Mastering the Reset Shot in Pickleball

Introduction

There are two types of reset shots in pickleball: the reset dink, and the lob off the dink. There are two occasions in which you will use a reset dink – when you ae in a “firefight,” and when you are in a cross-court dink battle. You will use the lob off the dink to carefully send your opponents to the baseline and to essentially restart a point.

What is a Reset Dink?

The reset dink is a soft, controlled shot played close to the net that neutralizes your opponent's aggressive play and resets the rally to a neutral position. This shot is effective for several reasons:

1. Regaining Control: The reset shot diffuses the pace and aggression of your opponent's shots, resetting the game to a neutral state.
2. Creating Opportunities: By strategically placing the ball in your opponent's court, the reset shot sets up offensive plays or winning shots.
3. Building Momentum: The reset shot helps maintain momentum and rhythm in the rally, preventing opponents from dictating the pace of play.

When to use a reset dink

1. Employ the reset dink when you’re under pressure or when your opponent is playing aggressively. It’s also effective when you want to slow down the pace of the game.
2. Use the reset dink to set up other shots. For example, after a series of dinks, you can look for opportunities to execute a drop shot or a lob.
3. Use the reset dink is when you are in a cross-court dink battle. You, your partner and your opponents will move to the center of their “box” after hitting a shot. When you get ready to hit your shot, they will be ready to move either toward the side line or the middle. If you hold off and hit behind the opponent directly across from you, it can take them by surprise and put them off balance, giving you an opportunity for a put-away shot.

When to use the lob off the dink

When you are in a dink battle, you and your opponents should be leaning forward on the balls of the feet. A lob off a dink can take them by surprise if you disguise it. It is essential not to give away the fact that you are about to dink, and that is done at the very last moment.

Techniques for Improving the Reset Shot

1. Soft Grip: Use a relaxed grip on the paddle to minimize tension and allow for delicate touch and control.
2. Compact Swing: Keep the swing short and wrist-dominant, focusing on a minimal backswing to guide the ball over the net.
3. Paddle Angle: Angle the paddle slightly downward and open to allow the ball to clear the net with a gentle arc and land softly on the opponent's side.
4. Contact Point: Hit the ball slightly below its center to impart backspin and control, ensuring a soft landing with minimal bounce.
5. Follow-Through: Maintain a smooth follow-through, allowing the paddle to continue its motion toward the target for accuracy and placement.

Drills to Improve the Reset Shot

Stationary Reset Practice:

1. Stand at the non-volley zone (kitchen) line with a partner on the other side of the net.
2. Rally with soft, controlled reset shots over the net, aiming for a low trajectory with minimal backswing.
3. Alternate reset shots with your partner, gradually increasing the pace as you become more comfortable.

Reset and Reset:

1. Rally with your partner, alternating between aggressive shots and reset shots.
2. After a reset shot, practice another reset shot to simulate different game scenarios and responses.
3. Focus on consistency and control, adjusting shot selection and pace as needed.

Reset and Attack:

1. Respond to aggressive shots with a reset shot, then follow up with an attacking shot, like a drive or put-away.
2. Focus on timing and coordination, ensuring smooth transitions between reset and offensive shots to capitalize on weak returns.

Windshield Wiper Drill: 

Practice dinking while moving side to side along the non-volley zone line.  This simulates real-game scenarios where you need to maintain control while adjusting your position.

Reset and Lob:

1. Rally with your partner, alternating between reset shots and lobs.
2. After a reset shot, practice following up with a lob to disrupt the opponent's positioning and create difficult recovery shots.
3. Aim to land the lob deep in the opponent's court to prevent attacks.

Strategies for Effective Reset Play

1. Anticipation and Reaction: Develop anticipation and quick reactions to recognize opportunities for the reset shot when opponents are out of position or hitting aggressive shots.
2. Targeting Weaknesses: Aim for vulnerable areas of the opponent's court, like sidelines or deep corners, to exploit gaps in their defense and create difficult recovery shots.
3. Mixing Up Shot Selection: Combine reset shots with other shots like drives, volleys, and lobs to create a diverse and unpredictable offensive strategy.
4. Maintaining Composure: Stay composed and focused under pressure, especially when defending against aggressive play, to execute reset shots with precision and consistency.

Conclusion

The reset shot is a versatile and effective tool in pickleball, offering a strategic advantage in neutralizing aggressive play, regaining control of the rally, and setting up winning opportunities. By mastering the techniques, drills, and strategies in this guide, you can elevate your reset shot proficiency and confidence on the court, outmaneuvering opponents with finesse and precision. 

-Greg Hansen