Mastering Pickleball Resets – How to Slow Down the Game and Regain Control

Introduction

In the fast-paced world of pickleball, learning how to reset the ball and neutralize aggressive opponents is essential for any player looking to elevate their game. Whether you're being overwhelmed by hard hitters or just need to slow down the pace, mastering the reset shot can help you regain control of the point. In a recent instructional video by Jordan Briones from Briones Pickleball, the fundamentals of slowing down the ball are thoroughly explained, focusing on how to develop the touch and stability required to execute effective resets. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways to help you incorporate this critical skill into your game.

The Basics of Slowing Down the Ball

Stability is Key: The first step in executing a successful reset, as explained by Jordan, is to maintain stability in both your feet and paddle. Many players make the mistake of adding unnecessary pace to the ball, which can result in losing control. Instead, focus on keeping your feet grounded and your paddle stable. A light grip pressure (around 4 out of 10) combined with an open paddle face is essential to absorb the incoming speed and redirect the ball softly.

Start with Simple Drills: Jordan recommends starting with slower, more controlled shots to get a feel for the reset. Practicing at a slower pace allows you to build the necessary skills without being overwhelmed. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the speed and difficulty of the drills to simulate real game conditions.

Techniques for Effective Resets

One-Handed vs. Two-Handed Resets: Jordan demonstrates both one-handed and two-handed reset techniques in the video. For one-handed resets, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining a relaxed wrist and simply turning your paddle to block the shot. With two-handed resets, ensure that your wrists are relaxed and your paddle face is slightly dropped. The key is to avoid any punching motion, which can add unwanted pace to the ball and make it harder to control.

Focus on Trajectory: The goal of a reset is to get the ball to bounce, making it more difficult for your opponent to continue attacking. Jordan highlights that aiming for a trajectory with good margin over the net is crucial. If your resets are too high or too far, you’ll give your opponent opportunities to take the ball out of the air and maintain their attack. Adjusting the height and depth of your resets can make a significant difference in your ability to neutralize aggressive shots.

Transitioning to Game Situations

Practice in Realistic Scenarios: Once you’re comfortable with the basics, Jordan suggests applying your resets in more challenging, game-like situations. Start by practicing resets from different positions on the court, including 4 feet behind the non-volley zone and even deeper. This will help you learn how to slow the game down when you’re on the defensive and trying to regain a neutral position.

Understanding Ready Position: Depending on the situation, your ready position may vary. Jordan mentions that when under heavy attack, holding your paddle in a backhand position can provide more coverage and control. Staying balanced and prepared for the next shot is essential, especially when facing aggressive opponents.

Advanced Tips for Resets

Surviving Aggressive Attacks: In higher-level play, opponents often try to overwhelm you with fast, aggressive shots. The key to surviving these situations, according to Jordan, is to stay calm and focused on getting the ball to bounce. Even if the ball is coming at you with high speed, a well-executed reset can neutralize their attack and force them into a more defensive position.

Practice Makes Perfect: Mastering the reset takes hours of dedicated practice. Jordan emphasizes starting with slow, controlled drills and gradually building up to full-speed gameplay. The more you practice, the more natural resetting will become, and the more confident you'll feel during intense rallies.

The reset shot is a crucial skill for any pickleball player, especially as you move into higher levels of play. By focusing on stability, practicing regularly, and applying these techniques in game scenarios, you can effectively slow down the game and regain control, even against the toughest opponents.

For more in-depth tips and drills, check out Briones Pickleball’s instructional videos on their YouTube channel, where Jordan Briones provides a wealth of knowledge to help you improve your game.

Key Learnings:

1. Maintain Stability: Keep both your feet and paddle stable to control the pace of the ball.
2. Start Slow: Begin with basic, slow-paced drills before advancing to game-speed scenarios.
3. Effective Trajectory: Aim for a trajectory that ensures the ball bounces, limiting your opponent’s ability to attack.
4. Use Two Hands: Consider two-handed resets for added stability and control, especially under pressure.
5. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is essential for mastering resets and feeling confident in high-pressure situations.

By integrating these strategies into your practice routine, you'll become a more resilient and versatile player, capable of handling even the most aggressive opponents.