Hitting around the net in pickleball is one of the most technically nuanced and strategically valuable skills a player can develop. This maneuver, often called hitting around the net or playing a net-skipping shot, involves sending the ball so it travels low and fast just over the net, forcing your opponent to react from a position where their standard swing path is completely blocked. Unlike standard dinks that arc over the net, this technique targets the immediate space directly beneath the net cable, exploiting the gap where most players are not prepared to defend. Success requires precise control of paddle angle, face position, and touch, transforming a potential defensive situation into an offensive opportunity.
Understanding the Mechanics of Net-Hitting
The foundation of hitting around the net lies in the geometry of the court and the physics of the ball's trajectory. The net height at the posts is 36 inches, dropping to 34 inches at the center strap. To execute this shot effectively, the ball must clear the net by less than two inches, necessitating a flat, penetrating trajectory rather than a high lob. Players must get low, bending their knees to align their paddle plane with the height of the net. The paddle face should be slightly open to lift the ball cleanly while maintaining forward momentum, ensuring the ball skims the surface of the court immediately after crossing the net.
The Strategic Advantage
Employing a shot that goes around the net provides a significant strategic edge by disrupting an opponent's rhythm and positioning. When opponents are standing at the kitchen line preparing for a standard volley, a low skidding shot forces them to scramble forward or retreat quickly, often resulting in a weak return or a miss. This technique is particularly effective against teams that are camped out at the non-volley zone line, as it bypasses their primary area of control. It creates immediate pressure and can shift the momentum of a rally in a single, well-placed shot.
Execution in Different Scenarios
Mastering this shot requires adapting it to various in-game contexts. One common scenario occurs when your opponent hits a high, slow ball near the net, giving you ample time to set up. Another is during a fast-paced exchange at the net, where reflexes and soft hands are essential. You can also use this shot defensively when you are pulled wide, aiming the ball down the line or crosscourt to an open space the opponent cannot cover without leaving the net. The versatility of the move makes it a valuable tool in both offensive and defensive arsenals.
Target the corners: Aiming for the far sideline or the center of the court stretches your opponent and increases the difficulty of their return.
Vary the spin: Incorporating slight topspin can help keep the ball low, while backspin can cause the ball to skid unexpectedly after bouncing.
Watch the opponent's feet: Reading their weight distribution before you hit can indicate where they are moving, allowing you to place the ball away from their momentum.
Use it to set up the next shot: The goal is not just to win the point immediately, but to create a weak reply that sets you up for an easy put-away.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Players often attempt this shot without proper preparation, leading to errors that gift points to their opponents. Hitting the ball too high results in it sailing into the net or landing too deep, giving the opponent an easy smash. Conversely, hitting it too flat without enough forward speed causes the ball to bounce short, allowing the opponent to attack it aggressively. Another frequent error is telegraphing the shot with a large backswing; the best net-skipping shots are compact and smooth, minimizing the opponent's ability to read the play.
