Running full speed into bad decisions.
You hit your shot…
and immediately take off.
Charging the kitchen like it’s the last train out of town.
Your partner’s still mid-swing.
Your opponent is just about to hit.
And you? Already halfway through the transition zone with absolutely no idea what’s coming next.
Bold strategy.
Let’s see how that works out. (Spoiler: it usually doesn’t.)
Because here’s the part no one explains clearly enough:
Getting to the kitchen is not the goal. Getting there under control is.
And that tiny moment - right as your opponent makes contact with the ball - is where everything changes.
That’s your cue to stop.
Not slow down. Not “sort of pause.”
Actually stop .
It’s called a split step.
It’s simple.
It’s essential.
And it’s the reason some players always seem calm and in control… while others look like they’re playing pickleball in fast-forward.
This week, Coach Lisa Palcic breaks down why this one habit can completely transform your positioning, your timing, and—yes—your results.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Why rushing the net is sabotaging your shots
The real purpose of the split step (it’s not just “footwork”)
How moving while your opponent hits puts every ball in a bad strike zone
The “freight train” mistake most 3.0–4.0 players make
Why your feet—not your paddle—are causing those pop-ups
The chain reaction that turns one rushed step into a lost point
A simple mental model: red light / green light
How to move with your partner (and avoid the dreaded one-up, one-back)
The big takeaway:
Stop before they hit.
If you’re still moving when your opponent makes contact,
you’ve already lost control of the point.
Pause. Split step. See the ball.
Then go.
We all know someone who treats the transition zone like a sprint drill.
Forward this to your favorite “freight train” and tell them to hit the brakes 🚦then tell them to SUBSCRIBE.
Short, practical insights for recreational players who want answers.
Listen and subscribe on your favorite streaming service
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