Advanced Pickleball Shots, Techniques, and Strategies

Advanced Pickleball Shots, Techniques, and Strategies

Pickleball is a social game that anyone can enjoy. However, pickleball is also a competitive game. Since its popularity soared, many pickleball tournaments are being hosted now. If you’re a competitive player and you’re ready to put your pickleball dupr to the test, you can join the top pickleball tournaments and compete against other professional players.

If you’re a competitive player whose goal is to get to the championship (who isn’t, right?), then you’ll need to keep working on your skills and learn the advanced shots and techniques of pickleball.

Pickleball Advanced Shots

How do you know if you’re ready for advanced shots already? The best way is to feel yourself. Are you ready to learn the advanced shots or do you need to work on the shots you know now? Check out these advanced pickleball shots to see if you’re ready to take on the challenge.

Third Shot Drop

I know it seems weird that the third drop shot in pickleball is here considering that it’s an essential shot you should learn as a beginner. The third shot drop is actually harder to master than you’d think. This is your opportunity to approach your non-volley zone (NVZ). If you’ll notice, some players run towards the NVZ after hitting the third shot drop, however, it’s not ideal for beginners to do this as they may scramble and panic once the ball is hit back to them.

This is one of the advanced pickleball shots that you’ll learn as you keep on playing. Approaching the NVZ is directly related to how you hit the third shot drop because you will also depend on your opponent’s response to your shot. You need to carefully watch where your opponent is placing the ball. If they’re placing it deep, you need to stay by the baseline. On the contrary, if they’re placing it in your kitchen, you need to run to catch it. If they’re placing it in the “No Man’s Land”, you need to take just the right amount of steps.

Topspin Lob

The pickleball lob with a topspin is perfect for offensive play. The lob has a high trajectory and is often placed deep to make your opponent move backward. If you put topspin on it, the ball curves downward and becomes more aggressive, making your opponent scramble to catch it. This is one of the advanced pickleball shots that gives you the opportunity to transition to offensive play.

Topspin Dink

The pickleball dink is a soft shot that lands on your opponent’s NVZ. When you add a topspin on your dink, it makes the ball more aggressive. With the spin added to the ball, the ball will pop off your opponent’s paddle. This is one of the advanced pickleball shots that you can use to “attack” your opponent and make them more likely to make an error.

Slice Dink

Another one of the advanced pickleball shots is when you add a slice to your dink. A slice is a pickleball spin but you hit the ball on its side because the ball is usually going to land low on the ground. This allows you to “save” the ball and change its direction, allowing you to reset.

Tip to Remember: If the ball bounces low on the ground, a slice is the better option so you can hit it higher. Use the topspin if the ball bounces higher to make it more aggressive.

Passing Shot

This is one of the hardest advanced pickleball shots to master. You need to work on your agility for this one. A passing shot in pickleball is when you place the ball away from your opponent. The reason why this is hard and you need to be fast is because if you place the ball away from your opponent and they are able to return it, they will use the same strategy to you. You’re now the one who’s going to chase the ball.

This technique mostly works with singles.

Erne

The Erne Shot in pickleball is one of the advanced pickleball shots that require you to work on your agility and body coordination. The erne is made by running to the side of the court and hitting the ball before it bounces. This shot is named after Erne Perry who invented the shot. 

Remember: You can’t step on the kitchen or even just its line when doing the erne.

ATP

The ATP or around-the-post shot in pickleball is similar to the erne shot, except you let the ball bounce first before hitting it and the ball can go around the net, hence the name. 


You need to work on your agility and balance to be able to properly execute both the erne and atp shots since you will be running to the side of the court fast.

Advanced Pickleball Techniques

Pickleball techniques are the skills you apply when hitting your shots. These are the advanced pickleball techniques that you need to master to up your game.

Pickleball Spins

One of the advanced pickleball techniques you should master is the pickleball spins. Master the topspin, backspin (slice), and side spin to control the ball’s trajectory and keep your opponent guessing. The topspin adds aggressiveness to your shot, the backspin or slice is for controlling the pace, while the sidespin adds unpredictability.

Shot Placement

Developing your skills in shot placement is another one of the pickleball techniques that will give you an advantage. Placing your shot precisely can create openings for you.

Footwork

Pickleball is a fast-paced game so one of the pickleball techniques you also need to master is being quick and agile. Practice split steps, shuffling, and changing directions quickly.

Court Coverage

Learn to anticipate the ball and move efficiently around the court to cover all the areas. However, if you’re playing doubles, you also need to remember to share the court with your partner. Don’t cover their part of the court for them unless you need to or you might end up pushing your partner away.

Advanced Pickleball Strategies

A pickleball strategy is your game plan or how you would execute the game. Offensive and defensive play in pickleball are strategies that can help you, but you have to find the balance between the two.

Offensive Pickleball Strategies

Offensive play is when you “attack” your opponent or play aggressively to dominate or control the net.

Poaching

Poaching is an advanced pickleball strategy that requires a lot of practice. If you’re a beginner, it isn’t really ideal to poach. You have to be used to the court and the shots already to be able to do this advanced pickleball shot.

Poaching in pickleball is when you cross to your partner’s court to hit the shot that was meant for them. 

TO REMEMBER: There must be clear communication between you and your partner when doing poaching to avoid any misunderstanding and accidents.

Attacking Weak Returns

Weak returns from your opponent open huge opportunities for you to control the game. Master the advanced pickleball strategy of taking advantage of your opponent’s weak returns or soft shots and force them to be on the defensive.

Transition from Defense to Offense

If you’re the one in the opposite situation from above, you’ll need to master the advanced pickleball strategy of finding an opportunity to create an opening for you. Don’t wait for the opening to happen, make it happen. If your opponent is dominating the net, hit them with lobs to send them back. 

Defensive Pickleball Strategy

Defensive play is when you need to “defend” yourself from your opponent’s aggressive shots. This may be resetting or recovering from weak shots, or creating openings for transition.

Defensive Lob

The lob is your friend and the perfect advanced pickleball strategy when you want to reset and transition to the offensive. Use the offensive lob to send your opponent backward. This buys you time and disrupts your opponent’s rhythm.

Deep Returns

Keep returning the shots deep to keep your opponents away from the net, especially if they’re strong or aggressive players. This also gives you more time to recover from hard shots.

Court Coverage

Master the advanced pickleball strategy of minimizing open spaces. If your partner is near the net anticipating shots that will land by the kitchen, make sure that you will anticipate shots by the baseline and vice versa. Prevent your opponents from finding open spaces to place the ball in.

Advanced Pickleball Drills

Practice will make you better at your game. Here are some advanced pickleball drills to do to improve your skills.

 

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Third Shot Drop Drills

One of the most important advanced pickleball drills to practice is the third drop shot because you will always do this shot when playing. Practice consistent third shot drops with a partner. Run possible scenarios with your partner so you’re ready once you’re playing during a real game. Practice scenarios where you need to run immediately to the net because the ball will land there or when you need to stay by the baseline.

Spins Drills

Practice applying spins on your shots because this will be helpful whether you’re playing offensive or defensive. Work on your precision and control so you can place the ball properly.

Footwork Drills

Although you need footwork skills even as a beginner, you need to keep on improving them as you advance and compete with more seasoned players. You have to always be quick and agile. Practice shuffle drills and moving around the court so you’re ready for anything during real games. If you’re clumsy, this is one of the advanced pickleball drills you’ll need to really work on to avoid accidents.

Poaching Drills

This is one of the advanced pickleball drills that’s focused on timing and communication. Practice this with your partner so you’ll both know when to do this during real games and what to expect.

In a Nutshell

Although a social game and can be played recreationally, pickleball also offers competitiveness and you can play against other professional players during official tournaments. It’s important that you are ready during tournaments and one way to do this is to improve your skills. Practice your defensive and offensive shots, techniques, and strategies to improve your game. Don’t get intimidated and always practice. Don’t forget to also have fun and compete with respect.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are some key advanced pickleball shots?
    • Third Shot Drop: Mastering consistent and accurate third shot drops is crucial for approaching the net effectively.
    • Topspin Lob: Adds aggression to the lob, making it more difficult for opponents to return.
    • Topspin Dink: Increases the pace and aggression of the dink, forcing opponents to react quickly.
    • Slice Dink: Helps control the ball and change its direction, especially when the ball bounces low.
    • Passing Shot: A difficult shot that requires precision and aims to place the ball away from the opponent.
    • Erne Shot: A running shot where you hit the ball before it bounces, requiring agility and coordination.
    • ATP Shot: Similar to the Erne Shot, but the ball bounces before you hit it.
  • What are some important advanced pickleball techniques?
    • Spins: Mastering topspin, backspin (slice), and sidespin adds control and unpredictability to your shots.
    • Shot Placement: Precise shot placement creates openings and puts pressure on opponents.
    • Footwork: Quickness and agility are essential for covering the court effectively.
    • Court Coverage: Anticipating the ball and moving efficiently around the court is crucial, especially in doubles.
  • What are some advanced pickleball strategies?
    • Poaching: Crossing over to your partner's side to hit a shot, requiring communication and coordination.
    • Attacking Weak Returns: Capitalizing on opponents' weak shots to gain control of the point.
    • Transitioning from Defense to Offense: Finding opportunities to switch from defensive to offensive play.
    • Defensive Lobbing: Using the lob to reset and regain control of the point.
    • Deep Returns: Keeping opponents deep in their court to limit their offensive options.
  • What are some advanced pickleball drills?
    • Third Shot Drop Drills: Practice consistent third shot drops with a partner, simulating various game scenarios.
    • Spin Drills: Practice applying topspin, backspin, and sidespin to improve shot control.
    • Footwork Drills: Focus on quickness, agility, and efficient movement around the court.
    • Poaching Drills: Practice poaching scenarios with a partner, emphasizing communication and coordination.
  • How can I improve my overall pickleball game?
    • Consistent practice: Regular play is crucial for improving skills and developing muscle memory.
    • Focus on fundamentals: Continue to refine your basic strokes and techniques.
    • Analyze your game: Identify areas for improvement and work on those specific areas.
    • Play with stronger opponents: Playing against more skilled players will challenge you and help you improve.
    • Stay patient and persistent: Mastering advanced techniques takes time and dedication.

Key Takeaways

Key Takeaway Description
Advanced Shots Third shot drop, topspin lob, topspin dink, slice dink, passing shot, erne, ATP.
Advanced Techniques Spins, shot placement, footwork, court coverage.
Offensive Strategies Poaching, attacking weak returns, transitioning from defense to offense.
Defensive Strategies Defensive lobs, deep returns, court coverage.
Advanced Drills Third shot drop drills, spin drills, footwork drills, poaching drills.
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