Think a 5.0 pickleball rating is out of reach? Think again.

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You don’t need to hit harder—you need to play smarter.

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Pro player James Ignatowich recently shared five game-changing tips on The Pickleball Clinic to help you level up from amateur to 5.0—and we broke them down for you below.

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Plus, we threw in a bonus tip from the DUPR team you won’t want to miss.

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Tip #1: Reset to the Middle from the Transition Zone

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When you're under pressure and scrambling to defend, your best friend is a soft reset—to the middle.

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• The center of the net is lower (34 inches vs. 36 inches on the sides), giving your shot a better margin for error.
  
  
• Resetting to the middle shrinks the angles your opponents can attack.
  
  
• It neutralizes fast-paced points and buys you time to get back into position.
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Pro move: Keep your paddle steady, stay low, and aim for a gentle arc that lands in the kitchen.

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Tip #2: Be Aggressive on the Right Side

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If you’re on the right side of the court, don’t just play it safe—look for your moment and go for it.

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A lot of players fall into a passive role here just seeking consistency, but high-level right-side players aren’t afraid to pull the trigger when the setup is right.

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• Be alert for high balls or weak dinks you can attack.
  
  
• Step into the court and finish points confidently.
• Own your sideline and look for poaching opportunities when your partner sets you up
  
  
• Trust your instincts—hesitation often leads to missed chances.
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Pro insight: Aggression doesn’t mean recklessness—it means recognizing the opportunity and owning it.

Tip #3: Contact Volleys Out Front—and Keep Them Down

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One of the biggest differences between a 4.0 and a 5.0 player? Volleying down.

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• Make contact with the ball in front of your body.
  
  
• Keep volleys low and down at your opponent’s feet.
  
  
• Avoid popping the ball up and giving away easy putaways.
  
  

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Quick tip: The less swing the better. Keep it short and sweet. 

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Tip #4: Hold Your Dinks Just a Little Longer

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Want to throw your opponents off balance? Hold your dink.

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• Pause for a split second before making contact.
  
  
• This delays your shot just enough to disguise your intention.
  
  
• Fake a speed-up… then drop a buttery smooth dink.
  
  

It’s subtle. It’s deadly. And it works at every level of the game.

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Tip #5: Master the Two-Handed Backhand Dink

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This might be the shot that makes the most difference between 4.0s and 5.0s. 

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Learning how to aggressively dink with a two-handed backhand can give you:

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• More power
  
  
• More control
  
  
• Better deception
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And here’s a bonus pro tip:

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Your Non-Dominant Hand Runs The Show 

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When hitting a two-handed backhand dink, it’s your non-dominant hand that takes the lead.

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For right-handed players, that means your left hand is doing the real work—controlling the paddle face, the direction of the shot, and the amount of spin. It’s more influential than most players realize.

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And for lefties? Same deal. Your right hand takes over.

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Ready to Level Up Your Pickleball Ratings?

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Improving your technique is only half the battle. Use the DUPR app to find players at your club, start competing, and put these tips into action. Then sign up for a pickleball tournament — and let the results speak for themselves.

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