One of the quickest ways to become more consistent in pickleball is to improve your footwork. Hands down, footwork isn’t focused on nearly enough. While some people have movement limitations, many players focus on paddle mechanics and shot selection while overlooking the fact that the quality of every shot begins with how well they move to the ball. Good footwork creates balance, and balance creates better shots. Period.
Lunging is one of the most common movement mistakes in pickleball. While there are situations where an emergency stretch or lunge is necessary, relying on lunging as your primary way to reach the ball usually leads to problems. When players lunge, their weight moves too far forward, their body becomes unstable, and their contact point often changes. That makes it much more difficult to control the ball, generate consistent pace, and recover for the next shot.
Players also tend to panic and hit the ball harder than they need to. Pro player Jill Braverman has a saying I love: “Let your feet beat the ball.” That’s such a good point. I teach pushing off instead of lunging. Either way, you need balance and stability when you execute your shot.
Good pickleball footwork is built on small, efficient movements that keep you balanced and in an athletic position. Instead of reaching with the upper body, skilled players move their feet first and position themselves so they can contact the ball under control. Their knees stay slightly bent, their weight remains centered, and they’re prepared to move again immediately after the shot.
Balance is especially important at the kitchen line. Players who lunge at dinks often pop the ball up because they’re reaching and making contact while falling forward. Players who move their feet and stay balanced can keep the paddle steady and direct the ball with much greater precision.
The same principle applies to drives, volleys, and resets. Controlled footwork allows your body and paddle to work together. Short, quick adjustment steps keep you from overrunning the ball and make it much easier to stay balanced.
Another problem with lunging is recovery. Pickleball is a game of rapid exchanges, and the ability to hit one shot and prepare for the next is critical. A player who lunges is often stuck on one foot or leaning in the wrong direction, making it difficult to react to the opponent’s next shot. Better footwork allows players to stay ready for the next shot because they can recover quickly and maintain good positioning.
Great players are constantly making small adjustments with their feet. They are rarely standing still, and they are rarely reaching. They truly make the game look easy. They understand that getting into position early gives them more options and allows them to execute shots with confidence. They don’t rely on athletic saves when a few extra steps would have created a much easier shot.
Improving footwork doesn’t require dramatic changes. It starts with making movement a priority and recognizing that every shot begins with positioning. Players who move efficiently stay balanced, control the ball more effectively, and recover faster for the next exchange.
If you want better dinks, cleaner volleys, and more consistent resets, stop focusing only on your paddle. Start with your feet. Better footwork leads to better balance, and better balance leads to better shots.
One of the easiest ways to improve your footwork is using an agility ladder. Simple footwork drills can help you develop faster, more controlled movements that translate directly to the court.
Remember, pickleball is supposed to be fun.
About the Author: Gina Cilento is a top 10 Senior Pro and multi-APP medalist who splits her time between competing and coaching. She’s the co-founder of The Pickleball Lab, a pod player for the Denver Iconics in the Champions Series Pickleball League, and co-host of Keeping It Real with Gina & Neil. Off the court, Gina shares her passion through her apparel line, The Pick, and her work with Empower Pickleball.
