Below is a summary of this analysis. To read the full paper, visit here!
The return is a unique shot that gets hit in virtually every rally! What makes it special? It’s the only shot in a rally where a player can place the ball in any part of the court while knowing that their opponents must let the ball bounce.
Missing your return is considered a cardinal sin, and rightfully so. You’re letting your opponents win the rally without making them hit the most difficult shot in pickleball, the third!
This study attempts to determine which factors, if any, make a return more effective in competitive doubles. Specifically, the following factors are considered:
- Depth
- Direction
- Pace
We tentatively conclude that more depth on the return is generally preferable (shocker), and that returns hit down the line are generally more advantageous, especially when returning on the right side. Any impact of the pace of a return on rally outcomes is difficult to identify at this point.