Welcome to Vickleball! - My Weight Balance Guide

Discover the full spectrum of pickleball shots, from fundamental techniques to advanced strategies. Whether you're a beginner learning the basics or an experienced player refining your game, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.

The 60/40 weight split in pickleball.

Let me explain the 60/40 weight split in pickleball - it's an important concept for balance and quick reactions.

The 60/40 weight split means:

- 60% of your weight is on your front foot/balls of feet

- 40% of your weight is on your back foot/heels

Think of it like being ready to sprint in a race:

- You're slightly forward, ready to move

- Not so far forward that you'll fall

- Not flat-footed or back on your heels

Click here for drilling ideas!

Why 60/40 weight split works. 1

1. Ready Position

Being slightly forward helps you react faster
Easier to move in any direction
Helps prevent being caught flat-footed

Why 60/40 weight split works. 2

1. Shot Preparation

When receiving serve: 60% weight on back foot, ready to step into shot
At the kitchen line: 60% weight on front foot, ready to react to dinks
During volleys: 60% on the foot opposite to your paddle hand

Common Mistakes:

Standing flat-footed (50/50) - too slow to react
Too much forward (80/20) - might fall forward
Too much back (20/80) - can't move forward quickly

Quick Test:

Stand up and try this - put 60% of your weight on your front foot, keeping your knees slightly bent. You should feel ready to push off in any direction, but still stable. This is your ideal ready position for most pickleball situations.

Specific situations where you might adjust this weight distribution:

Serving:

Initial Setup: 60% back foot, 40% front foot
Why: Allows you to push forward into serve
Transition: After serve, shift to 60% front foot to prepare for return
Key Tip: Keep knees bent for quick direction change

Return of Serve:

Ready Position: 60% front foot, 40% back foot
During Split Step: Momentarily 50/50 as you hop
Contact Point: Shift 70% to front foot when stepping in
Recovery: Back to 60/40 front foot bias for next shot

Kitchen Line Play:

Dinking: 60% front foot, ready to react
Pre-Volley: 65% front foot for quick reactions
After Fast Exchange: Reset to 60/40 quickly
When Opponent Wind-Up: 70% back foot to react to power

Defensive Situations:

Hard Drive Coming: 70% back foot to absorb power
Lob Over Head: Start 60/40 front, quickly shift 70/30 back
Running Shot: 80/20 to direction of movement
Recovery: Always return to 60/40 base position

Attacking Opportunities:

Pre-Smash: 70% back foot to generate power
Aggressive Dink: 65% front foot for control
Drive Volley: Quick shift from 60/40 to 70/30 front
ATP Shot: 80/20 to side of shot

Common Scenario Examples:

Fast-Paced Kitchen Battle:

Start: 60/40 front bias
During Exchange: Quick shifts 55/45 either direction
Reset Point: Return to 60/40 base

Running Down a Lob:

Initial Move: 80/20 to running direction
During Shot: Stabilize to 60/40
Recovery: Reset to ready position 60/40

Defending a Hard Drive:

Pre-Hit: 70/30 back weight
During Block: Absorb with back foot
After Block: Quick shift to 60/40 front

Key Tips for Weight Distribution:

Always return to 60/40 base position between points
Keep knees bent for quicker transitions
Use small adjustment steps rather than large movements
Practice weight shifts without a ball first
Feel your weight in your feet during practice

Common Scenario Examples:

Fast-Paced Kitchen Battle:

Start: 60/40 front bias
During Exchange: Quick shifts 55/45 either direction
Reset Point: Return to 60/40 base

Running Down a Lob:

Initial Move: 80/20 to running direction
During Shot: Stabilize to 60/40
Recovery: Reset to ready position 60/40

Defending a Hard Drive:

Pre-Hit: 70/30 back weight
During Block: Absorb with back foot
After Block: Quick shift to 60/40 front

Click here for drilling ideas!