Let It Go

Deciding to leave "out balls" in pickleball can be a game-changer, influencing the outcome of matches and adding an extra layer of strategy to the sport.

The game is getting faster and faster, so top players thrive on finesse and split-second decision-making.

Among the many tactics that can be employed on the court, the concept of "out balls" often goes overlooked, when in fact, it should stand out as a pivotal element that can sway the momentum of a match in an instant.

Let's talk about 'letting it go'...

An "out ball" is exactly what you would think it is: it refers to a shot that's heading out of the court boundaries.

Obviously, the objective of pickleball is to keep the ball in play, however, we can’t keep the ball inside the court dimensions 100% of the time, so, more often than not, people are hitting balls that would carry outside the court without even realizing it.

Of course, there is that slim chance that teams are intentionally drawing the other side to intentionally an "out ball" as well, but that I will say, is a less common strategy and a high-risk one at that.

All of us have the ability to leave an out ball, it’s those who practice and increase their level of discipline to leave those tempting out balls who will ultimately be able to make that split-second decision in a game.

Here are some of the several factors that come into play when determining whether to leave a ball that's headed out:

Trajectory and Velocity

Assess the speed and trajectory of the incoming shot to gauge its likelihood of landing out of bounds. We’re always focusing on the trajectory of the ball, especially when playing at the net; and keeping an eye on the apex point of the shot.

So, a ball traveling at high velocity with a steep angle of descent is more likely to land outside of the boundaries rather than a slower, shallow shot.

We should be able to apply our focus on the trajectory no matter where we’re standing in relation to where the ball is heading.

Court Positioning

If you’re one of those players who can’t help but hit a lot of balls that are heading out, start to become aware of your position on the court relative to the ball's trajectory.

If you're positioned near the sidelines or baseline and someone is hitting a higher ball, consider letting that shot go.

For the most part, players at an intermediate level and higher, have an understanding that speed-ups from sideline to sideline are a high-risk, low-percentage shot to make. 

Opponent's Position

Similarly to the point above, be sure to take note of your opponent's positioning and movement on the court.

If they're out of position on the court, overreaching and chasing down a ball or they’ve turned their body to commit to an inside-out type of shot, there’s a higher chance that their ball will float out of bounds.

The momentum of someone’s run to get to the ball often sends the ball long and unless you can hit the ball with heavy topspin, someone turning to favour their forehand and is setting up with a big wind up, chances are that ball is going to fly past your shoulder and out of bounds.

Game Situation

One area that I think can get overlooked but is probably a common factor for almost anything strategic situation I write about is the actual situation of the game.

Factor in the score, the style of play by the other players, the natural elements (ie. wind) when deciding whether to leave a ball that's going out.

For example, if a team is leading by a significant margin they might take higher risks, like hitting harder shots or trying tighter angles.

On the flip side, if you’re the team or are playing a team that’s trying to conserve energy, opting not to play the ball may be the smarter choice.

Mind Over Matter

Mastering the art of leaving "out balls" requires precision and anticipation and players must have the ability to gauge their opponents' positioning and movement. All of this takes a high level of discipline, something that we all can be working towards while learning other elements of the sport. 

Risk vs. Reward

Like any strategic maneuver, hitting an "out ball" involves a calculated risk. While it can yield instant results in terms of winning points, mistimed or poorly executed shots may result in unforced errors, conceding precious points to the opposition.

Players must weigh the potential rewards against the inherent risks before attempting such shots.

Drilling it Out

To incorporate "out balls" effectively into their game plan, players should focus on developing a diverse repertoire of shots and maintaining situational awareness on the court. Communication and synergy with their doubles partner are also crucial, as coordinated attacks can amplify the effectiveness of strategic placements.

Target Practice with a Partner

- Set up targets on the court representing areas where you want your "out balls" to land

- Practice hitting shots to these targets from various positions on the court, focusing on accuracy and control while your partner practices making the decision on how they want to respond to your shot

- Be sure to experiment with different shot techniques such as lobs, cross-court shots, and dinks to develop and prepare yourself for any situation during a game

Defensive Pressure Drill

- Simulate game scenarios where you're under pressure from aggressive opponents

- Practice defensive shots at various angles and different spots on the court that allow you to reset the point while setting up opportunities for "out balls" when your opponents overcommit

- Emphasize patience and consistency in your defensive play, waiting for the right moment to capitalize on openings

Drilling Footwork and Balance

- As you know by now, I feel that there’s always an opportunity to work on your footwork and balance, as these are essential for executing accurate shots

- Practice moving efficiently around the court and maintaining a stable base to generate power and control in your shots

- Incorporate split-step movements to react quickly to incoming balls and set up for optimal shot placement

Quality vs Quantity

- With any drill, remember to focus on the quality of your shots rather than quantity. Having the awareness to hit with proper technique trumps all else when drilling. This is your best chance at sharpening your overall skill and ability on the pickleball court

In the dynamic environment of pickleball, the strategic significance of "out balls" should not be overlooked. Having the ability to leave a ball that’s heading out of bounds really exemplifies skill, foresight, and mental fortitude.

As players continue to refine their tactics and push the boundaries of the sport, the art of leaving "out balls" will always remain as a foundational piece of higher-level, competitive pickleball.

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