Speaking on Pickleball360, Johns said the step-back at the non-volley zone is not about giving up position, but about creating space and better balance. “A step back is typically done at the kitchen line to create space and turn your body to hit a different shot,” he said.
He added that players usually hold their ground at the kitchen line, facing straight ahead, but certain situations demand a different approach. “Typically, you’re going to be holding your position, facing straight ahead, but there are situations where it’s more conducive to take a step back, let the ball rise higher, and play the ball off the bounce.”
Johns said stepping back helps players get properly set behind the ball instead of feeling jammed at the kitchen line. “It allows me to get behind the ball and hit it at a higher point than if I stayed at the line,” he said.
While the concept may seem obvious, Johns pointed out that body rotation is a key benefit of the step-back move. “Turning is going to load more power and more spin by turning your hips and your shoulders. It also maximises your disguise.”
However, he warned that many players struggle with when to use the step-back, either relying on it too much or avoiding it altogether. “There are many players that use this either too much or not enough.”
Johns said that while earlier styles focused on holding the kitchen line and volleying, modern pickleball has shifted in another direction. “These days, players let the ball bounce too often,” he said.
That, he said, can lead to missed scoring chances, especially on attackable shots. “I really want to reiterate that the first priority is to make sure you don’t miss opportunities to attack floaters.”
The decision, Johns explained, should come down to assessing the contact point and timing. “In assessing whether you’re going to make contact higher out of the air versus with a step back off the bounce.”
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