As a pickleball instructor, I get asked many questions regarding the 3rd shot and the approach to the NVZ. In order to help my clients, I like to first determine their mental image. After asking players what their goal is with the 3rd shot, a typical response I receive is "to get to the non-volley zone" or kitchen line. Maybe you have a similar mental image of the approach to the NVZ. After all, getting to the NVZ means we are in prime position to smash put-away shots and cut off sharp angles from our opponents. But does simply getting to the NVZ give us these magical powers or does it matter how we get there?
Before we can improve our approach to the NVZ, we need to first change our goal. While getting to the NVZ certainly has its advantages, I argue that it should not be our goal. Our goal should be to win the point. How do we win points? We win them by not making mistakes or by forcing our opponents to make mistakes. We avoid making mistakes by hitting replicable shots where we are balanced and have weight transfer towards our target.
How do we best achieve a replicable shot on our approach to the NVZ? The split-step enables us to get balanced and ready as our opponent strikes the ball. It is no wonder why players have the goal of getting to the NVZ at all costs. They remember the shot before last when they ran up to the line in a linear fashion and received a high ball they were able to put it away. They love the energy behind it when they smash the ball and the adrenaline rush of being right up on the action during a full-out sprint. They love it so much that they are able to dismiss the shots that they miss on this race to the net with an "I'll get the next one." I call this false hope.
You see, I love playing against these players. In fact, many 4.0 and most 4.5+ players are adept at recognizing when players rush to the net at all costs. Understand that players running up to the net without a split-step cannot move well laterally. I love to exploit this by hitting the ball at their feet away from their body. The result of this shot is mind-blowing. In basketball, we call this "breaking your ankles" after a player performs a cross-over and it will always be accompanied by a roar from the crowd.
Many of you may still be skeptical in the value of the split-step. Many beginner and intermediate players may not make you pay for your mistake, but I can assure you that the better players will. If you ever want to move up in skill level, the split-step is a must have habit. I call it a habit instead of a skill, because it is not a skilled shot but rather a mental cue you should have as the opponent strikes the ball for you to plant your feet and stop moving. For more on the split-step, see my video tutorial below.
I encourage you to change your goal on the approach shot. While a high and deep return will allow most players to get set at the NVZ, the 3rd shot is a different story. Make your goal on the 3rd shot approach to get set as your opponent strikes the ball. It may take you two to three shots to get to the NVZ, but they will be quality shots. I hope you will take the time and practice to implement this into your game!