What is the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ)?
The non-volley zone (NVZ) is also called the kitchen, and it is physically defined as the first 7’ on both sides of the net. The NVZ has specific rules and is a critical part of a solid game of Pickleball.
You cannot hit the ball while standing in the non-volley zone unless the ball has bounced in the zone before making contact. You can hit a ball in the air (before it bounces) in the NVZ as long as you are NOT in the zone. Hitting a ball before it bounces in the NVZ is also called a volley.
Additionally, if your momentum carries you into the non-volley zone after your shot, then that is a zone violation and a loss of the point.
What is the two-bounce rule?
Pickleball is unique in that the first two shots of every point must bounce prior to hitting the ball. When the server hits the ball to the opposing team/player, it must bounce before the player can hit it back to the service team (Bounce #1).
Additionally, the service team may not hit the return of serve until it bounces (Bounce #2).
Bounce #2 is typically one of the most challenging rules for beginners because they want to hit the ball before it bounces to get an advantage during the rally.
What is Poaching in Pickleball?
Poaching is when your pickleball partner takes a shot that was meant for you (or vice versa). Sometimes it is accidental, and other times it is intentional.
There are many reasons to poach a shot, including your partner being out of position, the opposing team focusing on your partner and purposely staying away from you (most likely, you are the stronger player, and your partner is the weaker player), or…sometimes you just can’t help yourself!
What is the “return of serve” in Pickleball?
The "return of serve" in pickleball refers to the shot that a player makes after the opposing team has served the ball. This is considered one of the most important defensive shots of a rally because it is your opportunity to keep the serving team back at the service line.
As the receiving team, your goal should be to keep the serving team from getting to the kitchen (the Non-Volley Zone).
To properly do that, your return shot should be in the back 1/3 of the court. Because they have to wait for the shot to bounce before hitting it, a deeper shot will give you time to move to NVZ line and have a tactical advantage in the point.
As the saying goes, control the kitchen, control the rally.
What is a cut shot in Pickleball?
A cut shot in Pickleball, also known as a "slice" shot, is when you intentionally swing your paddle in a motion that causes the ball to change direction upon contact with the ground.
It takes practice to master the cut shot, and can be an effective shot to have in your arsenal.
A lot of Pickleballers, like me, love to put a spin on their serve and the return of the serve.
Additionally, you will want to learn how to hit a spin ball that’s been hit to you. 3.0’s and under typically struggle with spinning balls.
