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Now we've got something to help you with your third shot strategy.

To get the most from this exercise, watch the question video and take some time to think about your answers. It's ok to struggle with it. That's how we learn.

Then watch the answer video. Make a comparison between our recommendation and what you thought was best.

Ask questions or share your thoughts in the comment section below the answer video.

HAVE FUN!

Hadshot CJ and Tony

Question-From a SHORT Return
where should you hit the 3rd shot??

WATCH THIS VIDEO FIRST

You are the serving team and get a short return. Where do you hit your third shot and why?
Give yourself as much time as you need and when you are ready watch the answer video.

You'll find the answer video below

Answer-From a SHORT return
Where should you hit the 3rd shot?

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

It's all about learning.

Share your thoughts in the comments below

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323 Comments

  1. Avatar photo Sherry on February 1, 2023 at 11:42 am

    E, B, A, D, C

    • Avatar photo Christine on February 1, 2023 at 12:45 pm

      E A b c d

      • Avatar photo Pam on February 2, 2023 at 4:23 am

        EDCBA

        • Avatar photo Colleen on February 5, 2023 at 8:15 pm

          EDCBA

      • Avatar photo Don on February 5, 2023 at 5:07 am

        D e c b a

        • Avatar photo Sue Bricker on February 5, 2023 at 6:24 am

          CDEAB
          Want to keep the receiver back. C is option 1, over D, because D will be in the air longer, giving the receiver a little more time to react.
          Definitely put B last. Too easy for the net player to get one.
          Torn on options A and E. A is risky.. Higher net, less time for you to get to the NVZ.

          • Avatar photo Marc on February 12, 2023 at 12:28 pm

            I picked the same order that you did. since it was a short return, I want to hit a drive to their backhand or at their feet.



        • Avatar photo RC on February 6, 2023 at 12:41 pm

          Cdeba

          • Avatar photo Anne on February 11, 2023 at 12:25 pm

            B to start followed by d. The others would be flukes. Chose these two so that I am ready to react



      • Avatar photo Theresa on February 5, 2023 at 5:14 pm

        C, E, D, A, B

    • Avatar photo Patty on February 1, 2023 at 12:47 pm

      E, b, c. A D

    • Avatar photo John on February 1, 2023 at 1:26 pm

      E A CD

    • Avatar photo Judy on February 1, 2023 at 5:08 pm

      E C B D A

    • Avatar photo Bruce on February 1, 2023 at 5:31 pm

      CDEBA

      Short shots should be sent to player farthest away

    • Avatar photo Laurie on February 1, 2023 at 8:49 pm

      D C

      • Avatar photo Sue Bricker on February 5, 2023 at 6:24 am

        CDEAB
        Want to keep the receiver back. C is option 1, over D, because D will be in the air longer, giving the receiver a little more time to react.
        Definitely put B last. Too easy for the net player to get one.
        Torn on options A and E. A is risky.. Higher net, less time for you to get to the NVZ.

    • Avatar photo Richard Forth on February 2, 2023 at 6:00 am

      Best options D, C, E respectively

    • Avatar photo Bob Wray on February 2, 2023 at 12:13 pm

      Bedca

    • Avatar photo Bo on February 2, 2023 at 2:32 pm

      D, C, E, A, B

      • Avatar photo Joe on February 5, 2023 at 5:53 am

        CEADB,
        C-SET UP 5TH. DROP
        E-MOVING PLAYER
        A-SIMI NORMAL DROP
        D-MOVING PLAYER, BUT NOT BEST
        B-SET UP PUT AWAY VOLLEY

    • Avatar photo Eileen on February 4, 2023 at 2:17 pm

      C, a
      C because player us deep and moving up. A as a short 3rd shot drop

    • Avatar photo Deb on February 4, 2023 at 2:23 pm

      CEDAB

    • Avatar photo Warren on February 4, 2023 at 2:32 pm

      Dcbac. I’d try to hit the ball back to the servers feet as he transitions to the net. All of the other options would allow the server to reach the NVZ too easily.

    • Avatar photo Bev on February 4, 2023 at 2:33 pm

      C, ,e, d

    • Avatar photo Sue on February 4, 2023 at 2:51 pm

      EDBAC

    • Avatar photo Susan Jacobs on February 4, 2023 at 3:10 pm

      Cedba

    • Avatar photo Orville Nelson on February 4, 2023 at 4:16 pm

      DCEAB

    • Avatar photo Lyle Cabacungan on February 4, 2023 at 4:52 pm

      C D E A B
      Always hit to the deep person
      Then the next at her/his feet while moving to the NVZ
      Drop shot to the deep person
      Drop shot to the NVZ closest to the net
      Last to avoid hitting deep down the middle, the person on the NVZ will be all over that ball.

      This my message to hitting the third shot!

      • Avatar photo Tony Roig on February 5, 2023 at 6:22 am

        Message received and generally concurred with one note: oftentimes the NVZ player does not cover the middle. When you are playing against this player, take advantage of that middle shot. Thanks for the comment.

    • Avatar photo Jim on February 4, 2023 at 5:25 pm

      D C B E A

    • Avatar photo Marcia on February 4, 2023 at 6:30 pm

      CDEBA

    • Avatar photo Art on February 4, 2023 at 8:19 pm

      E,C,D.B.A

    • Avatar photo Allan on February 5, 2023 at 4:00 am

      ebcda

    • Avatar photo Frank on February 5, 2023 at 4:45 am

      D,C,E,A,B

    • Avatar photo Joyce Sills on February 5, 2023 at 9:38 am

      DECBA

    • Avatar photo Amy on February 5, 2023 at 6:46 pm

      C, D, E, A , B
      Hit to the opponets feet, keep them back
      B last since pick off is likely

    • Avatar photo Rich on February 6, 2023 at 5:07 am

      C,D

    • Avatar photo tom on February 6, 2023 at 8:34 am

      cbeda

    • Avatar photo James S Hsi on February 8, 2023 at 8:50 am

      E

    • Avatar photo Joy on February 12, 2023 at 10:20 am

      E, C, D. B,A

    • Avatar photo Michael on February 12, 2023 at 10:44 am

      E
      A
      C
      B
      D

      These assume all right-hand players

  2. Avatar photo Kim on February 1, 2023 at 11:42 am

    I am excited to learn more.

    • Avatar photo Joyce on February 1, 2023 at 1:04 pm

      E dabc

  3. Avatar photo Shirley Kowalski on February 1, 2023 at 11:43 am

    D,B

    • Avatar photo Lorrie Maland on February 1, 2023 at 1:26 pm

      E , D

      • Avatar photo Tim Sparks on February 1, 2023 at 5:46 pm

        I went with a deeper C , backhand, keeping the player back. My second choice was a little sharper angle of D, to take the player wide, open up the court. E next, not preferred unless the player is slow, or you can hit it with enough pace to make it a winner. A and B are last choices and didn’t play into my strategy.

        • Avatar photo Tony Roig on February 5, 2023 at 6:24 am

          Keep the player who is in trouble in trouble. Good stuff Tim. Thanks for sharing it.

    • Avatar photo Herb on February 1, 2023 at 3:50 pm

      DBECA

  4. Avatar photo Ronald H Bristol II on February 1, 2023 at 11:44 am

    Dcbae

    • Avatar photo Bill on February 1, 2023 at 12:43 pm

      E to draw the player off the court leaving the
      court wide open for put away.

      • Avatar photo Tony Roig on February 5, 2023 at 6:24 am

        Hi Bill. The idea of opening angles is a good one but don’t forget the front to back position too. Positional advantage is key to the game. Thanks for joining the conversation.

  5. Avatar photo Trenna on February 1, 2023 at 11:46 am

    E

  6. Avatar photo David Jaye on February 1, 2023 at 11:48 am

    E,C

  7. Avatar photo Mary Klein Piltch on February 1, 2023 at 11:50 am

    D- return to returner coming in at feet
    E – dink out wide especially if returner is slow coming in or they are left handed
    C – if kept low – concerned about non returner poaching
    A and B would be my least preferred shot as non returner is more ready for their next shot

    • Avatar photo Tony Roig on February 5, 2023 at 6:25 am

      Hi Mary

      Exactly. Why involve the player who is eagerly waiting a shot. The other player is running and under stress. Great stuff.

  8. Avatar photo Laura Atkinson on February 1, 2023 at 11:50 am

    Pick E if I can get to it to control the dink or short shot as it would be hard for the opponent to get to.. C if I don’t have a good position to hit E. This keeps the opponent back allowing me to get to net. It is also deep and to the backhand

    • Avatar photo C on February 1, 2023 at 6:00 pm

      C, D, B, E, A

    • Avatar photo Tony Roig on February 5, 2023 at 6:27 am

      Hi Laure

      The limitation of E is letting the returner off the hook. If you can take the top of the hill and then attack your opponents from there … that is fun :).

  9. Avatar photo Leon on February 1, 2023 at 11:51 am

    I’d choose option D to keep the returning player back. Options A, B and E don’t keep the returning player back.
    Option C would keep the player back but could easily be poached.

    • Avatar photo Greg on February 1, 2023 at 6:37 pm

      C E D a b

    • Avatar photo Jim on February 4, 2023 at 2:05 pm

      My thoughts exactly. Surprised at how many people put C near the top (or even first).

    • Avatar photo Tony Roig on February 5, 2023 at 6:28 am

      Read my mind Leon :).

  10. Avatar photo gina on February 1, 2023 at 11:51 am

    I would do C because it is probably the persons backhand and its down the middle. Next, D because its in the corner and hard to return then E to bring the person up to hit it.

    • Avatar photo Mary on February 1, 2023 at 12:46 pm

      I agree with Gina.

    • Avatar photo Tony Roig on February 5, 2023 at 6:42 am

      Hi Gina. C is a good choice unless the non-returner is good at middle coverage. You can test it and see. No coverage, then C all day long :). Thanks for the comment.

  11. Avatar photo Pete on February 1, 2023 at 11:53 am

    C is my first choice: assuming that player is right-handed, it will be aimed at his/her backhand and will be a drive to keep that player back.
    My 2nd choice is E: 3rd shot drop, hoping that the player won’t get up there in time or the player at the kitchen won’t be there in time.
    Option B would be my third choice, trying to drive it past the player at the kitchen, forcing the back player to lunge for it with the backhand.
    4th choice is D, keeping that player back, but it will likely result in another drive back to me, as it’s likely the players strong hand.
    A is my last choice, as the player is already there and might dink it before we servers can get there.

    • Avatar photo Rosanne on February 1, 2023 at 5:25 pm

      C, D

      • Avatar photo Perry on February 4, 2023 at 8:58 pm

        D… to keep back and avoid poach. A… if up player is leaning to poach, and is right handed. C… if up player lefty. E… and B… not against good players.

  12. Avatar photo Steve on February 1, 2023 at 11:54 am

    E – The shot is most away from all players and has the receiving player moving up
    C, D – Back to the player on the move
    B
    A – seems easiest to have a good angle shot for the receiving team.

  13. Avatar photo Angie Ricci on February 1, 2023 at 11:55 am

    E A B C D

  14. Avatar photo Mary Klein Piltch on February 1, 2023 at 11:56 am

    This was super helpful! Would love to see more of this for other situations!

    • Avatar photo Kevin Hammond on February 1, 2023 at 12:25 pm

      Agreed. This is really good stuff!

  15. Avatar photo Anita Greenwood on February 1, 2023 at 11:57 am

    I thought C or D to keep the blue team back while yellow captures the net. Definitely not A or E

  16. Avatar photo Toni Sandoval on February 1, 2023 at 11:58 am

    C
    D

  17. Avatar photo Mike Cantrell on February 1, 2023 at 11:59 am

    C D E B A
    I would want to hit to the back hand of the server.

  18. Avatar photo Russ Moon on February 1, 2023 at 12:01 pm

    E #1 D #2 – C&B allow for center poach or firehand volley down the middle and A allows for small error margin as the opponent is camped there.

  19. Avatar photo Michelle on February 1, 2023 at 12:04 pm

    E or A

    Attempting the 3rd shot drop….returning player is still back….I could hold him back by hitting deep, but lately the third shot is working pretty well for me

  20. Avatar photo Sammy Samuels on February 1, 2023 at 12:05 pm

    1st D (because I want to keep the returning player deep)
    2nd B drive toward up player
    3rd E (typical 3rd shot drop, but make the player run up to get it, maybe leading to a popup)
    4th A (typical 3rd shot drop, but easier for opponent to hit)
    5th C (the opponents up player can poach for a winner

  21. Avatar photo Dawn Ohnstad on February 1, 2023 at 12:05 pm

    A, C, E

    • Avatar photo Dawn Ohnstad on February 1, 2023 at 12:16 pm

      I chose drop to backhand of r-handed player on right,
      then 2nd choice deep to returner on left but to their forehand in the corner. (Goal being to keep them back). Hitting deep to the returners backhand passes more over middle which gives their partner a chance to poach. 3rd for me would be a hard low drive to the feet of returner if caught in transition zone. (goal being to force high shot to me or my partner). Am I without any good thought on these?

  22. Avatar photo Michael Singer on February 1, 2023 at 12:06 pm

    C
    D
    A
    E
    B

  23. Avatar photo Pete Boyd on February 1, 2023 at 12:06 pm

    It depends
    (1) If server is left-handed or right-handed. I would drive a short return for my 1st option to the feet and backhand of the serving player so Option (C) for a RH player and Option (D) for LH player.
    (2) It also depends on the skills and tendencies of the opponent at the NVZ – if he/she is RH and likes to poach – I would choose Option (A).

    • Avatar photo Kevin Hammond on February 1, 2023 at 12:21 pm

      I was thinking about the RH Poacher, also. We have a guy that absolutely ‘telegraphs’ his poaching, and already moves toward center and leans hard toward his Right. In THAT specific case, a quick Dink to his Left (A) will tie him into a knot.

  24. Avatar photo Ginny Sher on February 1, 2023 at 12:08 pm

    Answer:
    #1C because they are back and still moving; also hit probably to their BH; keep them back as much as possible
    #2D because they are still moving and less likely to have good positioning; also to keep them deep
    #3E good drop xcourt will be harder for blue player to get to and will have to reset soft to our side of court
    #4 A good drop to receivers BH means they have to hit up and soft back to serving side
    #5 B least desirable because it’s on opponents forehand and they have many options open with that shot.

  25. Avatar photo David Weiss on February 1, 2023 at 12:09 pm

    1st : C
    2nd: D
    3rd: E
    4th: A
    5th: B

  26. Avatar photo Ron on February 1, 2023 at 12:10 pm

    E first choice. B is second choice.

  27. Avatar photo Kevin on February 1, 2023 at 12:12 pm

    D,C,E,A,B

  28. Avatar photo Kevin Hammond on February 1, 2023 at 12:12 pm

    I had D, C, E to begin, but had B, A instead of A, B. I understand your explanation of the ‘why’ A over B; very helpful.

    BTW – had I answered this prior to THE System, I would’ve guessed from YouTube’rs that E and A should be the 1st and 2nd choice! Mainly because there is SOOOO much ‘glory’ attached to “The 3rd Shot DROP” in YouTube videos.

    Thank You for the common sense approach to the game.

  29. Avatar photo Catherine Ahern on February 1, 2023 at 12:13 pm

    I would go with C to keep one player deep or back. I would go with the shirt shots next, finally the longer shots behind the other team members, those seem lower percentage. Of course if they go in they are great, but more chance for error.

  30. Avatar photo Jim on February 1, 2023 at 12:13 pm

    C d a b e

  31. Avatar photo Jacques on February 1, 2023 at 12:13 pm

    D & C

  32. Avatar photo Allan Smith on February 1, 2023 at 12:14 pm

    1st – option C : 2nd option – E ; 3rd option B ; 4th option B ; Option 5 -A .

  33. Avatar photo Dawn Ohnstad on February 1, 2023 at 12:15 pm

    I chose drop to backhand of r-handed player on right,
    then 2nd choice deep to returner on left but to their forehand in the corner. (Goal being to keep them back). Hitting deep to the returners backhand passes more over middle which gives their partner a chance to poach. 3rd for me would be a hard low drive to the feet of returner if caught in transition zone. (goal being to force high shot to me or my partner). Am I without any good thought on these?

  34. Avatar photo Allan Smith on February 1, 2023 at 12:16 pm

    Love the context and the detail

    • Avatar photo Marci on February 1, 2023 at 1:44 pm

      My choice

  35. Avatar photo Don on February 1, 2023 at 12:18 pm

    E,d,c,ba

  36. Avatar photo Judy Powers on February 1, 2023 at 12:19 pm

    B because it will keep receiver back from no volley zone, then D because harder for receiver to return a straight body shot with the kind of distance they need, then E because receiver must run forward and change the NW trajectory of the ball and harder for them to place and control, then A, then C. Brand new to this–haven’t even played a game yet.

  37. Avatar photo Pjones on February 1, 2023 at 12:20 pm

    C drive deep to the mid court
    D drive deep cross court

  38. Avatar photo Greg on February 1, 2023 at 12:25 pm

    C, D

  39. Avatar photo Lynette Andregg on February 1, 2023 at 12:26 pm

    E d a

  40. Avatar photo Karen on February 1, 2023 at 12:26 pm

    c b d e a

  41. Avatar photo Linda on February 1, 2023 at 12:29 pm

    EBCDA

  42. Avatar photo Randy Kerschke on February 1, 2023 at 12:30 pm

    Good info. I switched C & D but same theory to keep play back. But good point on up player squeezing center cutting off shot to area C

  43. Avatar photo Daist on February 1, 2023 at 12:31 pm

    E, d

  44. Avatar photo Maureen on February 1, 2023 at 12:31 pm

    C,E,D,B,A

  45. Avatar photo Russ on February 1, 2023 at 12:31 pm

    C
    D
    B
    E
    A

  46. Avatar photo Sunita on February 1, 2023 at 12:32 pm

    C,D,B,A,E

  47. Avatar photo Jean Knepper on February 1, 2023 at 12:35 pm

    E B

  48. Avatar photo Bob on February 1, 2023 at 12:37 pm

    CDAEB

  49. Avatar photo Buzz on February 1, 2023 at 12:39 pm

    Seems like you changed C and D locations from question to answer.

    D in the answer got close to C in the question.

    But I definitely get the point.

    This will improve my third shots.
    Thanks

  50. Avatar photo Trish on February 1, 2023 at 12:42 pm

    F, 3rd shot drop to servers backhand (if right-handed)
    C
    D
    A
    E

    • Avatar photo Randy on February 2, 2023 at 2:12 pm

      But you were the server.

  51. Avatar photo Bill on February 1, 2023 at 12:43 pm

    ecbda

  52. Avatar photo Sue Daly on February 1, 2023 at 12:46 pm

    D, C, A, B, (E)

    D, drive to deep players backhand, (assuming rt hand player) to stay away from a forehand poach by net player.
    C or E if net player is covering a down the line drive. If the net player is covering centered, down the line drive.
    B if you can hit a good topspin dive ball, can be tough. But, if it sails high, not a great option, lol
    A allows deep player to move to net and is not the best option.
    Lol. Let’s see how I do.

  53. Avatar photo Paul on February 1, 2023 at 12:46 pm

    E with a dink
    D with a drive at the backhand
    B a drive past the defender
    C a drive past the defender
    A with a dink

  54. Avatar photo Carol on February 1, 2023 at 12:52 pm

    B –
    E
    C –
    D
    A

  55. Avatar photo Larry on February 1, 2023 at 1:07 pm

    e,d.a.c.b

  56. Avatar photo walter straus on February 1, 2023 at 1:07 pm

    D, C, E, A, B

  57. Avatar photo Darien Mikitka on February 1, 2023 at 1:10 pm

    e , a if not a left hander, b, c, d

  58. Avatar photo Joe on February 1, 2023 at 1:11 pm

    A C D E B

  59. Avatar photo Linda on February 1, 2023 at 1:19 pm

    Edcba

  60. Avatar photo T on February 1, 2023 at 1:24 pm

    D,C,E would be my normal priorities. However, I might go drive down or drop down the line (A) if the player at the net is right handed, leaning in, and has a so so backhand.

  61. Avatar photo Bert Loomis on February 1, 2023 at 1:28 pm

    EADBC

  62. Avatar photo Mark Brilhante on February 1, 2023 at 1:35 pm

    C-keep player back and to backhand if right handed
    D- keep player back in front of my partner
    B- drive straight hoping for a pop up
    E- short opposite opponent struggle to get there
    A- straight on

  63. Avatar photo Che Hun on February 1, 2023 at 1:37 pm

    E D C B A
    1. Third shot drop, gives us time to approach the net 2. Return to the feet of the opposing player that is closest to the baseline. 3. Return to the backhand of the opposing players closest to the baseline (assuming they are right handed). 4. A lob behind the player closest to the net to the backhand of the player closest to the baseline. 5. To the backhand of the player at the net, worst option.

  64. Avatar photo Che Hun on February 1, 2023 at 1:43 pm

    E D C B A
    1. Third shot drop, gives us time to approach the net 2. Return to the feet of the opposing player that is closest to the baseline. 3. Return to the backhand of the opposing players closest to the baseline (assuming they are right handed). 4. A lob behind the player closest to the net to the backhand of the player closest to the baseline. 5. To the backhand of the player at the net, worst option. E vs D is very dependent on skill and mobility of opposing players. In my league, I’d choose E.

  65. Avatar photo Marci on February 1, 2023 at 1:46 pm

    Cde

  66. Avatar photo Leitha on February 1, 2023 at 1:49 pm

    My 1st choice is E
    2nd choice is C

  67. Avatar photo MICHAEL MAINGOT on February 1, 2023 at 1:51 pm

    c,d, b, a, e

    • Avatar photo Becky on February 1, 2023 at 2:02 pm

      C,B,D,E,A

  68. Avatar photo Anne Waldron on February 1, 2023 at 1:54 pm

    E, C, B, D, A

  69. Avatar photo Gregg Whitfield on February 1, 2023 at 1:58 pm

    D: Larger target area, the shot is away from the server’s partner, and the target area is to have the return bounce in front of the server’s feet.
    E: Hit the shot into the kitchen cross court so server’s partner is no a concern and the drop shot forces the opponent to hit on the ball.
    A: Drop shot to the server’s partner’s backhand for right handers, avoids the server who is a beast, the net is 2 inches higher but a good drop shot is always a good option.
    C: A drive through the middle is always a good shot and safer to stay back after the drive to play any volley by the opponents after their volley bounces. Nothing wrong with aiming for the player’s feet if they are transitioning to the NVZ line.
    B: Hit a drive to challenge the server’s partner, just stay back and play the volley after the ball bounces like you do to your opponent’s serve or return of serve.

    • Avatar photo John on February 1, 2023 at 2:59 pm

      C to the backhand to keep him derp
      E to beat him to the NVZ

  70. Avatar photo Terry Sherman on February 1, 2023 at 1:58 pm

    D, c, e, a, b

  71. Avatar photo Kathleen on February 1, 2023 at 2:00 pm

    E
    B
    C
    D
    A

  72. Avatar photo Donna P on February 1, 2023 at 2:00 pm

    D, at his feet or E short drop on the side where the guy is back

  73. Avatar photo Skip on February 1, 2023 at 2:00 pm

    1 D
    2 C
    3 E
    4 A
    5 B

  74. Avatar photo Helen Quan on February 1, 2023 at 2:09 pm

    E – furthest place away from receiver at baseline and is difficult for the other player to poach
    C, D – these shots keep the receiver back as well as May catch/jam receiver on the move up to NVL
    B –
    A – easy ball for person at the NVLto receive

  75. Avatar photo Ken Hyde on February 1, 2023 at 2:16 pm

    CDEAB

    1= C but it needs to get past the opponent at the net who might poach
    2= D because a deep return at the opponent’s feet is a good option. This would be #1 if the player at the net is a good/frequent poacher.
    3= E because a drop might be difficult for the returner who is moving up to the net and they might pop it up.
    4= A because a good drop to the backhand side might cause the returner to pop it up
    5= B. The worst option would be trying to drive it past an opponent at the net who would likely pound it back down your throat.

    • Avatar photo Mike Simone on February 2, 2023 at 6:42 am

      I totally agree with this.

  76. Avatar photo Paul Caesar on February 1, 2023 at 2:18 pm

    E .C. D. B. A.

  77. Avatar photo Steve Colby on February 1, 2023 at 2:22 pm

    D, C, E, A, B

    D & C – there is open space, opportunity to keep the returner back.
    E & A – because I’ve decided to work on my drop shot today
    B – to see if my opponent can handle a close range drive.

  78. Avatar photo Rona on February 1, 2023 at 2:26 pm

    D,C,E,B,A

  79. Avatar photo Kim on February 1, 2023 at 2:30 pm

    E, C, D, A, B

  80. Avatar photo Michele Horan on February 1, 2023 at 2:31 pm

    I would drop it… 1) E 2) A
    Or drive it… 3) C 4) D
    Not drive it at opponent at the NVZ 5) B

  81. Avatar photo Todd Ward on February 1, 2023 at 2:37 pm

    D C to backhand, E 3rd shot drop to moving player, A third shot drop to backhand, B not hitting this shot at all.

  82. Avatar photo Michele Horan on February 1, 2023 at 2:40 pm

    Ok, I just watched the answer and it makes perfect sense…. keep them back!!! Got it and will do that when I play on Friday! Thank you again!!! Awesome content!

  83. Avatar photo Vicky Smith on February 1, 2023 at 2:47 pm

    C, B, A, D, E

  84. Avatar photo Tracy Whiddon on February 1, 2023 at 2:51 pm

    D E

  85. Avatar photo Bob Limoges on February 1, 2023 at 2:54 pm

    CDBAE. Drive to Bergson back/moving feet. B not as good because net player could intercept it. D drive not preferred over C as higher wish of hittingout to side. E invites returner to NVZ, A to net person already there plus also allows time for returner to move forward. Best choice is C.

  86. Avatar photo Dennis Newman on February 1, 2023 at 3:09 pm

    E A B C D

  87. Avatar photo Sallie on February 1, 2023 at 3:19 pm

    E, B, D, A, C

  88. Avatar photo Susan Bodley on February 1, 2023 at 3:20 pm

    E, B, D, C, A. some of the choices would depend on what hand the two players play with

  89. Avatar photo Gene on February 1, 2023 at 3:37 pm

    E B C D A

  90. Avatar photo Ken on February 1, 2023 at 3:40 pm

    CDBEA

  91. Avatar photo Shirin Spangenberg on February 1, 2023 at 3:40 pm

    D. if they are moving in, hit towards their feet. If they are able to get it, they may still be in trouble.
    A. is a safe shot, that gives you time to get to the kitchen and settled so that you can hit the next shot.
    E. gives you time to get to the kitchen as well, might be trouble, but should be pretty easy for the defender to get
    B. a drive here might take the person at the kitchen by surprise, but probably not. that could be a kill shot for the kitchen player
    C. this is definitely a poachable shot that gives the person at the kitchen lots of different angles to play, you will probably loose with this shot

  92. Avatar photo Barb on February 1, 2023 at 3:40 pm

    Eadcb

  93. Avatar photo Barb on February 1, 2023 at 3:49 pm

    Eadcb
    I’m wrong but I’ve been playing against some great poachers….. I’m trying to hit an unpoachable ball. I’ve had dcb balls come back had and fast via the person at the nvz line

  94. Avatar photo Richard on February 1, 2023 at 3:49 pm

    C Low to opponents backhand, also keeps opponent away from NVZ
    D Targets opponent’s feet, keeps them away from NVZ
    E Could be a winner if opponent is slow, also forces a low contact point
    A None of the advantages of first 3 options except forcing a low contact point if well hit
    B Not a good option unless I think I can overpower opponent at net

  95. Avatar photo Shirin Spangenberg on February 1, 2023 at 3:54 pm

    D. if they are moving in, hit towards their feet. If they are able to get it, they may still be in trouble.
    A. is a safe shot, that gives you time to get to the kitchen and settled so that you can hit the next shot.
    E. gives you time to get to the kitchen as well, might be trouble, but should be pretty easy for the defender to get
    B. a drive here might take the person at the kitchen by surprise, but probably not. that could be a kill shot for the kitchen player
    C. this is definitely a poachable shot that gives the person at the kitchen lots of different angles to play, you will probably loose with this shot

    Ok, now i have watched your video, but I still think my order is better (says the 3.5 player trying to become a 4.0 🙂 you mentioned all of the reasons that I did which I love. This was really fun. I would love to watch, be engaged with this kind of content. Thank you

  96. Avatar photo Dave on February 1, 2023 at 3:54 pm

    A
    C
    E
    D
    B

  97. Avatar photo Herb on February 1, 2023 at 3:59 pm

    DBECA

  98. Avatar photo Herb on February 1, 2023 at 4:01 pm

    I chose D, then C instead of B because I play against a lot of poachers.

  99. Avatar photo David Braddy (Pickleball Dave) on February 1, 2023 at 4:10 pm

    D returning player is high probability moving forward
    E aim to land ball in kitchen NVZ AS BOTH PLAYERS HAVE SOME WORK TO DO

  100. Avatar photo Maura on February 1, 2023 at 4:14 pm

    E,
    C unless player is left handed
    D at player’s feet
    A
    B

  101. Avatar photo Gary Keller on February 1, 2023 at 4:46 pm

    EDCBA

  102. Avatar photo Mj Boudreau on February 1, 2023 at 4:59 pm

    Agree with you guys. What about if they hit a deep deep return

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on February 1, 2023 at 6:13 pm

      There are more variables for that question. The type of shot depends on the depth of the return, what is the returning player’s strength are they better at the drive, drop, or lob and is that strength different from the forehand or backhand? But the direction of the shot should be the same much of the time and that’s to hit it at the person who just hit the return. Even if the returner gets to the NVZ they are still just getting there when they need to hit the 4th shot and may still be moving a bit, and that could create an error. Their partner has been at the NVZ and is ready for the shot and less likely to make a mistake.

  103. Avatar photo Maura Lockwood on February 1, 2023 at 5:15 pm

    E
    A
    C
    B
    D

    In all cases, I assume the players are right.handed

  104. Avatar photo Boushelle Pearson on February 1, 2023 at 5:57 pm

    D-E-C-B-A

  105. Avatar photo Bruce on February 1, 2023 at 5:58 pm

    I like D better than C because it is a backhand shot. I like B better than A because the up player is in position for the drop shot but not the lob?

  106. Avatar photo AL on February 1, 2023 at 6:06 pm

    E, C, D (would have selected D before C if it was at the feet or landed more on the backhanded side) B, A

  107. Avatar photo Barry on February 1, 2023 at 6:11 pm

    E,a, b, c,, d

  108. Avatar photo Gail on February 1, 2023 at 6:18 pm

    C (backhand)… keep player back
    D…same to keep player back
    B drive /
    A ( backhand) drop
    E … Back player comes up and may drive with momentum

  109. Avatar photo Mark on February 1, 2023 at 6:56 pm

    E,c,d,b,a

  110. Avatar photo Marcus Edwards on February 1, 2023 at 7:15 pm

    Was not able to figure out how to or where to put the answers to the abcde
    Have never played before it is sounding like to much for me to work with
    Thanks

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on February 1, 2023 at 7:38 pm

      Hi Marcus if you haven’t played previously make sure to register for our free beginner video class at betterpickleball.com/beginner

  111. Avatar photo Marianne Malloy on February 1, 2023 at 7:43 pm

    EBACD
    E would be the best because the player on the same side of the court may not be up to the NVZ yet.
    A is behind the player on the right side of the court.

  112. Avatar photo BEN FLORES on February 1, 2023 at 10:11 pm

    cdeab

  113. Avatar photo Michele Blanchard on February 1, 2023 at 10:24 pm

    C- hit to the back hand of the deep player to keep him/her back
    D- hit deep to keep player back
    B- not a good choice as the other player could reach it
    E- not a good choice
    A- the worst choice

  114. Avatar photo Mike Simone on February 2, 2023 at 4:28 am

    The C vs D option. If my opponent, who is at the kitchen line, doesn’t usually poach I will choose C. It seems to be a bit harder for them to play a good backhand shot. With a good poacher I choose D and with a really good poacher (faster) I slow the ball down a little bit to get more control and have to try to place it at D closer to the line.

  115. Avatar photo Ben on February 2, 2023 at 4:48 am

    1.D the player is in no man’s land keep him there
    2.E the returner is not at the NVZ yet
    3. A not attackable
    4. B palyer at net will attack
    5.C player at net will poach

  116. Avatar photo Steve Richardson on February 2, 2023 at 4:53 am

    D – hit to feet of opp coming in (D over C to prevent opp at net from poaching)
    B – force opp at net to hit block return setting up easier 5th shot
    E – should allow time to advance to net
    C – too poachable for opp at net
    A – difficult shot to successfully pull off

  117. Avatar photo Lynn Courtenay on February 2, 2023 at 5:14 am

    C-D-E-B-A

  118. Avatar photo Lynn Courtenay on February 2, 2023 at 5:22 am

    Brilliant tutorial! This is another great nugget I can put in my pickleball bag of tricks! So easy to understand and remember!
    Thank you!

  119. Avatar photo Suzanne on February 2, 2023 at 5:40 am

    C- assuming rh receiver so to backhand at their feet
    d – catch receiver running in
    E – cross court drop
    A- drop to backhand of NVZ player ( again assuming rh)
    B – straight ahead drive – last option – not favourable as most likely forehand of rh player

  120. Avatar photo Whit on February 2, 2023 at 6:18 am

    c, d, e, a b. C or D whichever is the backhand side.

  121. Avatar photo Philip Miller on February 2, 2023 at 7:11 am

    (1) E
    (2) A
    (3) D
    (4) C
    (5) B

  122. Avatar photo James on February 2, 2023 at 7:14 am

    C,D,E,A,B. Always hit to the player on the baseline if possible on short serve with return. Don’t invite that player to the kitchen line with a drop shot. If opponent at net is weak at volley shot, then a third shot drive(B) at them would be acceptable.

  123. Avatar photo Gene Kuhar on February 2, 2023 at 7:39 am

    E,C,A,B,D

  124. Avatar photo Beverly on February 2, 2023 at 7:46 am

    I think the E choice is what I would first want to do. E-B-C-A-D

  125. Avatar photo Gene Kuhar on February 2, 2023 at 7:47 am

    Thanks

  126. Avatar photo Dale Lesicki on February 2, 2023 at 8:13 am

    C is my first choice, I like a drive on a short return, but would be leery about the up player being able to poach.
    D is my second choice but realize that this is to the forehand of a right handed player.
    E would depend on how fast that player’s hands are
    F would depend on how mobile that player is
    A would seem to set us up for a dink return while we are in the transition zone

  127. Avatar photo Randy on February 2, 2023 at 8:18 am

    A or C. It depends if the returner is still moving forward or has stopped.

  128. Avatar photo Mary on February 2, 2023 at 9:10 am

    EABCD

  129. Avatar photo Russ on February 2, 2023 at 10:00 am

    Edina.

  130. Avatar photo Wells Martin on February 2, 2023 at 10:17 am

    d
    c
    a
    b
    e

    • Avatar photo Wells Martin on February 2, 2023 at 10:25 am

      sorry, d and c are good. a, b, e not good. letter position messed up on first reply.

  131. Avatar photo Geralyn Majkowski on February 2, 2023 at 10:19 am

    Keep your opponent back

  132. Avatar photo Natasha Linton on February 2, 2023 at 10:47 am

    D-C-E-B-A
    I’d want to hit right back to the moving opponent trying to get in and hit deep at their feet (D). 2nd choice would be to the middle again deep shot (C). 3rd choice (E) drop short on their side of the net to make them move in from the baseline to the NVZ. (B) drive to the opponent in front of me and hope that the baseline player goes for it and get them out of position. Last option (A) drop to opponent in front of me- least option because I would just be feeding the ball to them since they are already set in position at the NVZ and I’d be giving the returner time to get up to the NVZ which I don’t want to do.

  133. Avatar photo KATHY on February 2, 2023 at 11:59 am

    E A B C D

  134. Avatar photo Maureen on February 2, 2023 at 1:14 pm

    cdeba

  135. Avatar photo Randy on February 2, 2023 at 2:00 pm

    D E C B A – Pro players seem to be going to more power drives and while I can dink, I feel more in charge with a hard return, preferably at the feet of the player coming up to the NV zone. A and B are to the player already at the NV, so the dink there lets player 2 advance while drive B can be intercepted.

  136. Avatar photo Bo on February 2, 2023 at 2:34 pm

    D, C, E, A, B

  137. Avatar photo Wayne Peace on February 2, 2023 at 4:27 pm

    D, E, A, C,B

  138. Avatar photo Wayne Peace on February 2, 2023 at 4:35 pm

    I was thinking that the player at the net could hit a winning shot with B and C – C easier than B. That is why I thought they are worse options than A and E. With A being a worse option than E

  139. Avatar photo Linda on February 2, 2023 at 5:41 pm

    E, B, A, C, D because the opponents are not in place to get to E in time.

  140. Avatar photo Janet on February 2, 2023 at 7:18 pm

    (C) — Player is in transition zone so I would aim at the feet of this player and to their backhand (assumes right handed player)
    (D) — Player is in transition zone and would aim at their feet. Although this is in front of the player versus to their backhand so not as good as (C)
    (E) — I like to use this shot too if the player that is back is great at returning drives in transition zone but more challenged with dinking
    (A) — I like this better than (B) to attempt to slow the game down and I have a chance to get up to the NVZ line.
    (B) – I’d assume that the player can handle drives to their body and would just return hard back at me or my partner making it difficult to return.

  141. Avatar photo ande on February 3, 2023 at 6:31 am

    edcba

  142. Avatar photo Nate on February 3, 2023 at 6:33 am

    Great stuff. I agree with your comment that the likelihood of the player at the NVZ poaching will influence the best shot location.

  143. Avatar photo Melanie Rossi on February 3, 2023 at 7:03 am

    I could not complete the training. I could watch past 4:33 into the second video. Excellent stuff. Thanks.

  144. Avatar photo Carol on February 3, 2023 at 7:52 am

    E,B,A..DC

  145. Avatar photo Tony Troyer on February 3, 2023 at 9:42 am

    I couldn’t get the video to load… More than likely it’s on my end since I see all the comments.

  146. Avatar photo Gary Plafcan on February 3, 2023 at 4:43 pm

    BCD

  147. Avatar photo Gary Plafcan on February 3, 2023 at 4:45 pm

    BCD
    Would hit to the player at the NVZ line.

    • Avatar photo Donna on February 4, 2023 at 5:35 am

      E B A C D

  148. Avatar photo Danny Andersen on February 4, 2023 at 10:55 am

    C, D, E,B, A

  149. Avatar photo wayne on February 4, 2023 at 12:15 pm

    cdeab

    • Avatar photo Karen on February 10, 2023 at 10:19 pm

      C D E

  150. Avatar photo Susan wascha on February 4, 2023 at 12:33 pm

    B – at the feet keeps players back .
    C -keeping player back
    D – keeps player back
    E- depends on players quickness but partner could grab it
    A- probably a last resort

  151. Avatar photo Rob on February 4, 2023 at 1:21 pm

    C,D,E,A,B

  152. Avatar photo Warren on February 4, 2023 at 1:46 pm

    C – deep (to feet) backhand side (right-hander).
    D – deep (to feet), wide, but watch margin re oob.
    E – force a pop-up.
    B – test returner @ nvz with hard drive from transition zone.
    A – allow serve team to move to nvz line.

  153. Avatar photo David Stringer on February 4, 2023 at 1:52 pm

    D
    C if you can avoid the risk of poach
    E

  154. Avatar photo Warren on February 4, 2023 at 1:55 pm

    Edit to first response.

    Swap C (1) with D (2) – i.e. with C I’d be concerned about a poach. So I’d make D no. 1, much harder to poach. If returner at nvz is not crowding the middle I’d put C no. 2. Otherwise if poach looks likely,I’d put C at no. 5.

  155. Avatar photo tps on February 4, 2023 at 2:04 pm

    E C D A B

  156. Avatar photo Les on February 4, 2023 at 2:06 pm

    E, D, D, B, A

  157. Avatar photo Joe Bartosiak on February 4, 2023 at 2:07 pm

    E c

  158. Avatar photo Les on February 4, 2023 at 2:07 pm

    Can’t type,,, I meant E, D, C, A, B

  159. Avatar photo Doreen on February 4, 2023 at 2:10 pm

    C,B,d,e,a

  160. Avatar photo Dave on February 4, 2023 at 2:16 pm

    C d e a b

  161. Avatar photo Bob on February 4, 2023 at 2:21 pm

    Agree with D but many short returns are soft and don’t bounce very high requiring you to “scoop” or at least not be able to strike a good drive. The ball may be below the top of the net.

  162. Avatar photo John Pinkerton on February 4, 2023 at 2:23 pm

    D E A B C

    • Avatar photo John Pinkerton on February 4, 2023 at 2:40 pm

      I considered C to be ripe for a strong forehand from the net player squeezing the middle, so put it last, but otherwise followed the same logic as the answer.

  163. Avatar photo Larry d on February 4, 2023 at 2:35 pm

    C,D, E, B,A

  164. Avatar photo Larry d on February 4, 2023 at 2:37 pm

    C,D, E, B,A
    Feet for c and d are the best shots

  165. Avatar photo Lee Isselhardt on February 4, 2023 at 2:39 pm

    Cde

  166. Avatar photo Bob Friesen on February 4, 2023 at 2:43 pm

    DCEAB is the best approach with one caveat. If my partner and I have determined after several points that the significantly weaker player who struggles with fast drives at the kitchen line is in fact the one on the return side at the kitchen line I or my partner would drive the ball at that person. We would recognize that it certainly gives the return of service player at the back a free pass to get up to the kitchen line; however, this is a risk worth taking if it is likely that the other player will pop the ball up or hit the ball out or into the net.

  167. Avatar photo Tom Millertommiller@sonic.net on February 4, 2023 at 2:45 pm

    cdeba
    at the moving player backhand
    at the moving player forehand
    in ffont of the moving player
    past the stationary player
    in front of the player already at the line

  168. Avatar photo Kathy on February 4, 2023 at 2:46 pm

    D C E B a

  169. Avatar photo Ian C. on February 4, 2023 at 2:57 pm

    My choices, first to last in order would be: C,D,E,A B
    Rationale: C is deep to player’s backhand and would keep server deep in court rather than at the NVZ where s/he wants to be; D is deep to keep server back, but is to her/his (likely) forehand side and a bit shorter; E is a drop to the server’s side as the server is deep and has to run up fast to dink; A is a drop to the server’s partner who is already at the NVZ and is likely prepared to dink or attack if high; B is a drive up the middle but past the server’s partner’s (likely) forehand side and the shot might be easily poached / attacked.

  170. Avatar photo Steven M. Levy on February 4, 2023 at 3:00 pm

    D, C,

  171. Avatar photo Terry on February 4, 2023 at 3:00 pm

    DCEAB

  172. Avatar photo Nancy Faulkner on February 4, 2023 at 3:02 pm

    cdeba

  173. Avatar photo vk on February 4, 2023 at 3:29 pm

    ecabs

  174. Avatar photo Judy on February 4, 2023 at 3:51 pm

    E. – player not up yet
    D. – if a lefty
    C –
    A

  175. Avatar photo Phyllis Henderson on February 4, 2023 at 4:22 pm

    BCAED
    Keep opponent from moving to NVZ.
    Target their backhand.
    Drop ball in kitchen to reset.

  176. Avatar photo Greg Geatros on February 4, 2023 at 4:22 pm

    C.
    A drop is more difficult to execute than a drive and in any event, you should drive to a player if they are back, to keep them back. In this case , assuming the returner is right handed, shot C would land at their backhand and in their feet. The shot is also down the middle so it avoids hitting it out to either side. Will have to watch for a poach though.

  177. Avatar photo Greg Geatros on February 4, 2023 at 4:23 pm

    C

  178. Avatar photo Phyllis Henderson on February 4, 2023 at 4:24 pm

    BCAED
    Keep opponent from moving to NVZ.
    Target their backhand.
    Drop ball in kitchen to reset.
    (Please delete duplication)

  179. Avatar photo Greg Geatros on February 4, 2023 at 4:25 pm

    Player is back. Hit to backhand feet to keep back. Down the middle is good to avoid unforced error to either side.

  180. Avatar photo Kathy on February 4, 2023 at 4:47 pm

    c deba

  181. Avatar photo Kathy on February 4, 2023 at 4:49 pm

    drive back to the server as they will have less time to get to kitchen and not invite them up to kitchen line for free play

  182. Avatar photo Susan on February 4, 2023 at 5:03 pm

    DCEAB

  183. Avatar photo Richard Lipes on February 4, 2023 at 5:05 pm

    D C E B A

  184. Avatar photo Hang on February 4, 2023 at 5:06 pm

    E
    C
    D

  185. Avatar photo Lynette Andregg on February 4, 2023 at 5:29 pm

    Cdeba

  186. Avatar photo Ellie on February 4, 2023 at 5:50 pm

    C, D, E

  187. Avatar photo Carlos Gomez on February 4, 2023 at 6:27 pm

    To the servers backhand (C or D) depending on which side he’s using

  188. Avatar photo James on February 4, 2023 at 6:47 pm

    B,C,E,D,A

  189. Avatar photo Steve on February 4, 2023 at 6:58 pm

    E, b , c,d,e depends if the players are right or left handed. Try to hit at backhand if possible.

  190. Avatar photo Michael Swierbut on February 4, 2023 at 7:32 pm

    DCBEA
    I’d hit a drive at the feet of the on-coming player.

  191. Avatar photo Brian on February 4, 2023 at 7:36 pm

    C B D A E

  192. Avatar photo Bruce M on February 4, 2023 at 9:18 pm

    ECD

  193. Avatar photo Bruce M on February 4, 2023 at 9:29 pm

    Mine was ECD. Makes sense depending on the mobility of the receiver and if the partner is poaching the center line to cut off your drive to the receiver’s backhand. But you’re right about keeping the receiver back close to the baseline and the ball at their feet.

  194. Avatar photo Steve Howard on February 4, 2023 at 9:35 pm

    E, B, D, C, A.

    E could either be a dink or slam to put the ball out of reach of the player on the left.
    B would be trying to keep the ball from both players.
    Others are not as good.

  195. Avatar photo D on February 4, 2023 at 10:11 pm

    E – dink to left kitchen away from opponent
    C- between oppoonents, inbetween to connfuse them; backhand to player onn left
    others sub optima.

  196. Avatar photo Carlos Gomez on February 4, 2023 at 10:36 pm

    I meant the RETURNERS backhand 🤦🏻‍♂️

  197. Avatar photo Rusty Knorr on February 5, 2023 at 3:34 am

    CDEBA

  198. Avatar photo JH on February 5, 2023 at 3:41 am

    C, e, d

  199. Avatar photo Allan on February 5, 2023 at 4:02 am

    ebcda

  200. Avatar photo Allan on February 5, 2023 at 4:03 am

    eb(c or d – whichever is backhand) a

  201. Avatar photo Terry on February 5, 2023 at 4:47 am

    CDA

  202. Avatar photo Terry on February 5, 2023 at 4:49 am

    Fun

  203. Avatar photo Valinda on February 5, 2023 at 5:22 am

    DCBEA

  204. Avatar photo Ralph on February 5, 2023 at 5:28 am

    Video’s answer’s are great, additional data may provide even more options. If the ball about to be hit bounces high enough, and you are talented enough, A drive to player on Return right directed at the “Chicken Wing” might be a great solution. Basically, you are given an attackable ball and you should take advantage of it because the other shots lead to a dinking game where you are trying to get an attackable ball. If player on Return Right is left handed, I may prefer a shot to the Return Left’s backhand and at feet because RR is less likely to poach. If the Return Right player is standing on the T of the kitchen and center line and is right handed, I may take a down the line shot if I think I have enough clearance. This is in part because he is taking a poaching position and he needs to be checked. Also, Your shot CEP has to be at an acceptable level to have a high probability of keeping it in. This player is probably a 3.5 or greater.

    • Avatar photo Tony Roig on February 5, 2023 at 6:21 am

      Great stuff Ralph. Appreciate the depth of the thought process. One of the beauties of our game is that there are different ways to approach a situation. This variability in the chessboard on which we play and how we decide to come at the game makes it a wonderful challenge and growth opportunity. Thanks for sharing your thought process.

  205. Avatar photo Tim on February 5, 2023 at 5:52 am

    c,e,d,a,b

  206. Avatar photo John on February 5, 2023 at 5:59 am

    C, D, B, A

  207. Avatar photo Tom Jr Alaimo on February 5, 2023 at 6:37 am

    Dceab

  208. Avatar photo Gary on February 5, 2023 at 6:38 am

    D, C, E As a lefty those would be my targets

  209. Avatar photo Yvonne on February 5, 2023 at 7:19 am

    E C D B A

  210. Avatar photo R on February 5, 2023 at 8:21 am

    edcba

  211. Avatar photo Glenn on February 5, 2023 at 8:50 am

    C – a good drive to the middle
    B – a good drive to the left side middle avoiding the netman
    D – hard drive to force a weak? return
    E – third shot
    A – third shot

  212. Avatar photo Mike on February 5, 2023 at 9:37 am

    CEDBA

  213. Avatar photo Dottie on February 5, 2023 at 9:50 am

    EBCAD

  214. Avatar photo Beth Kloppenborg on February 5, 2023 at 11:22 am

    E, C, A, D, B

  215. Avatar photo Ken K on February 5, 2023 at 12:29 pm

    e,c,d,a,b

  216. Avatar photo Sue on February 5, 2023 at 2:06 pm

    C D E A B

  217. Avatar photo Judy on February 5, 2023 at 2:48 pm

    D if the opposing player is right left handed, C if player is right handed, E, B

  218. Avatar photo Joel Skikne on February 5, 2023 at 6:59 pm

    C,D,E,A,B

  219. Avatar photo Tinkerbell on February 5, 2023 at 7:32 pm

    E , C, A in this order

  220. Avatar photo Nancy on February 6, 2023 at 1:55 am

    E b d c a

  221. Avatar photo Edward A. Susmilch on February 6, 2023 at 3:51 am

    D to keep my opponent back
    A or E dependent on opponents skill level
    C to get to the back hand but creates an opportunity to poach
    B to show off/intimidate my opponent

  222. Avatar photo Steve pierce on February 6, 2023 at 5:14 am

    C
    D

  223. Avatar photo Thomas Smith on February 6, 2023 at 8:32 am

    Excellent strategy lesson. Learned a lot from you. Definitely interested in learning more strategies. I am located in California. Do offer multi day lessons on strategies in California?

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on February 6, 2023 at 6:45 pm

      Hi Thomas we’re glad you are enjoying the strategies. Our in person events for 2023 are full. If you enjoy this style of learning we have a Pickleball System Class starting in March. They System is everything players need to reach a 4.5 level and beyond. If you are on our email list we’ll be kicking of the class with a free miniseries. Keep your eye open to get registered. In the meantime you can find some details at ThePickleballSystem.com

  224. Avatar photo Anita Lathrop on February 6, 2023 at 10:25 am

    DCBEA

  225. Avatar photo Doug on February 6, 2023 at 11:28 am

    C – Easiest shot. Sends it to the backhand of the returner and keeps them at the baseline.

    A – isolates the partner on his backhand, but provides an opportunity for the returner to come to the net.

    D – If you get a good angle, it could be a difficult shot to return, but it is the returners forehand and will likely bring them closer to the net. Gives them too much time to set up and get a solid return.

    E – Could be a hard shot for returner to get to, but brings them to the net. Would force them to hit ball on the move and hit a low percentage return.

    B – Low percentage shot. Will likely get picked off by the partner.

  226. Avatar photo Donna Mills on February 6, 2023 at 11:29 am

    E-further away from net, gives me more time to get to the net
    B- ball behind player at the net, more difficult to return
    C- hitting at back players feet makes it difficult to return
    D- forces player to move and be more reactive
    A- not best choice as player is already at net and has advantage over me trying to get to net

  227. Avatar photo Bob Moore on February 6, 2023 at 12:45 pm

    D
    C

  228. Avatar photo Tiny Tim on February 6, 2023 at 1:25 pm

    D E the rest are higher risk, I often drive the shot at the front player trying to get them to pop the ball up.

  229. Avatar photo Tommy K on February 6, 2023 at 2:02 pm

    CDEBA

  230. Avatar photo Bill on February 6, 2023 at 2:29 pm

    D,A,C,B,A

  231. Avatar photo David grandy on February 6, 2023 at 2:30 pm

    Dcbea

  232. Avatar photo Sandra C on February 7, 2023 at 4:31 am

    E A C D B

  233. Avatar photo Dan on February 7, 2023 at 11:43 am

    D C B E A
    D – hit at the player furthest back/moving
    C – risk that player at the line can poach
    B – could come back fast but could also go out or pop up
    E – Safer than A but just invites the player to the line. Could be OK if they are really far back and can’t make it up to the line before 2nd bounce
    A – most risky as it allows both players to reach the kitchen line and if it is a high 3rd shot you’ll get smashed

  234. Avatar photo Lynn Dugger on February 7, 2023 at 5:06 pm

    A, E, C, B, D

  235. Avatar photo S on February 8, 2023 at 6:38 am

    D, E, C, A, B

  236. Avatar photo Rick Borges on February 8, 2023 at 10:41 am

    C if Rec nvz player not protecting the middle and its the Receiving Players BACKHAND! – Or, D first if NVZ receiver is near or over center line of kitchen or D if left handed player BH!
    D – deep to keep back and keep from poaching center or especially if left handed players BH!
    B – dumb unless out of position because of unstacking or spectating to the right of server or want a fire fight because the receiver cannot block/volley and you know it
    A – dumber because it gives receiver time to get to the NVZ line
    E – Dumbest unless they paid you to lose, your not familiar with any strategy and just want to get the ball over so the reciever can. This allows you to help the receivers the most!

    Of course i have been playing less than 5 months so?

    If i can drive a shot back to recievers (RH Player) BH keeping him/her deep is optimal and allows time for the serving team to get NVZ line or close – unless receiver is clearly positioned for a poach

  237. Avatar photo Rick Borges on February 8, 2023 at 3:57 pm

    This all based upon your ability to execute – you may not be able to hit deep becasue your older or have shoulder issues but as long as your partner knows whats going to happen they can counter. If you are playing with somebody you dont know that should be communicated straight away.

    Not everybody can do what they need to do because they dont practice their weakness’.

    I dont practice as much as i should as many others and if you are just playing REC Open Play and dont want to get better than your good getting exercise – practice without purpose (like a ship that floats and drives but has no steerage – to get where they want to go) and destination can never truly reveals success and momentum to do more practice and if you want to play tournaments you need to practice with a strategy to improve weaknesses and keep strengths sharp.

    I have never played anything but Open REC Play – but want to learn how to do what ben Johns, JW Johnson, ALW, Callie smith do everyday. Just because Tiger woods lets you watch him play golf (watching PPA/MLP) and allows you to use his clubs (bought a 250 dollar selkirk for example) doesnt translate to under PAR scores on your part because you have to know how to use that selkirk paddle in many different ways with different grip pressures and different strategies. I love to watch PPAand sometimes i learn more from the weaker players doing wrong things (like myself still learning) than players who do everything right. Thats because you cannot swallow the elephant (pickleball -strategies, drops, lobs, inside out, misdirects, underspin/topspin – let alone when to use efectively) all at once, helf or quarter because is all too much at once but only with little bites each time you practice or play with purpose and strategy.

    Always the three pillars – i have been on the edge, tired of playing smash the ball at open play instead practicing drops, not being able to dink with confidience, (which practice with cones would help) and nobody talking about strategy or (or learning any new strategy) or feedback during play to improve.

    People say – just get out there and play, you will learn. You certainly will learn the wrong strategy, receive little feedback, and ingrain very bad habits that are hard to break.

    No i dont know CJ or Tony or receive any monetary compensation from anyone in the world – additionally i am a non attorney spokesman and non paid actor on the web.

    My beliefs about the Pickleball Elephant nobody talks about in whole but i think i may start their system – i have been taking small bites and some were wrong and a few right from videos and watching endless PPA tournaments with results (on court ability to recognize and execute what is strategically correct) coming slowly.

    may be ready to move on up

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on February 8, 2023 at 5:15 pm

      Rick we hope we’ve helped in your pickleball journey and if The System right for you we look forward to meeting you in class this March.

  238. Avatar photo Peter on February 9, 2023 at 12:21 am

    CDEBA

  239. Avatar photo Walt MacDuff on February 9, 2023 at 8:17 am

    cedba

  240. Avatar photo Walt MacDuff on February 9, 2023 at 8:18 am

    To backhand keeping gives me the most time to get to NVZ

  241. Avatar photo Ed on February 9, 2023 at 11:31 am

    CDEAB

  242. Avatar photo Claire Linj on February 9, 2023 at 12:03 pm

    I appreciate your comments and videos

  243. Avatar photo Ray on February 9, 2023 at 8:06 pm

    C E D B A

  244. Avatar photo Dani on February 10, 2023 at 4:57 am

    You want to hit the 3rd shot where your opponent is is standing the farthest in the court or in the kitchen side where your opponent is the farthest.

  245. Avatar photo Mark W on February 11, 2023 at 3:14 pm

    D,C,E,A lastly B

  246. Avatar photo Ryan on February 12, 2023 at 1:04 am

    A E D C B

  247. Avatar photo Jill on February 12, 2023 at 5:18 am

    E B C D A

  248. Avatar photo Anita on February 12, 2023 at 1:25 pm

    EBDCA

  249. Avatar photo Cheryl on February 14, 2023 at 5:58 am

    EDCBA

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