Master These 5 Pickleball Strategies to Play Like a Pro
What really sets the pros apart is their Pickleball IQ—the way they anticipate, position themselves and make strategic choices during a game.
Today, we’ll walk through five quick game-changing lessons. If you install these into your game, you'll be amazed at how much you start to win and how much better you'll be than your friends.
#1. Crosscourt is easier than straight ahead
Whether it's on a return of serve or during a dink rally, hitting the ball cross-court is generally easier to accomplish and gets you in less trouble than trying to hit the ball straight ahead.
It might be tempting to go for the shorter distance, but you're simply not giving yourself enough room for error.
On a return, if you have too much pace, it's easy to over-hit the ball. Going cross-court instead gives you more court to work with.
During kitchen play, the net is lower in the middle, so lifting the ball over the net in the middle is also a safer play.
💡 Pro Tip: Any time you're feeling like you're not hitting the ball particularly well or if you find yourself hitting the ball too hard, tell yourself to go crosscourt with every shot. This should help you stay in rallies longer and get a better feel for the ball as the game progresses.
#2. Neutral to advantage: recognizing the shift
In pickleball, rallies often start in a neutral position, but small shifts can quickly turn the tide. The key is to recognize when the advantage changes and respond appropriately. When you’re on defense, the best players stay calm and collected, focusing on making just one more solid shot to bring the game back to neutral. From there, you can seize control.
💡 Pro Tip: When on defense, focus on staying patient and consistent. Don’t rush—wait for your opponent to make a mistake, and the momentum will shift in your favor.
#3. The power of the middle dink
The middle of the court is often overlooked, but it’s one of the safest and smartest places to aim during a dinking rally. When you’re not sure where to go with the ball, hitting to the middle can limit your opponents’ options. A well-placed middle dink makes it harder for your opponents to create angles or apply pressure, often causing them to overreach or make an error.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re feeling pressured or out of position, aim for the middle of the court. It’s a low-risk strategy that forces your opponent to create something out of nothing—giving you a chance to turn the tables.
#4. Short returns = big opportunities
Whenever your opponent sends a short return, it’s your chance to turn the point in your favor. A short return opens the door for aggressive third shots—whether that’s a powerful drive or a sharp drop. The key is recognizing the opportunity and immediately adjusting your position to capitalize on it.
💡 Pro Tip: Pay attention to the depth of your opponent’s returns. A short return is an invitation to attack, so use that moment to either drive the ball or hit a well-placed drop that keeps them on their heels.
#5. Avoid the dreaded dead dink
A “dead dink” is one of the worst mistakes you can make in a rally. This occurs when the ball lands in the middle without enough pace or spin, giving your opponent a perfect opportunity to attack. A dead dink allows your opponents to dictate the point, instantly putting you on the defensive.
Pro Tip: Always focus on keeping your dinks low and out of your opponent’s power zones. A dead dink gives them a green light to attack, so make sure your shots have enough control and placement to prevent them from gaining the upper hand.
Key Takeaways:
- Go crosscourt to eliminate mistakes and give yourself more court to work with.
- Stay calm on defense, and work your way back to neutral through consistency.
- Dinking to the middle is a safe strategy—use it when you’re unsure.
- Short returns give you a green light to be aggressive. Use them to dictate the point.
- Avoid dead dinks, and keep your shots low to maintain control.
The pros aren’t just physically skilled—they think differently. By recognizing key moments and making smarter decisions, you’ll improve your Pickleball IQ and start winning more points.
