Own the Kitchen Line: Why Footwork Is the Secret Weapon in Pickleball
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a pro, it’s this: the kitchen line is where games are won and lost. Too many players back off the line out of fear—and that’s when things unravel. If you’re not holding the line, you’re giving your opponents wide open angles and easy targets at your feet.
When you hold that line, you flip the script. Suddenly, you’re reaching in, cutting balls off early, and taking control of the point. But none of this works without sharp footwork.
Why Footwork Matters at the Kitchen
Lateral Movement
Sliding side to side keeps you connected with your partner and closes gaps that may open up and down the middle. If you’re stuck flat-footed, you’re already late. You need to be able to handle tough balls at your feet. That’s where quick footwork saves you. Adjust quickly, get into position, and avoid the “panic pop-up.”
Momentum Forward
A heavy topspin dink may force you to step back and reset—but don’t camp out there. Use your momentum to lean back into the line as you hit. If you’re falling backward, you’ll lift the ball and hand your opponents an easy put-away. Getting back to the kitchen line right away is key.
Getting to the Kitchen: The Right Way
Don’t sprint recklessly after a bad third-shot drop. Move forward in controlled steps, pausing before your opponents make contact. That way, the ball stays out in front, you stay balanced, and it gives you time to react.
Quick and small movements with your feet can make all the difference. You don't want to overrun it. Control is the most important. This is the difference between looking rushed and looking like you own the kitchen. You want to take the power away from your opponents—and you usually have more time than you think.
Drills to Sharpen Footwork at the Line
Side-to-Side Shuffle Drill: Stand at the kitchen line while a partner feeds alternating balls left and right. Focus on short, sharp shuffles, staying low and balanced.
Drop, Advance, Stop Drill: Start at the baseline. Hit a third-shot drop, take a few controlled steps in, pause, and be ready for the next ball. Repeat until you reach the kitchen. This builds the habit of moving in with control, not while swinging.
Step-Back Reset Drill: Have a partner fire hard balls at your feet. Take a small step back, reset the ball softly, then immediately recover back to the line. The key is stepping back in with momentum.
Why Feet Win Matches
Holding the line is a weapon—but footwork is the real secret. Move smart, stay balanced, and control rallies one step at a time. The stronger your feet, the stronger your game! Now go kill it!
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 National 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.
