Pickleball is undeniably a playing sport, first and foremost. Its accessibility means that individuals from all age groups and athletic backgrounds can easily learn it. But competitive players are always looking for an edge. Once you’ve learned the basics, it’s time to move on to more creative pickleball strategies and tactics.
The game is often played as a control-oriented sport rather than on power; players who execute precision can be serious opponents, which makes this sport all the more interesting and popular. it requires less mobility than other sports (like tennis) because it is played on smaller courts. Therefore, this sport is very suitable for people older, and the match strategies mean that older players can be very competitive even when facing younger players, especially in doubles.
Many players often watch matches for entertainment and to pick up tips, lessons, pickleball strategies, and intricacies to enhance their game. While it has a substantial understanding-based component, it might resonate less intensely with non-strategic players.
If you are serious about your game plan, play in tournaments or competitive matches take a moment to read this article and scribble it down in your memory or on a piece of paper…if you do that you are likely to find how much you can improve your play with just some simple adjustments without taking any classes or clinics.
I will break the game strategy tips down into three simple sections and within each, some very simple goals. The three basic types of pickleball strategies are
- Pre-Game/Pre-Point Strategies
- In-Game/In Point Strategies
- Double
- Single
- Post-Game/Post-Point Strategies
Pre-Game Pickleball Strategy
The pickleball strategy tip starts with a warm-up. As in any sport, it is important to warm up correctly before playing (and after), especially in the case of the elderly, to avoid injuries. Some think that older people should not only stretch and exercise before and after the game, but also regularly to prevent injuries and problems currents.
Warm up prior to hitting any ball through stretching, bending, flexing, and moving. Most injuries result from a lack of the above. Stretch your legs, back, and arms, work your core, and move your lower legs-arms-hips-torso, skipping with exaggerated arm and leg motion is a great exercise.
Warm-up by hitting the ball off your paddle
Warm-up by hitting the ball off your paddle, this helps hand-eye coordination and better reflexes. Then move your warm-up by hitting the ball across the net with soft even paced hits, preferably for mid-court (between the baseline and No Volley Zone). You can do this with a partner or as a foursome.
There is a new favorite drill, Dink or Die. To practice is to play a shorter court. Take tape or markers and place them 5 feet from the kitchen line. It will eliminate the drives and force you to dink or reset balls in the kitchen.
Preserve Energy
Energy leaks are a common occurrence, often going unnoticed. To put it into perspective, a leaky faucet that drips just one drop per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water in a year.
Identify energy leaks in our bodies while getting ready for the game. Pay attention to any compromises in our form or posture that could hinder the exercise’s effectiveness. By addressing these leaks and strengthening our bodies, we can achieve faster and more significant results in terms of strength.
Is there more?
Yep, how about hitting volleys and building faster reflexes?
I bet you are expecting me to suggest hitting volleys behind the No-Volley-Zone because anything else would be a violation. My suggestion: violate the rule in drills and practice, stand in the kitchen, and hit volleys. Why? The balls are coming quicker and you’re having to get ready faster, your reaction time is being practiced at a faster pace.
Now step back behind the NVZ and do the same, you should see a better reaction time. Your mind is being trained to react quicker, and moving back seems to give you more time to react. The cool thing about this drill is you can do it with a partner or by yourself against a wall, stand 8 to 10 feet away from a wall, and hit against the wall. In a real game the closest you will be is 14 feet from your opponent…so drilling at a closer distance helps train your mind/body to react quicker and forces you to keep your paddle up.
The above can vary by length of time or focus on a particular set and take no more than 20 minutes…that is a good warm-up length. You can shorten or lengthen your warm-up as time allows, so try it.
In-Game Pickleball Strategies
To win more pickleball games, you’ll need a smart game plan, an effective bag of strategic tricks, and some basic knowledge of pickleball tactics. Use these strategy tips as a roadmap for your player development.
Start at mid-court
Why at mid-court? it’s the place most people are trying to get out of as they move from the baseline to the NVZ (kitchen line); it is the area most players feel uncomfortable it is sometimes called No-Man’s Land. Shots from there can either be drop shots, hard drives or smashes. The best shot to take is to hit at your opponent’s feet. Practice winning or set-up shots from there, move your practice partner around, in fact, make a game of it, it is a great drill…AND…you will be using it in a game.
Dinking with movement
Why is this the 2nd phase of hitting, it’s because from mid-court you need to soften your hits…going from Mid-court to the Kitchen, dinks require more patience and softer/lower hits across the net.
If there are only two of you hit shots that move your partner around, aim at their feet and aim, at the most, 2 feet on either side of your partner.
The goal here is lower body movement, feet, legs, hips, using shuffle steps with knees bent. Set a goal of 20 shots without an error…if you can do 20 in a row then 5 or 6 in a game situation is a piece of cake. Focus on cross-court shots more than down the line. Cross-court shots require more movement.
Height of the ball when taking a shot When you hit the ball, it makes a difference whether the ball is high, low, or about the same height as the top of the net. Ultimately this will determine the type of shot that you will be able to execute (offensive vs. defensive). The height you hit the ball will also determine the angle of the racket when hitting the ball.
Serve-Return and one other thing
OK, how often does this happen? You enter the court, wave your legs, and warm around, groan from those little movements and get maybe a half dozen hits from the NVZ and hear barely a minute later: ‘OK, let’s start, are you ready Zero-Zero-Two’ Yeah, that never happens, said no-one in my lifetime.
Set up your regimen, drill, practice playing a shortened game of Serve-Return, and more. If there are 4 players, rotate the serve so everyone gets to serve-return and practice more shots.
Make it a game with points, mark a spot in front of both baselines about 2 feet in (use a piece of tape, a ball, hat, or anything to mark that spot) the goal is to get your serve deep into the 2-foot area, get the return deep in the opposing 2-foot area and keep score, 1 point for every success. Whoever gets to 11 first (or 5, pick a number) wins. It creates a challenge; it is part of your game, and it gets the game face on.
Add the one other thing: the 3rd shot…if the third shot lands in or near the kitchen add another point…add one more challenge to play the point out. TIME-OUT…this sounds like a real game…well yes, it’s real practice, with a purpose.
Use the kitchen
It’s the only sport that has a neutral area—buying you time and space and an opportunity to create pop-ups.
We need to see the kitchen more offensively. We use dink to set up points.
Drop it like it’s hot, roll it into a corner, throw a jab, however, you want to think about it, make it a PRIORITY to get that ball in the kitchen.
You will be making your opponents hit balls from their shoelaces (red zone) and then from their hips or shoulders (yellow and green zones). I guarantee it’s a winning pickleball strategy!!
Start rolling out the dough, you’re about to mix it up and bake yourself a win!
You may like to read, Complete Directions on How to Start Playing Pickleball
Spinning Tactics
After a while, you will be a better player and your throws will be more precise; Now consider the following more advanced pickleball strategy you want to experiment with or bring something different to your game, like giving a spin on the ball (even if it’s just for fun)! You should not attempt to produce a spin on the ball the first time you play an important match and the score is 9-9!
By experimenting with the effects to be produced on the ball, a few elements are important to know, such as the spin/trajectory (the volley) and the corresponding bounce. For example, by creating a forward spin, the ball will rotate clockwise of a watch (when the ball moves from left to right). Hit a ball giving it forward spin will bring the ball back down during the volley (trajectory) compared to the trajectory of a ball hit without forward spin. A forward effect has for consequence a movement of air around the ball creating high/low pressure on the ball, and therefore producing what is called a “Magnus effect”, which modifies the trajectory.
The waiting position and advancing in stages
When you are waiting for the ball to return, it is best to take a position called “waiting”. To do this, place your feet shoulder-width apart. This is the best position to receive any throw and to move in any direction.
The cut jump is similar to the waiting position but with a few differences. When you take the waiting position, your feet are apart (approximately shoulder width) and you take this position from a market move. On the other hand, when you make a jump cut, you generally place one foot slightly in front of the other perform a small jump (about 1 inch/2.5 cm from the ground), and land in a ready position. The jump cut allows you to move more explosively so you are better prepared for the next return of the ball. So it doesn’t matter where you are when your opponent returns the ball, you should perform a cut jump, since this is the best position for receiving the next ball.
Concentration and focus are the keys
No matter how big a lead you have in pickleball, if you lose focus you’re out. The mental side of the game is often overlooked, but it’s exactly what could give you the edge you’ve been looking for.
When you need to increase your intensity, focus on seeing the ball, not just glancing at it, but more like a hawk sees a field mouse. Proven techniques like visualization, positive self-talk, pre-point routines, and deep breathing all increase focus in pickleball.
In addition, focus on split steps. Few things work better than forcing yourself to split step before each shot.
Last, planning the shot before the ball gets there gives a blueprint to follow, and now it succeeds/fails each time, hold yourself accountable, regardless of the outcome of the point.
I would suggest working on being intentional vs intense (lots of definitions of this word :-).
Field Communication Tactics
It is very important that players communicate with each other before the match to establish a game plan and talk about other important issues; are you planning to hit in the middle? what will be your 3rd blow?, etc. Communication on the pitch during the match is just as important, and the list below indicates some of the most frequent statements between the partners. However, you and your partner could establish others, if necessary:
YOU/YOURS: Means your partner must take this shot – this ball (unless this ball is obviously aimed at your partner)
ME/I GOT IT: Means you are going to take this shot (unless this bullet is completely evidence directed towards you)
NO/OUT: Means the ball is out of play (By the way, it is better to say NO rather than OUTSIDE for this ball, because saying “outside” could cause confusion [line call].)
BOUNCE: This means your partner should bounce the ball before hitting it because she could find herself out of the game
EXCHANGE: Means you and your partner should change terrain (left and right) STAY/WAITS: This means you should stay at the back of the field before moving forward together since your shot could be too high and your team could receive a smash
BACK: This means the ball is going high and the return could be a smash (you and your partner must move back near the baseline).
Pickleball Doubles Strategies
In doubles, the Pickleball Strategy,” is to not only target the middle of the pickleball court the but objective is to get your team to the net as quickly as possible while keeping your opponent at the back of the field. Being at the net (at the NVZ line) provides an advantage to your team, and a disadvantage to the opposing team when opponents are forced to play from the back of the field.
Strategies for the serve
The first throw of a rally is the serve, and it is better to avoid any mistakes on duty. A missed serve discourages your partner and encourages your opponents. Therefore, the server usually aims for the middle of the section of the diagonal opposite court of the opponent to ensure that the ball remains in the game.
The serving player must stand behind the serving line (backline), and players generally position themselves near the center line. The position of the serving player varies depending on the type of serve, the desired sending angle, and personal preferences (some players prefer to place themselves in the middle of the serve zone while others prefer to stand on their side).
The serve is carried out by below, in an upward motion, so that the ball is hit under the belt (navel). Additionally, the highest point of the racket must remain below the wrist during contact between the racket and the ball.
Strategies for return of serve
The second throw of a rally is the return of serve. When returning the serve, it is best to avoid any fault. Also, as for the serve, since the ball must bounce once before being hit by the opposing team, a simple shot is preferable. In other words, try not to miss your serving returns! Make sure you are behind the line of background so that the ball bounces in front of you since the balls bouncing too close to you are difficult to return.
Strategies for 3rd cut
The first two moves should be easy, even for beginner pickleball players, since the ball must bounce before being hit (for both teams). Several advanced players ensure that the first two shots are the safest. In fact, advanced players rarely miss these shots! Therefore, the 3rd short becomes the most important at pickleball because it determines whether the serving team can establish their position at the net or must remain in a defensive position.
After 3rd Short
After the 3rd blow, several shots can be used (touch blow [dink], smash, candle, etc.) and the position of the players on the field is very important. The sections The following describes certain moves and the position of the players.
If the 3rd shot is a successful net drop shot, normally both teams should be at the net. Touch shots (light shots at the net) are then used until a team makes a mistake(ball too high), and then the shots are generally fast volleys until one team misses.
Mimicry
Normally, during touch shots (dinks), the partners move forward together (at approximately 8-10 feet apart depending on where the ball falls on the opponent’s ground. This is called mimicry. Mimicry is when partners move together (about the same distance from each other and from the net) as if they were connected. This is an excellent position in pickleball (a type of wall formed by partners).
Partnerships Strategies
Partnerships in pickleball doubles are crucial. Being a supportive and encouraging partner is essential for success.
Begin your game strategy by selecting who will receive your return. Engage in a conversation with your partner each time you are returning the serve to discuss this decision.
Once you feel comfortable with this approach, gradually introduce additional elements. Consider who you will dink the ball to, who you will aim to drive at, and where you will strategically place your third shot.
Keep in mind that depending on your partner’s abilities, executing these strategies may not always be feasible. However, with a partner who is willing to work on it, make an effort to experiment with different tactics.
How do you purposely be a good partner? What are ways you feel supported as a partner?
Each partner has unique needs and desires, and mastering the art of communication with each one is crucial. Here’s my advice on how to effectively communicate with your partners:
1. Less talk, more focus: Minimize excessive chatter and keep the conversation positive and encouraging. Use clear directives whenever possible, and try to center your communication around the game plan rather than critiquing performance.
2. Listen to your partner: Be open to receiving feedback from your partner and genuinely consider their perspective. Avoid making accusatory statements or constantly pointing out their mistakes. Remember, they are already aware of their errors.
3. Encouragement through actions: Instead of using words that may come across as condescending, opt for a simple paddle tap to show support and encouragement. Actions can often speak louder than words.
4. Choose your words wisely: Keep your communication concise and impactful. Effective communication is about conveying your message clearly and efficiently.
Single Pickleball Strategies
The major difference between singles play and doubles play is that there is only one player on each side in singles (but the same size of court as for doubles play). It is therefore said that each player must be in good physical condition because he must cover more surfaces during a match. Players must also be very fast, have a good game of legs (during and after shots), and execute precise shots so that the ball falls into the desired area (generally towards the lateral lines).
The basic rules in singles
The basic rules in singles are the same as in doubles: double jump rule, rule of the non-volley zone, we only score points when we have the serve, we play until we accumulate 11 points, you have to win by a margin of 2 points, etc.
However, since there are only two players on the court, the player performing the serve is on the right side for all even points (cross serve) and on the left side for all odd points. After each exit (serve exchange), players serve on the left or right side, depending on their points. To serve in singles, players often use serve types similar to those used in doubles (just make sure the ball stays in play), but the deep serve is always the more effective.
Advanced Pickleball Strategies and Tactics
In pickleball, there are some techniques and tactics that are considered unfriendly, especially if you are a new player. Feinting, poaching, and body blows are some examples. For example, A feint is when a player makes a move in one direction to intercept a ball or make a stroke but returns to its initial position. The feint aims to distract the opponent just before he hits the ball, risking a less successful shot or, worse, a missed shot that comes straight back to you. A classic example of feinting is on the return of the serve and staying unpredictable in your pickleball strategy.
Overlay
There are times when players on your team will choose a bunk match due to certain player skills because one player is left-handed while the other is right-handed, or just for fun. For example, if a left-handed player plays with a right-handed player, it makes sense for these players to play a stacked match, regardless of their strengths and weaknesses. The overlay can be advantageous for these players since both can maximize their forehand (the right-handed player always plays on the left field and the left-handed player always plays right field).
Practice vs play
Many pickleball players will do drills, practice techniques, and revise tactics to improve their game. However, other players want to try different pickleball strategies or just play and have fun. Playing pickleball in a match-only situation is generally what happens in most open-match clubs. Some players will not see the importance of learning positions on the field. These players will have difficulty appreciating the true aspects of the sport and, more importantly, improving their strokes and raising their skill level.
The practice involves typical game situations, and segments for the offense unit, the defense unit, the running backs, the receivers, and the linebackers.
Of course, we are not getting million-dollar contracts in pickleball, but we are still competitive, even in fun matches. Yes, we want to laugh and have fun, but by nature, we are deeply satisfied when we win.
Practice during a match
Practicing while playing should be an important aspect, especially if you want to improve your skills. The idea with this technique is to focus on certain aspects of the game, like particular moves or a specific pickleball strategy, and to try to put these into practice moves or this strategy while playing (during open matches). This is a technique used in open matches when it is not essential to win.
Post-Game/Post-Point Pickleball Strategy
Post-Game or Post Point is simply a short discussion of what went right or what went wrong in the previous point, it may be as simple as telling your partner ‘That was a terrific shot’, or ‘You were there’, or ‘Let’s go softer on them’, we look at each other when we talk and we never turn our back on our partner…keeping discussion or action positive.
Winning Pickleball Strategies
Condition Your Mind and Nervous System
Playing your best pickleball is as much about mental skills as physical skills. At the end of the day, the game of pickleball is not about brute force.
When you step onto the pickleball court for individual practice sessions, make a conscious effort to pay meticulous attention to how to condition your mind and nervous system.
Through careful observation of your own game, you’ve come to realize that many of the missed shots can be traced back to your feet.
You may notice that when feet become restless and frenzied, it’s a clear indication that the nervous system is in a state of disarray. It’s as if it’s unsure of what to do, causing feet to involuntarily dance around. To address this, I’ve found solace in calming the nervous system intentionally.
One effective method to use deliberately is placing yourself in chaotic scenarios during practice sessions. By doing so, we are able to focus on keeping our feet and bodies still amidst the chaos. Initially, our attention is directed less towards the outcome of the shot and more towards how our bodies react.
By calming our bodies, the execution of shots becomes smoother and more effortless. Through consistent practice in clinics and lessons, we can gradually transfer this newfound calmness into actual game situations. Over time, we become more attuned to recognizing moments of panic, and thanks to our deliberate practice in calming our systems, we can tap into that sense of relaxation.
Step Out of Boxes
The middle line on the court is only there for serving purposes—to tell where the ball is in or out.
After the serve, remove that line from your mind. It is not there to BOX you in. Don’t be afraid to straddle that line and camp middle.
When we do, we cut off angles and create pressure for the other team. We lose so many balls down the middle of the court and we cry for days about one shot down the line or that wide-angled winner shot. Care more about the higher percentage shot and cover that middle.
Precision Over Excitement
Here’s a simple tip to help you reduce unforced errors and hitting the net.
Don’t get over-excited about a pop-up or too eager to finish the point. Save your excitement for after you’ve hit a winner. So many beginners & intermediate players get excited about a high ball coming their way and over-hit, over-swing, or get over-excited.
When this happens, we tend to swing too fast and/or connect too early, before the ball is [in our circle] fully within range. Connecting too early often results in hitting the ball into the net as our [paddle is facing down] paddle face is facing further down when it made contact with the ball.
Be patient, keep your eye on the ball and allow it to come to you – it’s moving slower than you think.
Be the butterfly! Try to contain your excitement as that adrenaline will not help. Focus on your connection, hitting forward more than hitting down, unless it’s above shoulder height. This tip will help you reduce unforced errors and win more points.
Be Committed When Playing a Shot
Approach everything with an exclamation point, not a question mark!
One common mistake is not fully dedicating yourself to each shot. When hitting the ball, ensure complete commitment to the shot.
if you going to poach a ball, you need to fully commit to it. If going to drive, you need to go all in. And if going to attack a 5th shot, you need to attack it with everything you’ve got. Even if you miss the shot, it feels better knowing that you gave it all. It transforms the missed shot from a half-hearted attempt to the right shot that just didn’t go in.
Train aggressiveness
When drills are intentional to train aggressiveness. We purposely push out limits. We hit the ball harder, try crazier angles, attack sooner, and go bonkers.
As we are reprogramming our brains to be amidst the chaos. We feel the pressure of faster balls, the need for faster hands, and the ability to make a choice to shut down a ball even when we feel like attacking it.
Aggressiveness needs to be trained.
Learn to believe
Believe in yourself and your abilities to become something else. This belief leads to changing internal systems and aligning habits. It’s an intentional practice that can be invisible and only something you can do internally. In pickleball, coaching the brain is crucial, as the game is more mental than physical. Fast recovery after points and games requires a neutral perspective and a clear, present mind without judgment. Practice dealing with moments of panic and chaos.
For students to successfully acquire new skills, it is crucial that these skills become an integral part of their pickleball identity.
For instance, if a student desires to master an aggressive, attacking shot, they must genuinely believe that they possess the qualities of an aggressive player.
Similarly, if a student aims to excel in executing drop shots during transitions, they must embrace the identity of a slower, more relaxed player.
Without a strong identification with the desired shot, a student will struggle to fully grasp and develop the necessary skill.
In all aspects of our game, we must first believe that it is the optimal choice for us or that it aligns with our unique pickleball DNA. Otherwise, it will merely remain a collection of skills without true integration.
Misconceptions about Pickleball strategies
Misconception No. 1: The serve is merely a starting point
In the past, the emphasis was on merely getting the serve in play. However, with the influx of tennis players bringing spin and slice to their returns, the serve now needs to put opponents on the defensive. we advocate for a serving technique that mimics a golf or baseball swing, involving hips, core, and shoulders. This approach integrates the paddle into the overall motion, emphasizing the use of the entire body for a powerful serve.
Misconception No. 2: Dink until you die
While dinking was effective in the past, the game has evolved, requiring players to learn how to attack. some coaches advise players to seize opportunities to attack, whether off the bounce or out of the air. When attacking off the bounce, focus on dead or attackable balls, utilizing a low-to-high paddle motion with proper pronation. Targeting specific areas, such as the opponent’s dominant side, and thinking “speed up” rather than a hard drive, especially near the net, is emphasized.
Misconception No. 3: You must drop your third shot in the kitchen
Contrary to the belief that the third shot must always be a drop into the kitchen, like we suggest strategic variations. Players can incorporate third-shot drives, third-shot ¾, or third-shot lobs strategically. When presented with a short ball, consider driving it with topspin, targeting the middle while the opponent is still moving forward. A well-executed third-shot drive can create opportunities for a “Shake and Bake” play. Additionally, hitting a strong third-shot drive puts pressure on opponents, making it difficult for them to return the ball deep, allowing for an effective fifth-shot drop and advancement to the kitchen line.
In Conclusion Pickleball Strategies
All our tips about pickleball strategies may sound simple, but it is more difficult than you think and most pickleball players neglect to do it consistently. There is no straightforward path to acquiring this skill; instead, you must navigate through countless variations. Sometimes we need to hit balls out of the air, sometimes we need to let them bounce, sometimes we need to add power, and sometimes we need to absorb it.
Our goal will remain the same as the basic cornerstone of pickleball strategy is to: bounce our ball in the opponent’s kitchen. Attempting to create a rigid blueprint for success in this ever-changing zone would be futile. Instead, embrace the art of practice. When honing your skills, there are several crucial aspects to focus on.
- Stop your body’s movement (split step) right before hitting the ball.
- Keep your body low while striking the ball.
- Keep those feet quiet. Keep your paddle low.
- Focus on the goal of placing the ball in your opponent’s kitchen.
- If the ball lacks pace, push it.
- If the ball has pace, absorb it.
- Aim for the top of the net practice, practice, and practice.
What should practice be like, what is the goal? The answers are simple, we want to challenge ourselves, we want to play better than the last time we played, and we want to learn…practice is at the core of this, and if we practice with a goal, or purpose in mind we will reach being better faster. You will eventually create the perfect combination of shots and it will keep you coming back for more
I hope these points and recommendations become a part of your practice regimen.
Please feel free to give me feedback or answer any questions you may have.
Information Source: USA Pickleball
