How to Win More Points at the Kitchen Line in Pickleball

Master the skills that help you win more points at the kitchen line—dinking, hand battles, resets, anticipation, and positioning. Improve your control and dominate the NVZ like a higher-level player.

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How to Win More Points at the Kitchen Line

The Skills That Separate Smart Players from Strong Players

Everyone talks about getting to the kitchen.

But nobody talks enough about what to do once you’re there.

Winning at the kitchen isn’t about power — it’s about control, intention, and reading the moment. The kitchen is where the game becomes chess, not checkers.

Here’s how to win more rallies once you make it to the NVZ.

1. Stop Trying to Hit Winners — Start Creating Stress

Beginners try to “end the point.”

Smart players try to build the point.

Stress comes from:

✔ keeping the ball unattackable

✔ changing dinking patterns

✔ moving opponents wide

✔ lifting the ball off their feet

✔ forcing them to stretch or reach

Once they’re uncomfortable, then you attack.

You don’t win the point — you create the moment the opponent loses it.

2. Aim 70% of Your Dinks Crosscourt

The crosscourt dink is the highest-percentage shot in pickleball.

Why?

• the net is lower

• the distance is longer

• more margin for error

• harder angle for the opponent

• easier to disguise direction changes

Sprinkle in middle dinks and line dinks, but make crosscourt your “home base.”

3. Attack the Right Shoulder (Not the Belly Button)

When you speed up a ball at the kitchen, direction matters as much as timing.

Attacking the right shoulder (for right-handers):

• jams them

• forces panic

• reduces swing space

• creates weak counters

Most players attack the chest.

Smart players attack the shoulder.

4. Stay Balanced Before You Speed Up

If you aren’t balanced… your attack is a gift.

Speed up only when:

✔ feet are set

✔ eyes are still

✔ knees are bent

✔ the ball is above net height

If you have to reach, twist, or step sideways to hit it — reset instead.

5. Use Disguised Attacks — Not Obvious Ones

Most players telegraph their speed-up by:

• tightening their grip

• raising their paddle

• leaning forward

• changing their stance

A good attack looks exactly like a dink until the last second.

Tip:

Same paddle path, slightly faster acceleration.

That’s it.

6. Win Hand Battles With Shorter Swings

Hand battles are won with:

• compact swings

• quiet shoulders

• stable feet

• punch-style blocks

The shorter your swing, the faster you recover.

If your swing looks like a tennis volley, you’re losing 90% of fast exchanges.

7. Reset Early Instead of Fighting Chaos

If you feel rushed, off balance, or pushed back…

Reset the ball into the kitchen immediately.

A clean reset beats a heroic counterattack every time.

Great players reset before things get out of control.

Beginners wait until they’re already in trouble.

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Related Posts

• Why the Soft Game Wins in Pickleball

• Pickleball Strategy 101: Smart Shot Selection

• The Kitchen: What It Is & How to Dominate It

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the #1 mistake players make at the kitchen?

A: Trying to attack low balls instead of staying patient.

Q: How do I get better at hand battles?

A: Shorter swings, stable feet, and keeping your paddle in front of your body.

Q: How do I stop popping balls up at the kitchen?

A: Stay lower, soften your grip, and contact the ball more in front of you.

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Ready to Win More Points at the Kitchen?

Let’s work on your soft game, resets, and fast-hands in real time.

👉 www.TomCostaPickleball.com

👉 Text me: 805-587-0004

Small adjustments = big wins.