Forget hard shots. If you want to win at pickleball, you rely on smart placement, correct footwork and clean technique instead of raw power.
Many recreational players believe they can win matches with particularly hard shots. But the reality on the court is different: raw power is often overrated. If you want to improve in pickleball, you achieve this primarily through precise placement, smart positioning and the necessary patience. The experiences of coaches and pros clearly show this. Instead of hitting the ball with maximum speed, the path to success lies in controlled plays and exploiting geometric advantages.
According to the US association USA Pickleball, the middle of the opponent's court is the safest place for a ball. This is for purely mathematical reasons: playing over the middle of the net offers the largest margin of error, as the net is lowest there and the diagonal represents the longest path. If you specifically target the gap between the two opponents or their backhand hip, you drastically lower your own error rate. Successful players choose their target before the ball reaches them, rather than deciding spontaneously during the swing.
A common mistake when returning the serve (return) is hitting purely from the arm. If the body is not properly prepared, errors often occur in tight game situations. The solution lies in the so-called loading of the body: weight is shifted to the back foot while the paddle is drawn back. This rotation from the hips and legs transfers energy to the ball in a controlled manner. A loose grip also prevents the wrist from tensing up and the ball from flying uncontrollably out of bounds or into the net.
Even with attacking shots like the backhand flick, it is clear that power does not come from the wrist. Pro player Danni-Elle Townsend (with a DUPR rating of 6.02) explains on Ed Ju's YouTube channel that a pure wrist snap leads to uncontrolled balls. Instead, she uses shoulder rotation as the main driver. The wrist remains stable, which provides the necessary power and control even with maximum arm extension.
If you always play the same serve with identical pace and direction, you make it easy for your opponent. They quickly adjust to it. Coach Tanner Tomassi therefore recommends on YouTube to bring more variance into the game – for example with the so-called screwball serve. By changing the grip, with the thumb on top of the handle, sidespin is imparted to the ball. This spin pulls the opponent unexpectedly far out of the court and often forces a weak return that you can attack directly.
As pickleball becomes faster and more athletic, footwear also plays an important role. As the brand Stria Sport reports, due to the intense lateral movements and the need for ankle support, many players use shoes that are heavily inspired by basketball shoes. A stable hold, a wide base and good cushioning are essential to master the quick changes of direction without injury.
Your takeaway: In your next match, focus on placing your shots with control into the middle of the opponent's court instead of relying on fast winning shots.
This article was generated automatically with AI from the sources listed above and has not been editorially reviewed.