Whenever I’m on the court instructing a student for the first time, I will almost always ask that new student what – if any – sport(s) they have played previously. Afterall, most sports (including non-paddle sports) have technique and strategy nuggets that can also be transferred over and leveraged on the pickleball court.
You see, if I’m able to draw a parallel between pickleball and the sport with which they’re familiar, it will make the learning process so much quicker and easier.
While I’ve recently talked about opening the paddle face (and golf club face) and minimizing the backswing when dinking and dropping (and putting) – much like is encouraged on the golf course – in this post I wanted to explore how one can leverage learned, man-to-man defensive fundamentals from the sport of basketball and apply them to the game of pickleball.
Specifically, I want to draw a parallel between getting in a good defensive stance in basketball and getting into a good, athletic position while positioned at the non-volley line.
The good defensive basketball stance and the good athletic ready position in pickleball are all-too-often overlooked in their respective sport. In both sports, the “ready position” is critically important for enhanced balance and for quick laterally movements.
Tips for a Good Defensive Basketball Stance and a Good, Athletic Ready Position in Pickleball
When putting the defensive clamps on your opponent in basketball – and when getting into a good ready position in pickleball – it’s important to adhere to the following three fundamentals.
These three fundamentals will help keep you between your offensive opponent and the hoop on the basketball court and will help get you ready and engaged for the next shot on the pickleball court.
1. Make Sure your Feet are Slightly Wider than Shoulder-Width Apart
Start with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. If your feet are too close together, you will likely be too upright in your stance – and as a result, unbalanced. On the other hand, a stance that is too wide will limit your explosiveness as you take that first step. Balance and explosiveness are needed in both sports.
2. Stand on the Balls of your Feet
With your feet just a bit more than shoulder-width apart, balance the majority of your weight on the balls of your feet – with your heels making contact with the court, and your weight slightly forward.
3. Bend your Knees and Keep your Back Straight
In both sports, it’s important to bend your knees and get your butt down. Make sure, however, that after getting your butt down you’re not bending forward at the waist. Instead, focus on keeping your back straight and your chest puffed out. This will further help with balance and explosiveness.
Final Thoughts
Few would argue that pickleball is a game of patience. And to be patient requires a solid foundation of footwork.
Tweet ThisIf these tips sound similar to the core, defensive fundamentals executed from Ben Wallace and the 2004 Detroit Pistons (a defense-minded NBA Championship Team), then you are right! Afterall, there’s much that can be applied to pickleball from a good defensive principles in basketball.
See you on the courts.
Great analogy Todd! I wonder 🤔 if you & I could make any analogies with my juggling 🤹♀️ and pickleball.
Thanks, David. Might be worth exploring.
Disagree getting in these fix athletic positions is counterproductive. Watch the best, sometimes it looks like they are just standing in a neutral position uncaring that is the only way you can react fast enough. Nobody is trying to push you out of the way except a ball that weighs 1 oz. That why the best players are loose, and really do not look like Callie Smith! Ben Johns an athletic position?
Hi Don, I agree to an extent with you. One doesn’t want to be rigid and stiff in the ready position. But, it’s tough to argue with feet that are approximately shoulder-width apart, weight on the balls of one’s feet and knees that are slightly bent.