Thanks for using the phrase "some sort of split step"! So many students think the 'split step' is A thing that always means square to the net and almost stuck in position. BALANCE is the key(as you mentioned).
Great tips especially keeping your paddle up for the next shot. For me, when I started implementing patience, simplicity, hitting the ball up the middle instead of trying to paint the lines and allowing my opponent to make the mistakes was a sea-change to my game.
The biggest mistake I see beginners making (and not just beginners!) is hitting balls that are going out. Subsequently, way too often, they lose the point because they have GIVEN the gift of a second chance to their opponent. A video teaching how to greatly decrease this reflex tendency to hit everything they can get their paddle on would be very helpful.
I felt my game became better like the ready position was fixing my grip on the pickleball paddle. I was gripping it very tight and trying to switch grips when going from forehand to backhand
I play with a big dude that’s crazy athletic. He looks like a retired NFL TE or LT and if you try an ill timed lob, hit a dead dink or miss a TSD high and long you will be served a buffet of plastic. He hits it super flat like a Roscoe Tanner 1st serve right at your feet. It’s nearly impossible to get your paddle on it unless you can just drop the paddle between your legs like a catcher blocking a nasty or slider that bounces in front of the plate. Every now and then you can send it back and they’re typically not prepared to see it coming back at them. It’s a 1 in 5 type shot at best if you can manage to retreat a little bit.
A successful half-volley or "pick up" shot can be very rewarding(and impressive)! Key is quiet hands and don't overhit...just let their power do the work for you while you block the ball back low(OR throw up another lob!).
Best players in the world run through returns to get to the kitchen quickly. I am a Men's 50+ pro and I slice most returns and move through the shot like an approach shot in tennis
