This Simple Timing Hack Can Change Your Game Completely

Mid-court inconsistency is one of the most frustrating aspects of pickleball. It's probably because you're split-stepping all wrong.

You're approaching the kitchen line, your drop shot is floating through the air, and then... you're caught stumbling through another awkward approach shot. Again.

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Mid-court inconsistency is one of the most frustrating aspects of pickleball, and it trips up players at every level.

But here's the good news: the problem might not be your technique or your footwork. It might be your timing.

Tanner Tomassi just shared a 60-second fix that addresses one of the most common mistakes players make when transitioning to the kitchen line. It's a hack so simple, yet not widely known, you'll wonder why it took you so long to figure out.

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The Real Problem: You're Stopping Too Late

Let's break down what's actually happening when you struggle with mid-court shots. Most players follow a pretty standard approach:

• They hit their drop shot
• Watch the ball travel through the air
• And then split-step and stop moving when their opponent makes contact with the ball

Sounds logical, right? Just the way you were taught?

The problem is that by the time your opponent hits the ball, you're already too late. You've lost valuable ground, and you're not in an optimal position to handle whatever comes back at you. Your timing with this approach needs to be perfect to be effective.

Instead, try this: after you hit your drop shot, you want to take as much ground as possible while moving toward the kitchen line.

But here's the critical part: drop into your split-step the moment your ball crosses the plane of the net. Not when your opponent hits it. Not when you see them preparing to swing. When your ball crosses the net.

That's it. That's the hack.

This distinction might seem small, but it's the difference between being reactive and being proactive. Between a subjective guess and a clear, obvious moment in time.

You're essentially getting to your position before your opponent even has a chance to hit the ball, which gives you a massive advantage in terms of reaction time and court positioning.

Congrats, you're now that much better at pickleball. You're welcome.