If you’re getting killed at the non-volley zone (NVZ), chances are it’s one of these three mistakes.
Mistake #1: Taking Big Swings at the NVZ
When you’re this close to the net, big swings are your enemy. Instead of a controlled dink, a long backswing adds too much power and usually creates a pop-up—an easy putaway for your opponents.
✅ The Fix: Keep your swing short and compact. Think of it as gently lifting the ball with precision rather than hitting it hard. A compact stroke is the foundation of a solid pickleball kitchen strategy—control over chaos.
Mistake #2: Spinning Every Dink
Spin is flashy, but it’s not always effective. Many players rely too much on spin, which often leads to errors and inconsistency at the kitchen line.
✅ The Fix: Build your game around a consistent flat dink. Once you’re confident in your control, add spin selectively to force errors or apply pressure. A winning pickleball NVZ strategy isn’t about using spin all the time—it’s about using it with purpose.
Mistake #3: Playing Balls That Are Going Out
One of the most frustrating ways to lose a rally is by hitting a ball that was sailing long. At the NVZ, players often get baited into swinging at high-speed drives above the waist—balls that usually would’ve gone out.
✅ The Fix: Improve your pickleball NVZ awareness by learning to read your opponents’ attacks. Anticipate the drive, trust your instincts, and let those out balls go. Yes, you might misjudge one here and there, but most of the time you’ll win the rally by not touching it.
Building a Smarter Pickleball NVZ Strategy
The kitchen line is the most important part of the court, and your NVZ play often decides the match. By avoiding these three mistakes—big swings, unnecessary spin, and playing out balls—you’ll develop a stronger, more reliable pickleball NVZ strategy.
If you want to keep improving at the NVZ and beyond, join me for a free training where I’ll teach you how to play your best pickleball at any age.
Together, we can train smart, live bold, and age well—on and off the court.
CJ Johnson
Hey there — I’m a professional three-sport athlete and coach who has spent my entire adult life earning a living from playing and coaching sports. Since I started coaching more than three decades ago, one thing has remained the same: My commitment to see students not as they are but as what they can become and to move heaven and earth to help them realize their untapped potential. You should know that when it comes to helping pickleball players over 50 live their best lives on and off the courts, I'm an expert. Good pickleball is not just technique; it's the mind and body working holistically. That's why I'm also a personal trainer and weight management specialist. When I’m chillin', you'll find me watching Star Trek with my husband John and our two fur babies, Shirley and Ralph. (Yes, Happy Days)
You guys make it easy to learn. Thank you for letting me learn a few good lessons. I’m not sure at 78 I can use the big class but I am thinking about it. I have watch you, CJ for a few years now. You do a great job. Thank you.
Thank you for the kind words! I’m so glad you’ve been with us for a while. 😊 We’ve got several members your age and older. What matters most is curiosity and showing up, which you’re already doing beautifully. What part of your game feels the most fun to work on right now?