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Pickleball Tip: What You Need to Know About Footwork Near the Kitchen
Episode 416th January 2025 • GoTennis! Podcast • Shaun Boyce and Bobby Schindler
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Season 25, Episode 4: Shaun Boyce and Jim Carella

Welcome to today’s tennis tips where Shaun invites RSPA and PPA certified pickleball pro Jim Carella (AKA Jimbo Pickleball). Today he’ll share the importance of footwork at the non-volley line, which is generally known as “Kitchen”. No matter if you're just a pickleball enthusiast or a seasoned pro, mastering this technique (that Jim shares today) will level up your game.

What This Short Episode Exposes

The episode is short but enriched with some precious advice from Jim Carella that will help you dominate the court. Here are some of the key facts that the episodes is going to reveal-

The Importance of Footwork at the Kitchen Line

Today Jim explains why your footwork near the net is super crucial. It will allow you to be aggressive and defensive at the same time. This approach will enable you to stay balanced and improve your ability to determine the ball’s next move.

Why Shuffling is Key

Jim highlights the significance of standing facing the net with your hips and shoulders at all times. This simply allows for better control and quicker reactions. He advises shuffling left and right aggressively to stay in a ready position, which allows for making defensive shots and strategic moves. Proper shuffling helps maintain one's balance while reacting to the fast-paced action of pickleball.

The Dangers of Crossing Your Feet

One of the most common mistakes many players make is crossing their feet with the intention of moving. Jim defines crossing your feet as a harmful habit as it causes instability, makes it difficult for your body to recover, and leaves you exposed to a "speed-up" shot from your opponent. It is clear that remaining forward with anticipation and preventing crossing legs enables more effortless movement to a ready position.

When to Use a Step-Cross (and How to Recover)

Although crossing your feet should always be avoided, Jim explains why it can sometimes be acceptable in certain situations. But if feet do get crossed, it is highly important to make a strong recovery and get to a neutral position as quickly as possible to be ready for the next sequence.

Special Thanks

  • reGeovinate.com: For providing the studio space.
  • Signature Tennis: For their continued support of the GoTennis! Podcast.

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More about Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimcarella/

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Transcripts

Speaker:

Hey hey, this is Shaun with the GoTennis! Podcast powered by Signature Tennis and we have

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a special request today.

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We have been nominated to win the Best Tennis and Racket Podcast award and we would love

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your 5-star review.

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Do this in your favorite podcast app and thank you so much for your support.

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Today's tip comes from RSPA and PPA Certified Pickleball Pro, Jim Carella.

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Listen and let us know what you think.

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Hi, this is Jim Carella, aka Jimbo Pickleball.

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Today we're going to discuss the type of footwork needed when you get to the non-valley

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line or as a lot of people call it the kitchen.

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One thing you definitely don't want to do is cross over.

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Please keep your hips and shoulders facing the net.

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That means shuffling left and right very aggressively.

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If you need to step across as a last resort to reach the ball then do so.

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But quickly recover.

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Staying forward enables you to defend yourself against the speed up.

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Once you cross your feet getting back to that ready position is extremely difficult.

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Hope this helps.

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Happy Pickling!

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Well, there you have it.

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We want to thank reGeovinate.com for use of the studio and Signature Tennis for their

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support.

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And be sure to give us a review in your podcast app.

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We can't give you a direct link but I'm sure you can find it.

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For more Racket Sports content you can go to LetsGoTennis.com.

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And while you're there check out our calendar of events, great deals on Racket Sports products,

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apparel, and more.

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If you're a coach, director of any Racket Sports or just someone who wants to utilize

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our online shop, contact us about setting up your own shop collection to offer your branded

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merchandise to the Atlanta Racket Sports World.

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And with that, we're out.

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See you next time.

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[Music]

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(upbeat music)

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