IPTPA Net Play: Volley and Dink Technique 3

Question 1

Why is grip pressure especially important during soft touch shots at the kitchen line?

Accepted Answer

A lighter grip at impact allows the paddle to absorb pace, producing a softer, more controlled dink

Answer

Lightening grip pressure at the moment of contact (soft hands) absorbs incoming ball pace rather than transmitting it, producing a controlled, soft dink.

Question 2

What is an 'erne' shot and when is it legally executed?

Accepted Answer

A volley hit while jumping outside the court boundary beyond the kitchen line's lateral extension, landing outside the non-volley zone

Answer

An erne is a legal volley hit while the player's feet land outside the court beyond the sideline extension of the kitchen, thus not violating the non-volley zone rule.

Question 3

What is the recommended paddle angle for a drive volley at the kitchen line?

Accepted Answer

Roughly perpendicular to the ground with a slight closed face to drive the ball flat and downward

Answer

A drive volley uses a nearly perpendicular paddle face with a slight downward angle to drive the ball flat and low over the net with pace, making it difficult to handle.

Question 4

During a fast-paced kitchen exchange, what does 'stacking your blocks' refer to?

Accepted Answer

Taking successive defensive soft blocks to neutralize an attacker until a neutral or attackable ball arrives

Answer

Stacking blocks in a fast exchange means patiently returning soft-block resets until the attacker produces a ball above net height that the defender can attack.

Question 5

Which footwork pattern is recommended for moving laterally at the kitchen line without crossing the feet?

Accepted Answer

Shuffle step (side-to-side without crossing feet)

Answer

The shuffle step allows lateral movement while keeping the feet under the body and the paddle forward, maintaining balance and ready position.

IPTPA - International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association Practice Test

IPTPA - International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association Practice Test

IPTPA Net Play: Volley and Dink Technique 3