The 4 Essential Kitchen Shots to Dominate the Soft Game

Most pickleball players struggle at the kitchen because they're hitting the wrong shot. A pro coach breaks down the four essential kitchen shot techniques you need to know to dominate at the net and start winning more points.

Every ball at the kitchen falls into one of four situations. Understanding which kitchen shot to hit in each zone is the foundation of net dominance.

Pro player Ashley Griffith organizes the kitchen into zones based on ball height and bounce: below the net, net level, above the net, and off the bounce.

Each zone demands a different response.

This isn't complicated stuff, but it's the difference between players who dominate the kitchen and those who keep popping balls up for easy put-aways.

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1. Below the Net: The Reset

When the ball is below the net, you should almost never attack. Instead, you hit a reset, which is the most defensive kitchen shot in your arsenal.

A reset neutralizes the point when you're in a defensive position.

Ashley Griffith explains there are two ways to hit one: with upward topspin or with an open paddle face. Both work; it comes down to personal preference.

For the topspin version, you brush up on the ball with a whip-like motion. For the open-face version, you lift the ball up gently.

Either way, the key is staying low with bent knees and keeping your swing compact.

Being able to reset and neutralize the point from under the net is super key,

Griffith says. It's the shot that sets up everything else.

2. Net-Level Balls: The Counter

When the ball sits at waist to chest level, you're looking at a counter, which is a neutral kitchen shot that sits between defense and aggression.

A counter lets you add pace without losing control.

Griffith calls it one of her favorite shots because it's versatile and effective. You can hit it on the forehand or backhand with a short, compact swing.

The motion is almost like a pump, using your opponent's pace against them.

The beauty of the counter is that you're not trying to lift the ball up or smash it down. You're simply redirecting it with a bit more pace than a dink.

This keeps your opponent honest and sets you up for the aggressive shot you really want.

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3. Above the Net: The Attack

When the ball pops up above the net, it's time to finish the point. This is where aggression pays off.

Griffith emphasizes a short, compact swing with a downward snap. You're not taking a huge overhead; you're being surgical.

The goal is to hit the ball down and get it at your opponent's feet so the point ends immediately.

"Short swing, hit the ball down," Griffith repeats. This is the mantra for above-the-net kitchen shot situations.

Whether you're on the forehand or backhand, the principle stays the same: snap down with control, not wild power.

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4. Off the Bounce: The Dink

When the ball bounces at the kitchen, you're hitting a dink, which is the most common kitchen shot you'll face in a match.

Dinks are the setup shots.

They're not meant to win the point; they're meant to create the opportunity for a counter or an attack. Griffith emphasizes that dinking is about consistency and margin.

It's better to pop a dink up slightly than to miss it in the net.

The fundamentals matter here. Your paddle motion should be smooth and pendulum-like on both sides.

Keep your dominant foot behind the ball (right foot for forehands, left for backhands).

This positioning sets you up for the aggressive shot you're building toward.

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Why Decision-Making Beats Hand Speed

Here's what separates pros from recreational players: Griffith doesn't focus on hand speed or touch.

She focuses on knowing what shot to hit before the ball even arrives.

Most players guess. They see the ball coming and react without a plan. Pros have a framework. They know that

• Below the net means reset.
• Net level means counter.
• Above the net means attack.
• Off the bounce means dink.

This clarity eliminates hesitation.

When you remove the guessing game, your game levels up fast.

You're not thinking about technique; you're thinking about strategy. Your hands follow your decision-making, not the other way around.

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Putting It All Together

The kitchen shot framework is simple, but mastering it takes practice. Start by drilling each zone separately.

Hit resets from below the net until they feel automatic. Practice counters at net level. Work on your attack from above the net. Spend time on dinks off the bounce.

Once each kitchen shot feels natural, start playing points and applying the framework in real time.

You'll notice immediately that you're making better decisions and winning more points at the net.

Griffith promises that once you can recognize these four situations and respond with the right shot, your game improves by at least a full level.

That's not hype; that's the difference between playing pickleball and playing it well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a reset and a dink?

A reset is a defensive kitchen shot hit from below the net when the ball is in the air. A dink is hit off the bounce at the kitchen line. Resets are more defensive; dinks are setup shots that build toward aggression. Both are essential, but they serve different purposes in the point.

Can I hit a reset with a closed paddle face?

Yes. Griffith explains that you can hit a reset with either upward topspin or an open paddle face. Both techniques work; choose whichever feels more natural to you. The key is staying low and keeping your swing compact regardless of which method you use.

How do I know when to attack above the net?

When the ball pops up above the net, it's almost always the right time to attack. This is your opportunity to finish the point. Use a short, compact swing and snap down to get the ball at your opponent's feet. Hesitation at this moment usually costs you the point.

Why do my dinks keep popping up?

Most dinks pop up because players aren't staying low enough or they're using too much paddle motion. Keep your knees bent, use a smooth pendulum motion, and focus on margin over pace. It's better to hit a dink that's slightly high than to miss it in the net.

How long does it take to master the kitchen shot?

The framework itself takes minutes to understand. Applying it consistently in matches takes weeks or months of practice. Start by drilling each zone separately, then combine them in point play. Most players see noticeable improvement within a few weeks of focused practice.