Perfect Pickleball's Clutchest Shot, the Midcourt Forehand Reset, in 5 Minutes

The midcourt is where points – and games – are won or lost... this shot decides if you're on the winning or losing end

Connor Garnett's latest pickleball coaching video tackles one of the most frustrating problems in the game: the midcourt forehand reset.

If you've ever felt like your reset shots are either popping up or landing too soft, you're not alone.

Garnett breaks down exactly what's going wrong and how to fix it in just five minutes, working with a player to diagnose and correct the mechanical issues that plague so many players.

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The Three-Part Reset Fix

Garnett identifies three key mechanical adjustments that transform a struggling reset into a reliable, repeatable shot. These aren't complicated fixes, but they do require intentional practice to ingrain.

1. Lead with the paddle tip. The paddle tip should move through the contact point first, with your arm following behind. This prevents the common mistake of using your arm and wrist to generate power instead of letting your body do the work.
2. Lock your wrist. Keep your wrist stable throughout the stroke. Avoid flicking or rotating motions, as they can cause inconsistency and loss of control.
3. Rotate your hip. Your power comes from your lower body, not your arm. As you move through the reset, turn your right hip to generate force from the bigger muscle groups rather than relying on smaller arm muscles.

The beauty of this approach is that it shifts the reset from an arm-dominated motion to a body-driven one. This is what makes the shot more repeatable and, frankly, more reliable under pressure.

Why Your Backswing Matters Too

Garnett also addresses the backswing, which many players overlook. The tendency is to take the paddle tip too far back, which creates a longer swing path and more room for error. Instead, keep your paddle in a more neutral position during the backswing. This shorter, tighter motion makes it easier to move through the ball smoothly and maintain control.

It's a small adjustment, but it compounds with the other mechanics to create a much cleaner stroke.

Contact Point and Swing Speed

Two more details round out the coaching session. First, hit the ball lower on the paddle face, not higher up near the handle. Hitting higher on the paddle can cause you to lose power and consistency. Second, slow down your swing speed. A softer, more controlled reset is almost always better than a faster one, especially when you're trying to keep the ball low and soft in the kitchen.

Rohrabacher's feedback after the drill is telling: the reset felt softer and more controlled. That's the goal. You're not trying to hit a winner; you're trying to neutralize an aggressive drive and regain control of the net.

The Bigger Picture

The midcourt reset is one of the most important shots in pickleball because it's where so many rallies are decided.

If you can't reset effectively, you're stuck in a reactive position. Master this shot, and you'll find yourself controlling more points and winning more games.

Garnett's five-minute breakdown gives you the roadmap to get there.

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