If you're reading this, chances are you're already hooked on pickleball - maybe even obsessed. At some point, you've gone from just trying to get the ball over the net to actually thinking about strategy. That’s when you know it’s real.
And if there’s one simple tactic that applies to every level of play, it’s this: hit the ball down to your opponent’s feet.
It sounds basic - almost too basic. But consistently targeting the feet is a fundamental move that can elevate your game from reactive to intentional. It’s about control, pressure, and forcing your opponents into weak positions.
Why Hitting to the Feet Works
When you hit the ball low - especially toward your opponent’s feet - they're forced to hit upward. This upward trajectory often leads to a higher return, giving you and your partner a chance to move in, control the net, or finish the point.
You're not just trying to make contact - you’re trying to make life awkward for the other team.
Whether you’re dinking, volleying, or driving, putting the ball at the feet:
-> Makes it harder for your opponents to attack
-> Reduces their angles and options
-> Increases the chance of a pop-up or error
This strategy is relevant everywhere on the court—but to use it well, you need three things: awareness, precision, and timing.
The Three Keys to Hitting at the Feet
1. Awareness: Choosing the Right Moment
You can’t just aim for the feet every time. You have to recognise when the opportunity is there.
-> In a dink rally, you may get a slightly high or mispositioned ball - this is your moment.
-> During a volley exchange, especially when you're attacking, a low roll or top-spin drive can dive down quickly toward the feet.
-> When you're receiving a slow, floating shot, use the time to guide your return down with intent.
Ask yourself: Do I have enough control on this shot to guide it downward?
It’s about recognising windows—not forcing them.
2. Precision: Can You Hit a Target?
This isn’t about hitting hard - it’s about hitting smart. Placing the ball to a specific location takes intentional practice.
You might miss at first. That’s fine. Try again. And again. Pickleball rewards players who aren’t afraid to try and fail in the name of getting sharper.
If you’re serious about improving, get used to asking: Can I consistently aim for someone's shoe laces?
Tip: Don’t just practice hitting low. Practice hitting to specific zones, especially around your opponent’s lead foot.
3. Timing: The Invisible Factor
You could have perfect aim, but if your timing is off, the ball will float, go long, or get volleyed out of the air.
Great timing means:
-> You contact the ball at the peak of control, not panic
-> Your shot begins descending at just the right arc
-> You can use topspin or soft hands to force the ball downward without speeding it up too much
Think of it this way: you’re not just hitting the ball—you’re guiding its landing zone.
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The “Red Zone” Concept
Let’s once again talk about the red zone - the danger area - the area below the knees down to the ground.
When the ball is in the yellow or green zone (chest level or higher), that’s when your opponents are most dangerous. That’s when they can start hitting down at your feet - to the red zone.
You want to be the one dictating. Keep your shots low. Avoid giving your opponents balls they can attack from above.
Your goal is simple: Keep them in red-zone defense. Keep yourself in control.
Pro-Level Players Do This Constantly
Watch high-level players and you’ll notice: they’re constantly pressuring opponents with low balls, dipping drives, and well-placed dinks that land right at the feet or just behind the kitchen line.
They’re not winning on flashy shots - they’re winning on disciplined placement.
If you can build this into your game - even at a 3.0 or 3.5 level - you’ll immediately stand out.
Final Thought: Aim Lower Than You Think
Most amateur players err on the side of caution - keeping the ball “safe,” which often means too high. But that’s where trouble starts.
So next time you're on the court, keep this in your mental checklist:
-> Are they giving me a shot I can guide down?
-> Can I send it to their feet - or better yet, their shoelaces?
-> Am I executing with control, not just force?
Pickleball isn’t just about getting the ball over the net. It’s about putting it where it hurts - and more often than not, that’s right at your opponent’s feet.
Want to get better at this? Try drills where you specifically aim low during dinks, volleys, and even drives. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your game becomes more aggressive and more strategic.
This article was taken from our 'Control the Kitchen' Newsletter, if you're interested in receiving more content like this, please feel free to sign up using the subscribe section located at the bottom left of this page (or underneath the article if you're on mobile), thanks!
