Coach Wayne’s Quick Tips: Commit to The Kitchen 

I am a very positive person and I despise the word “No!“ Hence my issues with the term “No volley zone.” 

It is human nature that as soon as we hear the word “No,” we immediately have the misconception that we are either not allowed to be or should not be venturing into the “No volley zone.” We tend to think of it from a negative point of view and avoid going in there. 

I often get questioned by players in my beginner clinics as to their confusion in regards to when a player can and cannot be allowe d to step into the kitchen. 

My answer to them is, “Whenever you need to!” 

It is not a matter of when I can’t step into the kitchen, but when I should step into the kitchen. 

If you want to improve your abilities and your confidence, you need to re-program your perception of the no volley zone from negative to positive and not be reluctant to commit to the kitchen. 

Wayne Clark is a professional tennis instructor with over 25 years’ experience coaching players on all levels of the game. Wayne is also qualified in pickleball instruction and is on staff as an instructor with The Pickleball Academy of Southwest Florida at East Naples Community Park. Contact Coach Wayne by email at coachwayneclark@aol.com, or by phone or text at 239-450-6161.