Last weekend, I played in a heated practice 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 point. This is the infamous Nasty Nelson.
Though it's a clever and legal move, the Nasty Nelson isn't known for its friendliness. You typically see this sneaky shot in competitive rather than recreational games, where it can be a bit too cutthroat for some players' tastes. It's a quick way for the serving team to win a point if the receiving player is unsuspecting.
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!
