THE Pickleball System

Question-Why did the Return Side
lose the rally?

WATCH THIS VIDEO FIRST

Give yourself as much time as you need.

Put your answer in the comments below.

Lastly, watch the answer video below

Answer-THIS is why the Return Side
Lost the Rally

For some, this was easy, for others a head-scratcher. It doesn't matter!

It's all about learning and understanding how to apply the framework and objectives.

 

Before you watch the answer video, share your thoughts in the comments below

96 Comments

  1. Avatar photo Carolyn Wdee on March 16, 2023 at 5:18 pm

    Leslie hit her return too low and short so she was not able to get to the NVZ before the 3rd shot

    • Avatar photo Gloria on March 19, 2023 at 8:06 pm

      She was to far back, had she been closer to the kitchen she would have been able to make a return.

  2. Avatar photo Suzanne on March 16, 2023 at 5:21 pm

    I think that her short return set in motion a number of shots that ultimately caused them to lose the rally. Not really able to get to NVZ and stay there.

    • Avatar photo Susan Moore on March 16, 2023 at 5:31 pm

      Return team was consistently not at the NVZ, created lots of movement and having to adjust each time the ball came over the net.

      • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 16, 2023 at 7:36 pm

        The answer didn’t match the question video but it does now. You’re right the short return of serve caused a snowball

      • Avatar photo JOE R. POMBO JR on March 18, 2023 at 9:59 am

        Yes, the short service set up this series

      • Avatar photo Ken on March 19, 2023 at 6:38 am

        Return to serve too short allowed the serve side to get to the NVZ fast having the advantage.

    • Avatar photo Paul Legendre on March 16, 2023 at 5:32 pm

      Exactly, the return of serve was the issue that put a host of problems to occur and put the serving team at the NVZ with the advantage

      • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 16, 2023 at 7:35 pm

        You’re right the answer didn’t match the question video but it does now. You’re right the short return of serve caused a snowball

    • Avatar photo Cindy on March 22, 2023 at 10:42 am

      F-wearing pink (hat) and blue (shoes)! Oye! Criminal! 😂

      • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 22, 2023 at 7:11 pm

        Gangsta pickleball! 🤣🤣

  3. Avatar photo Ed on March 16, 2023 at 5:22 pm

    I think your question and answer videos are not matched correctly. The answer for the video was a short return of serve. However the answer video is talking about where to put the 3rd shot.

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 16, 2023 at 7:40 pm

      You’re right the answer didn’t match the question video but it does now. Hope you come back and look again.

      • Avatar photo Maureen pirozek on March 18, 2023 at 5:46 pm

        Both teams should be at nvz

        • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 18, 2023 at 7:19 pm

          He

  4. Avatar photo Rick Torchia on March 16, 2023 at 5:22 pm

    The returning players did not move up to the NVZ

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 16, 2023 at 7:40 pm

      You’re right the short return of serve caused a snowball

  5. Avatar photo Dave McWhirter on March 16, 2023 at 5:22 pm

    Return side did not command the NVZ.

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 16, 2023 at 7:40 pm

      The answer didn’t match the question video but it does now. You’re right the short return of serve caused a snowball

  6. Avatar photo Greg on March 16, 2023 at 5:24 pm

    They didn’t maintain their positional advantage. IOW, they allowed the serving team to get to NVZ and/or to push them off the NVZ.

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 16, 2023 at 7:39 pm

      The answer didn’t match the question video but it does now. You’re right but the short return of serve kept them from taking their advantage and then caused a snowball effect.

    • Avatar photo MCecile on March 21, 2023 at 7:07 pm

      Can you fix your mistake …after short return by moving to nvz and blocking?

      • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 22, 2023 at 8:49 am

        Somtimes. You need to be able to hit a reset shot (a drop that’s below the net height onto your opponent’s side of the court). That’s what Tony and Leslie were trying to do. The problem is it’s a difficult shot to hit when you’re under stress. It’s much easier to focus on the return of serve. That’s how most players get distracted. If they don’t understand that the reason the team lost the rally was the return of serve they are likely to think they need to focus on developing a different skill.

  7. Avatar photo Suzanne on March 16, 2023 at 5:24 pm

    Tony I don’t think this is the correct answer video for the Day 1 question video?
    it should be why did we lose this rally – not where should I hit the 3rd shot?

    • Avatar photo Linda Niehuus on March 16, 2023 at 5:31 pm

      True, Suzanne! I notice the same thing.

  8. Avatar photo Steve Colby on March 16, 2023 at 5:27 pm

    At first I thought it was Tony’s hat, but maybe the return of serve played a role as well.

    • Avatar photo Shirin Spangenberg on March 22, 2023 at 12:23 pm

      that’s hilarious!

  9. Avatar photo Sue Vaughn on March 16, 2023 at 5:28 pm

    I think the answer is E – the servers did not get up to the NVZ.

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 16, 2023 at 7:38 pm

      The answer didn’t match the question video but it does now. Come on back and compare.

  10. Avatar photo Rich and Lisa Hudak on March 16, 2023 at 5:28 pm

    A thru D were all the problem.

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 16, 2023 at 7:38 pm

      The answer didn’t match the question video but it does now. The short return started a snowball chain of events.

  11. Avatar photo Lori on March 16, 2023 at 5:30 pm

    They did not move up to the nvz

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 16, 2023 at 7:37 pm

      The answer didn’t match the question video but it does now. You’re right the short return of serve caused a snowball

  12. Avatar photo Linda Niehuus on March 16, 2023 at 5:30 pm

    I try to keep my head down and watch the ball all the way to my paddle. So, I have trouble “aiming” my shot. Any suggestions about that? I agree with the strategy…smart!

  13. Avatar photo Lisa on March 16, 2023 at 5:30 pm

    Based on what I heard in the first episode of the mini series – the return team never took the opportunity to get up to the NVZ, which caused the loss of the rally.

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 16, 2023 at 7:37 pm

      The answer didn’t match the question video but it does now. You’re right the short return of serve caused a snowball

  14. Avatar photo Linda Niehuus on March 16, 2023 at 5:31 pm

    True, Suzanne! I notice the same thing.

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 16, 2023 at 7:35 pm

      You’re right the answer didn’t match the question video but it does now.

  15. Avatar photo Leonard Lye on March 16, 2023 at 5:33 pm

    Yup. Wrong answer video to the question video.

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 16, 2023 at 7:34 pm

      You’re right the answer didn’t match the question video but it does now.

  16. Avatar photo Linda Niehuus on March 16, 2023 at 5:33 pm

    I think the rally was lost because the players moved back, gave up ground when they should have been at the NVZ

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 16, 2023 at 7:34 pm

      The answer and question video didnt’ match. Hope you come back and compare your answer.

  17. Avatar photo Cindy on March 16, 2023 at 5:34 pm

    They were’t able to get to NVZ zone, they kept moving further back.

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 16, 2023 at 7:33 pm

      Exactly, all caused by the short return. The answer video is now available.

  18. Avatar photo Daryl Browne on March 16, 2023 at 5:35 pm

    Returning side did not advance to NVZ and lost positional advantage. This was partly started by a short return of service. Returning team then ended up not playing from NVZ, but from no man’s land. It was only a matter of time until they lost the rally, and the point.

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 16, 2023 at 7:32 pm

      Yup!

  19. Avatar photo Sandra on March 16, 2023 at 5:35 pm

    Excellent information, thank you

  20. Avatar photo Cathy on March 16, 2023 at 5:36 pm

    I thought it E other – not taking and maintaining NVZ. The video does not appear to answer the question.

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 16, 2023 at 7:32 pm

      You’re right the answer didn’t match the question video but it does now. You’re right the short return of serve caused a snowball Come on back and compare your answer

  21. Avatar photo Lora on March 16, 2023 at 5:37 pm

    Seem like this answer video is for a different question or problem that we were asked to answer. The question is “Question-Why Did The Return Side
    Lose The Rally?” and this answer video is showing us where we should hit the ball.

    I believe the answer to “Why Did The Return Side Lose The Rally?” because Tony’s partner didn’t get up to the NVZ so they immediately lost their advantage.

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 16, 2023 at 7:31 pm

      You’re right the answer didn’t match the question video but it does now. You’re right the short return of serve caused a snowball

  22. Avatar photo Greg on March 16, 2023 at 5:38 pm

    Suzanne, you are correct. The answer video is from the server’s side: where to hit the third shot? and not from the receiver’s side: where did we go wrong? (Still, I find the information very useful!)

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 16, 2023 at 7:31 pm

      You’re right the answer didn’t match the question video but it does now.

  23. Avatar photo Dan Roy on March 16, 2023 at 5:39 pm

    This seems to be the wrong answer video. While it is related, it doesn’t specifically answer the question of what did Tony’s team do wrong.
    This video answers the question of which is the best 3rd shot in this situation.

    My answer to the original video would be “A” that his partner hit a short return of serve which allowed the serving team to get to the NVZ to soon.

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 16, 2023 at 7:30 pm

      You’re right the answer didn’t match the question video but it does now.You’re right the return was short. Hope you come back and share.

  24. Avatar photo Debbie on March 16, 2023 at 5:41 pm

    I am new at this but I believe the answer was E – They lost because they stayed at a disadvantage and let the other team move up and take the advantage

  25. Avatar photo Bryan M Adamczyk on March 16, 2023 at 5:50 pm

    Gave up their positional advantage by not getting up to the NVZ line and maintaining their position at the line.

  26. Avatar photo Nanci Sorenson on March 16, 2023 at 6:15 pm

    Agree, that this might not be the correct answer video…..but my answer is the return serve as it did not allow the return team to keep their positional advantage.(NVZ)

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 16, 2023 at 7:29 pm

      You’re right the answer didn’t match the question video but it does now. Your answer is right. They didn’t take the advantage and the serve team was able to over come the advantage and drive them off the line.

  27. Avatar photo Robert on March 16, 2023 at 6:17 pm

    Is the answer video the correct response video for the question? It doesn’t seem like it is because it doesn’t discuss the shots that occurred and why they were a problem. It seems to me that the reason the rally was lost is because the return of serve was hit too hard which didn’t give the returning player enough time to get to the NVZ line after her shot. The 3rd shot caught her in no man’s land and she had to dig it out (she was lucky) popping it up causing Tony to move off the NVZ line and things went down hill from there. Had she returned it with a slow lob to give herself enough time to reach the NVZ before the 3rd shot was hit, she would have been in a better position to hit an offensive volley to potentially keep the serving team back giving your team an even better opportunity to win the point. Lobs certainly were a problem but had she been in position at the NVZ line when the 3rd shot came over the net, I believe your team would have won the rally.

    • Avatar photo Robert on March 16, 2023 at 6:38 pm

      Guess I hit send to quick. The return was hit too fast and shallow to give the returning player enough time to get to the NVZ. In the last sentence, I meant to say Drops were a problem but they are much harder to hit when you are digging out fast balls at your feet vs a slow floater. Get to the NVZ and take it out of the air (volley) if you can vs letting it bounce and hitting it. It will greatly reduce your opponent’s reaction time when hitting it out of the air. Be aware of spin on the ball. Give yourself plenty of room by hitting to the middle (don’t try sharp angles) and don’t let it bounce when there is a lot of spin on it because the bounce will be very unpredictable.

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 16, 2023 at 7:28 pm

      You’re right the answer didn’t match the question video but it does now.

  28. Avatar photo Don Seibert on March 16, 2023 at 6:43 pm

    This answer video does not match the questions asked in the Question video, IMHO.

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 16, 2023 at 7:27 pm

      You’re right the answer didn’t match the question video but it does now. Would love to know your answer. Hope you come back and share.

  29. Avatar photo Thom Grace on March 16, 2023 at 7:18 pm

    Agree that the answer didn’t answer the question.

    There were several reasons that the returning team gave up the position advantage

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 16, 2023 at 7:27 pm

      You’re right the answer didn’t match the question video but it does now. Would love to know your answer. Hope you come back and share.

  30. Avatar photo Susan on March 16, 2023 at 7:26 pm

    Not getting to the no volley line

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 16, 2023 at 7:37 pm

      The answer didn’t match the question video but it does now. You’re right the short return of serve caused a snowball

  31. Avatar photo Cathy Cogswell on March 16, 2023 at 7:57 pm

    Shallow Return of serve which allowed the serve team to move up to the NVZ. The man in purple was Able to move in and able to attack The returner at her fe

  32. Avatar photo Gilda on March 16, 2023 at 8:08 pm

    Thank you for breaking down the 3rd shot options of the serving side after the returning side 2nd shot was short. Very helpful.

  33. Avatar photo Linda Gerger on March 16, 2023 at 9:37 pm

    Wow! Powerful illustration of the fallout from a short return of serve. I had no idea how much is affected by one shot. I am at the right point in my journey now to appreciate this. (Also pleased I chose right: option A)

  34. Avatar photo Ramona on March 17, 2023 at 7:43 am

    Tony I believe this is the wrong video to day one question which is why did we lose this rally. My thought on why you lost the rally was due to the return serve being short instead of deep which set things in motion for your team to get pushed back from the NVZ

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 17, 2023 at 12:37 pm

      Hi Ramona you are correct on both counts. The video was incorrect and has since been replaced. You’re also correct the short return set a snowball in motion.

  35. Avatar photo Thom Grace on March 17, 2023 at 8:23 am

    Thanks for correcting the link to the right video,

    Before the workshop I could not choose between A-B-C-D,

    After the workshop, I watch the video before the answer video was posted and chose E – failure to TAKE and MAINTAIN the positional advantage which I saw that was started with the short return of serve and could not recover from.

  36. Avatar photo Donna on March 17, 2023 at 8:26 am

    I agree, that losing the positional disadvantage due to a short ROS was the initial downfall, but I thought by the end of the 4th shot where Sehan was going for the ball, why couldn’t you both have gotten up to the NVZ?

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 17, 2023 at 12:43 pm

      Hi Donna, you may be right but here’s the way to apply framework. Once you know what the major error that’s what needs to be fixed. Players are often tempted to look at a rally such as this and think that maybe the return team needs work on their drops or perhaps the need better footwork and positioning. When in reality the team failed to take their advantage and the shot that caused the problem is the return, after that it was just a snowball

  37. Avatar photo Sandra Stijes on March 17, 2023 at 8:52 am

    Receiving team did not hold position at NVZ line, after deep drop back – C

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 17, 2023 at 12:32 pm

      Hey Sandra this might sound picky but this is how we start to make corrections in our game. If you were to look at it again. Did the team fail to 1. Take the advantage or Maintain the advantage.

  38. Avatar photo Barbara Ross on March 17, 2023 at 8:58 am

    The return team was at mid-court. They should have been at the NVZ line.

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 17, 2023 at 12:31 pm

      Great observation. They never took thier advantage but why didn’t they get to the NVZ?

  39. Avatar photo Steve Colby on March 17, 2023 at 9:17 am

    In the answer video you note that in the next rally, Tony’s return of serve is deeper. In fairness to Leslie, Dave’s serve to her was much better. It landed deeper in the court and the high point of the bounce was just about off camera. The serve to Tony was shorter, and reached it’s apex right about at the baseline.

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 17, 2023 at 12:30 pm

      Hey Dave, Tony meant no criticism of Leslie, every player will hit them short from time to time. And you are correct a deeper serve will make it much harder to hit the return deep. But what we hope players realize is that by using the framework and objectives and strategies players can diagnose the master error and make corrections based on that.

      • Avatar photo Steve Colby on March 18, 2023 at 11:43 am

        CJ – Of course, I know Tony doesn’t do that. Sorry for my clumsy wording. Another lesson is that sometimes your opponent makes a good shot that makes it hard for you to execute.

  40. Avatar photo Eduardo on March 17, 2023 at 9:25 am

    Gracias. Really good and basic information. This helps to see what is happening in our rallies and (the best) how correct the mistakes.

  41. Avatar photo Mary on March 17, 2023 at 9:43 am

    I think not ever making to the NVZ was the problem. Too much time in “no man’s land”

  42. Avatar photo Robin on March 17, 2023 at 10:40 am

    They gave up their advantage at the net.

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 17, 2023 at 12:25 pm

      Hi Robin, this is going to sound picky but this will help you learn to apply the framework so you can solve the puzzles on the court. The return team has two objectives. 1. To take the advantage 2. To Maintain the advantage. If you were to watch the video one more time did they give up their advantage or were they unable to take the advantage? Once you analyze the major error now you know what shot or strategy needs to change.

      • Avatar photo Gary on March 18, 2023 at 7:09 pm

        Unable to get to NVZ because of short service return.

  43. Avatar photo Karen on March 17, 2023 at 5:25 pm

    Short return makes it tough to get to the NVZ

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 17, 2023 at 6:35 pm

      You’re exactly right. After that it’s just a snowball but once you are able to understand the objectives and what happens if you aren’t able to achieve them that’s when everything changes. Congrats

  44. Avatar photo Doug Gunn on March 17, 2023 at 6:42 pm

    Short return of serve

  45. Avatar photo Pat on March 18, 2023 at 5:19 pm

    This video did not answer what caused the return side to lose the rally.

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on March 18, 2023 at 7:20 pm

      HI Pat did you see the answer video below the first one?

  46. Avatar photo Paula on March 19, 2023 at 5:46 am

    The return was not deep enough to allow them to establish position at the NVZ. Therefore allowing mishits and pop-ups to occur and movement away form the NVZ.

  47. Avatar photo Lydia Shepard on March 19, 2023 at 12:56 pm

    Return team never moved up to NVZ.

  48. Avatar photo David on March 20, 2023 at 4:15 pm

    Return team never moved up to NVZ

Leave a Comment