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Athena Pickleball

One Simple Return That Changes Everything

Published 4 months agoΒ β€’Β 3 min read

Where to hit your returns of serve (plus special Women's Dubs clinic in Feb!)

Hi Friend!

Let's talk about one of the most underutilized strategies in pickleball: where to place your return of serve. When you step onto the court, even if you have no idea who your opponents are, I want you to decide as a team: where are we returning the ball, at least initially.

🎯 This Week's Tip: The Deep Return to the Middle

When you're returning serve, your first instinct might be to aim down the line or cross-court to a corner (and there are merits to both). But here's what the pros know: a deep return right down the middle is often your best friend.

Why?

  • Creates confusion - Both opponents have to decide who's taking it
  • Limits angles - They can't attack you as aggressively from the center
  • Buys you time - Keeps them back while you get to the kitchen line
  • Reduces errors - More net clearance than aiming for sidelines

Try this next time you play: Aim for that deep middle spot about 2-3 feet inside the baseline, right between your opponents. Watch how it disrupts their rhythm and gives you control of the point from the start.

When the returner returns middle, the returners partner should cover a big middle - take a big step towards the center line to create some pressure and handle any incoming drives down the middle.

The key to the return is depth! A shallow middle return is an invitation for an attack. Deep and down the middle? That's our target! 🎯

🎾 For My Local Players: February & March Opportunities

If you're in the area and want to put these strategies into practice with expert coaching, I've got two exciting opportunities coming up:

​February Women's Doubles Strategy Clinic (2.5 Hours)​

Grab your women's partner for an intensive session where we'll dive deep into:

  • Communication and court coverage as a team
  • Shot selection and pattern play
  • Net positioning and poaching techniques
  • How to strategize against different opponents

Important: This is a partner sign-up clinic, so bring a friend! Don't have one? Shoot me an email at coachjess@athenajess.com and I'll do my best to pair you up.
​
Spots are limited and already filling up - we want to keep the group intimate so everyone gets personalized attention.

​[REGISTER FOR FEBRUARY CLINIC]​

πŸ“… Looking ahead: March Half-Day Intensives

Don't miss our March women's camps! These half-day intensives, being held at California Smash, are designed for all skill levels:

March 1st
​[3.0 - 3.49] - Bread & Butter Pickleball / The 1st 4 shots ​
​​
March 7th
​[4.5+] Transition Mastery ​
​[3.5 - 4.0] Offensive Pickleball​
​

These camps go deeper and are a ton of fun, with other like-minded competitive women. You'll get hours of focused training, drill work, match play, and individualized coaching to help you make real progress.

Registration is open now! Sign up on the California Smash App (or click the links above)!

🌴 Retreat: Dink & Restore in Anguilla (May 8-12)

And if you're ready for something truly special... I'm thrilled to announce I'll be the coach for Dink & Restore, a luxury pickleball and wellness retreat for Women in Anguilla this May!

What's Included:

  • 4 nights at CeBlue Villas, a private luxury villa retreat
  • Three days of guided pickleball at Aurora Anguilla with personalized coaching
  • Daily mobility, stretch, and recovery sessions
  • Light morning refreshments and daily brunch
  • Dinners at the villa and a local restaurant
  • Poolside office hours for casual Q&A and connection
  • Post-retreat coaching follow-up

This retreat is designed for players who value great play, recovery, connection, and an exceptional destination. All levels welcome - sessions are thoughtfully designed to meet you where you are.

Limited to just 10 guests. If you've been dreaming of combining your love for pickleball with a luxury getaway, this is it.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/dinkandrestoreinfo
Instagram: @dinkandrestore

πŸŽ₯ This Week's YouTube video: Grace through Transition

Check it out here!

video preview​

Whether you're joining us on the courts or practicing that deep middle return at your home club, I'm cheering you on! Keep playing, keep improving, and most importantly - keep having fun out there.

See you on the courts (or in your inbox next week!),

Coach Jess

P.S. - For my local players: spots for the February women's strategy sesh will go fast. If you've been thinking about it, grab your partner and secure your spot now! πŸ’ͺ

​[REGISTER NOW]​

600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246
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Athena Pickleball

with Coach Jess Improta

Elite coach helping badass women level up at every stage

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