1. Introduction
The put away shot is the ultimate goal in any rally—a decisive, offensive strike that wins the rally. Stage Five is all about recognizing and executing these game-winning opportunities effectively. Advanced strategies, such as creating setup shots to build the putaway opportunity, are key at this stage and can greatly enhance your overall effectiveness. These setup shots might involve targeting specific zones on the court or exploiting known weaknesses in your opponent’s game, allowing you to create a putaway opportunity with precision and intent. Building on the skills of the previous stages (serve, return, third shot drop, and short game), this stage ties your game together by leveraging patience, strategy, and precision.
In this blog, we’ll explore how to identify put away opportunities, execute an effective finishing shot, and avoid common mistakes that can turn a winning opportunity into a lost rally.
2. What Is a Put Away Shot?
A put away shot is an offensive strike designed to win the rally outright. For advanced players, this shot often results from a deliberate setup, where earlier strategic plays like dinking or targeting specific zones create an optimal opportunity for a decisive finish. It is usually hit:
- When your opponent leaves the ball high ("attackable")
- When your positioning gives you an advantage at the net
- After setting up the shot through dinking or other strategies
The put away shot can be executed with a variety of techniques, including overhead smashes, drives, and angled volleys.
3. Key Elements of a Successful Putaway Shot
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Recognition:
- Identify attackable balls that are high and within reach.
- Look for poor placement from your opponents, such as shots that land in the "trouble zone."
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Positioning:
- Be in the right place at the right time, typically close to the net.
- Maintain a balanced stance with knees bent and paddle ready.
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Technique:
- Use proper mechanics for power and control.
- Follow through on your shot to ensure accuracy and consistency.
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Mindset:
- Stay focused and composed; rushing can lead to errors.
- Commit to the shot once the opportunity is identified.
4. Types of Putaway Shots
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Overhead Smash:
- Ideal for balls that are lobbed or floated high.
- Jump or stay grounded, ensuring your paddle makes clean contact at the highest point.
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Drive Shot:
- A powerful groundstroke aimed at your opponent’s feet or an open space.
- Perfect for balls that bounce too high in the transition zone.
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Angled Volley:
- A quick, sharp shot aimed at the sidelines or corners.
- Effective when your opponent is out of position.
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Body Shot:
- Aimed directly at your opponent’s torso to force an awkward return or win outright.
- Useful when your opponent is close to the net and unbalanced.
5. Drills for Perfecting the Putaway Shot
Drill 1: Overhead Smash Practice
- Partner feeds high lobs for you to smash.
- Focus on contacting the ball at its peak and placing it away from your opponent.
Drill 2: Transition Zone Drive
- Practice hitting drives off bounce feeds in the transition zone.
- Aim for your partner’s feet or simulate targeting open areas of the court.
Drill 3: Angled Volleys
- Work on sharp, diagonal volleys during live play or fed drills.
- Experiment with targeting sideline corners to maximize effectiveness.
Drill 4: Body Shot Reactions
- Partner feeds balls aimed at your torso or paddle-side hip.
- Practice quick counters and controlled putaways.
Drill 5: Dink-to-Putaway Transition
- Begin with a dinking rally and transition into an attack when a high ball presents itself.
- Focus on timing, balance, and placement.
6. Common Pitfalls to Avoid
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Overhitting:
- Avoid swinging too hard, which can lead to errors or missed shots.
- Focus on placement and control.
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Rushing:
- Take your time to set up the shot; rushing often results in mistakes.
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Poor Positioning:
- Ensure you’re close enough to the net but not overcommitted.
- Stay balanced and ready to adjust.
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Telegraphing Your Shot:
- Avoid obvious wind-ups or body language that gives away your intention.
- Use deception when possible to keep your opponent guessing.
7. The Strategic Role of the Putaway Shot
The putaway shot is the culmination of the previous stages:
- Serve: A strong serve can set up a weak return.
- Return: A deep return can pressure your opponents into mistakes.
- Third Shot Drop: Effective drops transition you to the kitchen.
- Short Game: Consistent dinking creates attackable opportunities.
A well-executed putaway shot leverages these strategies to dominate rallies and secure points. Placement strategies, like targeting open court areas or exploiting opponents’ weaknesses, further enhance the effectiveness of your putaway opportunities.
8. What’s Next?
Congratulations on completing the Five Stages of Pickleball! Mastering these stages will elevate your game and prepare you for higher levels of competition. Continue refining your skills with targeted drills and live gameplay.
Now we are ready to start covering some drilling, and in the next set of blogs, we are going to go over the four quadrants of the court and how to use this setup to help us effectively drill.
Explore our Precision Training Sessions to focus on your put away shot and other advanced techniques. Stay tuned for the release of our eBook, "Mastering the Five Stages of Pickleball," featuring exclusive insights and strategies to take your game to the next level.
9. Watch and Learn
