In pickleball, we often say that the best defense is a good offense. While being strong offensively is essential, the teams that win the most are usually the ones that know how to fluidly switch between offense and defense.

Understanding when and how to adjust your approach on the track can make all the difference to your performance.

How positioning influences the transition from offense to defense

The first key factor when adopting a defensive mindset is your position on the court.

• During the serve : You start in a defensive position because you must advance to the kitchen line.
• On the kitchen line : Once there, it can be difficult to distinguish between offense and defense. These situations help clarify:

Common situations and how to respond

1. The broken string

Imagine that a rope connects you and your partner. If one moves and the other doesn't follow, the "rope" breaks, leaving a gap in the defense.

How to react:

Both players must move towards the center to regain control of the court and prevent opponents from taking advantage of the spaces.

2. The ball in the middle

When both players position themselves too close to the center line, confusion can arise over who should hit a ball headed for the center. This often causes errors and leaves the sidelines open for attack.

How to react:

Return to position to better cover angles of attack and avoid mistakes.

3. The balloon

If your opponent executes an effective lob, you will have to back up from the cooking line to return it, which automatically puts you in a defensive position.

How to react:

Instead of attempting a powerful hit, perform a controlled hit (Dink) to reset the point and return to the cooking line.