What sets the pros apart is their clever strategy and pickleball IQ. Here are five effective strategies to get you closer to that level of play.
1. Choose cross-court shots
Cross-court shots are often safer and offer more room for error than straight shots. This applies to both returns and dinks. Cross-court shots offer more room to work with and take advantage of the lower net in the middle of the court.
đź’ˇ Pro tip: If you're having trouble with control, aim across the court with each shot to keep rallies moving and have better control.
2. Recognize the change from neutral to advantage
Pickleball rallies often start neutral but can change quickly. The best players stay patient on the defensive, waiting for a chance to turn the game in their favor with a single solid shot.
đź’ˇ Pro tip: Stay calm on defense and wait for an opportunity to take control.
3. Aim for medium dinks
The middle of the court is a great place to aim, especially during dink rallies. It limits your opponent's angle options and reduces their ability to attack.
đź’ˇ Pro tip: Use medium dinks when you are under pressure or out of position to prevent your opponents from dictating the rally.
4. Take advantage of short returns
A short return from your opponent is an opportunity for you to go on the offensive. Use this chance to either hit the ball or play a well-placed drop shot.
đź’ˇ Pro tip: Pay attention to the depth of your opponent's return. Short returns invite an aggressive third shot.
5. Avoid “Dead Dinks”
A dead dink lands in the middle of the pitch without enough speed or spin, giving the opponent an easy opportunity to attack. Keep dinks low and out of the strike zone to avoid being put on the defensive.
đź’ˇ Pro tip: Focus on controlled and placed dinks to prevent your opponent from having an easy opportunity to attack.
Key findings:
- Use cross-court shots to control your game.
- Stay calm and wait for the advantage to shift.
- Dinks into the middle are a safe, strategic option.
- Short setbacks are a green light for the attack.
- Avoid dead dinks to maintain control of the rally.
These strategies will improve your pickleball IQ and help you play smarter to win more points and improve your game.
