A Nasty Nelson is one of the boldest shots in pickleball. It's sneaky, legal, and it can be funny when it works. So if you don't know a dink from a Nasty Nelson, here's what you need to know.
Last weekend, I played in a heated pickleball match. Both sides were super-focused and skillfully placed shots to anticipate each other's moves. During the game, the opponent serving aimed at my partner, who was standing closest to the net. The ball hit my partner in the stomach, and because of this, we lost the rally, and the serving team scored a point. This is the infamous Nasty Nelson- when the served ball hits the receiving team's player closest to the net.
The Strategy Behind the Nasty Nelson
Pulling off a Nasty Nelson requires skill, precision, and a solid understanding of your opponent’s movement and positioning. It's a quick way for the serving team to win a point if the receiving player is unsuspecting. Here’s what makes this shot both challenging and effective:
- Predicting Movement: The server must anticipate the opponents' position and movement near the net.
- Timing and Accuracy: The shot must be executed quickly and accurately to hit the player and still be a legal serve.
- Element of Surprise: Most players aren’t expecting a ball to come directly at them from the serve, giving the server an edge if they can deliver the shot discreetly.
When to Use (or Avoid) the Nasty Nelson
Use in Competitive Play: This sneaky shot can be a game-changer in tournaments where every point matters. However, use it sparingly to avoid being predictable and unnecessary tension on the court.
Avoid in Recreational Play:
This shot can be too cutthroat for some players' tastes in recreational play. Prioritize good sportsmanship and reserve this tactic for serious matches.
How to Avoid a Nasty Nelson
If your team is on the receiving end of a serve, staying alert can help you avoid falling victim to this sneaky play:
- Stay Focused: Watch the server and be ready to move or sway if the ball comes your way.
- Protect Yourself: Wear protective glasses and have a paddle-ready position to deflect unexpected shots.
- Keep Distance: If you are opposite a server known for taking this shot, or feel a payback coming, stand slightly further from the non-volley zone when your opponent is serving to reduce your chances of being hit.
Why a Nasty Nelson Matters
The skill and strategy behind the Nasty Nelson involve the server predicting the opponent's movement and accurately timing the shot. What makes this shot so compelling is the element of surprise—most players are not usually expecting a ball hit right at them straight off the serve. Pulling off this move is a testament to your ability to slyly read your opponent and position your shot quickly and carefully.
So keep your protective glasses on, and eyes peeled—the last thing you want is a pickleball tattoo and to lose a point due to a Nasty Nelson!
Have you ever been hit with—or successfully executed—a Nasty Nelson? Would you pull a Nasty Nelson on your friend? Share your experience in the comments below!
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