AcademyBeginner path
The return: deep, then get to the line
7 min
The returner's only job: buy time to reach the kitchen line.
Key takeaways
- Return deep to keep the serving team back.
- Hit and immediately move — never admire the shot.
- High and deep beats hard and short.
Practice goal
Return 15 serves; you must touch the kitchen line before the ball comes back.
Watch it in action
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The dink: pickleball's signature shot