Top 10 Pickleball Strategies to Improve Your Game

January 22, 2026

•

2 min

leer

In the world of competitive pickleball, the difference between an intermediate and an advanced player often comes down to decision-making rather than just physical skill. As the game continues to evolve, players are finding that success is found in the "soft game" and how well they navigate the transition zone. Whether you are new to the sport or looking to refine your competitive edge, implementing these 10 pickleball strategies can help improve your play.

1. The Aggressive Topspin Drop

A common approach for a "third shot drop" (the soft shot intended to land in the opponent's kitchen) has historically been a slow, slicing motion. However, modern strategy favors the topspin drop. By brushing upward on the ball, you create a forward rotation that causes the ball to dip sharply after it clears the net. This forces your opponent to hit the ball from a low position, making it difficult for them to hit a powerful shot back and allowing you to move forward to the net safely.

2. Mastering "The Freeze" in Transition

Many players make the mistake of sprinting blindly toward the net after hitting a drop shot. High-level players instead use a technique called the "split-step." If your shot isn't perfect, it is safer to stop moving and get into a balanced stance before your opponent hits the ball. Being stationary in the transition zone allows you to react to and "reset" a hard volley, whereas running while the ball is hit often leaves you vulnerable in "no-man's land."

3. Targeting the "Hip-Pocket"

When choosing where to aim an aggressive shot, the open court isn't always the best target. Instead, aiming for your opponent’s dominant hip, the side they hold their paddle on, is often more effective. This area is difficult to defend because the player must awkwardly "cramp" their arm to reach the ball, often resulting in a weak pop-up or a missed shot. This tactic is known as "jamming" the opponent and is a reliable way to catch your opponent off guard.

4. The 70% Power Rule

In pickleball, hitting the ball with 100% power often leads to mistakes or the ball flying out of bounds. A more effective strategy is the 70% drive. By hitting the ball with moderate pace, you maintain enough control to ensure the ball dips before the baseline while still making it difficult for your opponent to return. This balance of speed and accuracy is a hallmark of consistent, high-rated players.

5. Defensive "L-Pattern" Movement

Doubles pickleball is a game of positioning. When your partner is pulled wide to the sideline to chase a ball, you should not stay in your original spot. Instead, move toward the center in an "L-shape" to cover the gap. Leaving the "middle hole" open is one of the most common ways teams lose points. By shifting over to support your partner, you force the opponents to try a much harder shot down the sideline to win the point.

6. The "Backhand Ready" Neutral

During fast exchanges at the net, your backhand is your best tool for defense. Most players find they can cover more of their body area with a backhand than a forehand. By keeping your paddle slightly biased toward the backhand side while waiting for a shot, you are pre-positioned to block fast attacks. This neutral stance keeps you ready for the most likely path of an incoming ball.

7. Strategic Stacking for Forehand Dominance

Stacking is a positioning tactic where partners stay on a specific side of the court regardless of who is serving. This is often used to keep a player’s strongest shot, usually their forehand, in the middle of the court. By having the "weapon" forehand in the center, you effectively shrink the court for your opponents and allow the stronger player to dictate the pace of the point.

8. Erne Awareness (The Mental Game)

An "Erne" is a shot where a player hits the ball while standing outside the sideline, next to the kitchen. Even if you don't actually perform this jump, simply standing near the sideline can change the game. This "threat" creates psychological pressure, forcing the opponent to hit their shots toward the middle of the court to stay away from you, which often puts the ball right into your partner’s reach.

9. The "Shovel" Reset

If you are caught in the middle of the court and a ball is hit hard at your feet, don't try to hit a winning shot. Instead, use a "shovel drop,” a short, lifting motion that gently guides the ball back into the opponent's kitchen. This defensive move neutralizes the opponent's advantage and gives you the chance to get back into a better position for the next hit.

10. Play for the "Fourth Shot" Error

Patience is perhaps the most underrated skill in the game. While many players try to win the point immediately on their third shot, successful players focus on the "fourth shot." By hitting a deep, difficult return and focusing on making your next shot unattackable, you force your opponents to be the ones who have to take risks. Often, the player who is willing to wait for the right opening will win more points than the one who tries to end the point too early.