass behind your shots to increase velocity.
A key strategy in pickleball is to focus on controlling the center of the court, giving you and your partner more options for attacking or defending. Additionally, it is essential to be aware of the opponent’s positioning and be ready to anticipate their next shots. Making wise use of spin and angles will also help you gain an edge over your opponents.
Well, Let’s Wrap Up!
Overall, reset shots are essential tools when playing pickleball. It will help you score more points and practice with different angles, accuracy, and shots.
By understanding what a reset shot is and where it comes from on the court, practicing form and technique to complete the shot accurately, as well as different methods for hitting that shot depending on where one finds themselves on the court, a player should be well-equipped to add this type of shot to their arsenal.
Now get out there and hit your reset shots!
I am a professional physiotherapist and the author of the BallSportsPro. I worked with athletes of all levels, from amateur to professional, and i helped them overcome injuries and improve their performance. I am a certified Pickleball instructor and has been playing the sport for over 10 years.
