Claudia Fontana: Short Hops

 

Returning the Tricky Short Hop: Mastering the Half Volley

Defensive Techniques for Handling Low, Fast Shots in Pickleball

Short hops - low, fast shots that bounce just once before reaching you - can be intimidating for pickleball players. But learning how to effectively return these tricky balls is key to elevating your defense. In this guide, expert coach and author Claudia Fontana reveals her specialized system for practicing and mastering the short hop half volley.

Using designated practice zones on the court, repetitive partner drills, and step-by-step instruction, players of all levels can gain confidence facing quick attacks. Fontana stresses key techniques like proper paddle angle, secure footwork, and weight shift. She also shares modifications for limited practice space and building complexity. With the right preparation, you can turn a scary short hop into a strategic counterattack.

So get ready to improve your reflexes, fortify your weaknesses, and surprise opponents with your newfound half volley prowess!

1. Defending the Non-Volley Zone Line (0:58)

Fontana notes that short hop returns can be practiced from anywhere, but focusing on the non-volley zone (NVZ) line is critical. You’ll frequently face low shots here, trying to regain NVZ position. Bend knees and situate your body low to the ground, keeping paddle out front in a defensive stance. Prep for the smash and be ready to redirect pace back over the net with purpose. Don’t be too passive! Ward off the attack confidently.

2. Executing the Return: Zone D6/D7 (1:51)

When contacting the short hop, hold your paddle around the 4-5 o’clock position to lift the ball just over the net. You want to drive it forwards and upwards, not straight skyward. Adjust your grip and swing path based on factors like court position, body alignment and ball bounce point. Focus is keeping the return low to limit counterattack opportunities. Regain the NVZ ASAP!

3. Managing Power: Cross Court Drives (2:33)

Hard cross-court attacks require strong footwork and paddle control to defend. Set your feet quickly when the ball is in flight, slowing the pace down. Grip the paddle firmly to withstand power, but don’t overgrip and restrict wrist movement. The goal is placing your return as close to the NVZ line as possible. This limits options for opponents and helps you regain offensive position.

4. Countering Lobs: The NVZ Line (3:23)

When you receive a high lob near the NVZ, an aggressive return can do damage. Drive down the line over the attacker’s head if possible, pushing them back. But be cautious - missing long exposes you. If the lob is too high or you're not in optimal position, play the percentages with a cautious drop shot or resetting dink.

5. Adjusting the Drill (3:59)

Fontana suggests starting slowly with higher, slower balls to groove technique. Then increase speed and low bounce over time as skills improve. Also try against-the-wall practice, receiving waist-high smashes without a net. Focus on solid footwork and paddle grip, engraining proper contact point and body alignment. Master the basics before introducing unpredictability!

Summary

Short hop attacks test reactions and preparation. Fontana prescribes focused reps from different zones to ingrain vital muscle memory. Whether rushed by a low cross-court drive or a quick net front lob, disciplined foundations enable confident responses. Proper footwork reduces panic while sound grips provide control. Adjust paddle angle to impart desired trajectory height and direction. Absorb opponent pace if attacked but place returns precisely to regain court position. Vary speed and bounce in practice to expand comfort zones. What once seemed impossibly fast becomes routine through quality volume. Soon not only will you return tricky short hops, but do so strategically to put adversaries on their heels.

About the Author

With 35+ years of experience teaching and coaching, Claudia Fontana brings unmatched perspective to pickleball instruction. Her Pickleball CPR book and video series offers over 120 drills tailored to skills, positioning, and scenarios that real matches demand. An accomplished player herself, Fontana’s identity is rooted in empowering others via education and encouragement. She utilizes cutting-edge practice systems like the PB9-GRID to accelerate student development and make lessons fun too!

Fontana also shares invaluable coaching insights on communication, goal-setting and constructive feedback. Her slate of online clinics provides further resources for absorption. While the author continues competing and progressing her own pickleball journey, sharing knowledge to grow the sport and community is what truly drives her. Thanks to devoted mentors like Fontana passing wisdom forward, the future of pickleball burns brighter than ever.

YouTube Time Code List

0:12 Introduction Short Hops 0:58 Non Volley Zone (NVZ) Line Cross Court From Player 1:51 Short Hops: Zone D6/D7 2:33 Short Hops: Zone D6/D7 Straight Across From Player 3:23 Short Hops: NVZ Line Cross Court From Player Stroke - Deep High Lob 3:59 NMZ Line Start slow, build speed and force 4:20 Against The Wall 5:09 Summary