{"id":6472,"date":"2025-12-23T17:13:10","date_gmt":"2025-12-23T16:13:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/burksport.com\/subtract-1-the-golden-rule-for-dominating-the-net-in-pickleball\/"},"modified":"2026-10-03T21:50:22","modified_gmt":"2026-10-03T19:50:22","slug":"subtract-1-the-golden-rule-for-dominating-the-net-in-pickleball","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/burksport.com\/en\/subtract-1-the-golden-rule-for-dominating-the-net-in-pickleball\/","title":{"rendered":"Return + 1: The golden rule for taking control of the net in pickleball"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Do you ever 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 aren’t faster, they aren’t more agile, and their shoes don’t have springs. The secret usually lies in the first 5 seconds of the point. <\/p>

Today on the B\u00dcRK<\/strong> blog, we explore a tactical concept that leading coaches in the United States emphasise time and again: Return + 1<\/strong>.<\/p>

If you want to move beyond defensive play and start controlling the pace of the game, read on. Your approach to returning serve can change today. <\/p>

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

What exactly is Return + 1?<\/strong><\/p>

Many amateur players make the mistake of trying to win the point with their return of serve<\/strong>. They look for a winner<\/em> down the line or a thunderous shot that leaves their opponent struggling. . ERROR<\/strong><\/p>

In competitive pickleball, the goal of the return isn’t to win the point; it’s to buy time<\/strong>. Time to get into the right position at the net. <\/p>

The Return + 1 formula is simple:<\/p>

  1. The return:<\/strong> A high, deep ball.<\/li>
  2. The +1:<\/strong> Move immediately after the shot towards the non-volley zone line \u2014 the kitchen line.<\/li><\/ol>

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

    Three keys to a perfect return \u2014 and how your B\u00dcRK paddle helps<\/strong><\/p>

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

    1. Seek Depth, Not Speed<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>

      Imagine that your opponent’s baseline is a cliff. You want to push them toward it. Keep them away from the net. If your return lands deep (less than a meter from the baseline), you force your opponent to step back to hit the ball, and I guarantee they\u2019ll start to feel very uncomfortable. <\/p>