{"id":5674,"date":"2025-12-23T17:41:24","date_gmt":"2025-12-23T16:41:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/burksport.com\/?p=5674"},"modified":"2025-12-23T17:48:41","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T16:48:41","slug":"rest-1-the-golden-rule-for-conquering-the-net-in-pickleball","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/burksport.com\/en\/rest-1-the-golden-rule-for-conquering-the-net-in-pickleball\/","title":{"rendered":"Rest + 1: the golden rule for conquering the net in pickleball"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Do you feel like your opponents are always at the net while you’re stuck at the back of the court defending as best you can? They’re not faster, they’re not more agile, and their shoes don’t have springs. The secret usually lies in the first 5 seconds of the point.<\/p>\n

Today on the B\u00fcrk<\/strong> blog, we’re going to break down the tactical concept that the best coaches in the United States constantly repeat: \u201cReturn + 1.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you want to stop playing defensively, getting rid of balls, and start controlling the pace of the game, read on to the end. Your way of returning serves is going to change today.<\/p>\n

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https:\/\/topspinpro.com\/<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What exactly is \u201cReturn + 1\u201d?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many amateur players make the mistake of thinking that the return<\/strong> (the return of serve) is for winning the point. They look for a winner down the line or a cannonball that will destroy their opponent’s wrist. MISTAKE<\/strong><\/p>\n

In high-level pickleball, the goal of the return is not to win the point; it is to buy time<\/strong>. Time to position yourself well at the net.<\/p>\n

The \u201cReturn + 1\u201d formula is simple:<\/p>\n

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  1. The Return<\/strong>: A deep, high ball.<\/li>\n
  2. The \u201c+1\u201d:<\/strong> The run immediately after the shot towards the No Volley Zone Line (the Kitchen).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Your goal is to reach that line before<\/strong> your opponents hit the third ball. If you succeed, you will have neutralized their serve advantage.<\/p>\n

    The 3 Keys to a Perfect Return (and how your B\u00fcrk paddle helps)<\/strong><\/p>\n

    To execute this tactic perfectly, the first point is to forget about raw power. What matters here is geometry and patience.<\/p>\n

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    1. Look for Depth, not Speed<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Imagine that your opponent’s baseline is a cliff. You want to push them towards it. Keep them away from the net. If your return bounces deep (less than a meter from the baseline), you force your opponent to back up to hit the ball, and I assure you they will start to feel very uncomfortable.<\/p>\n