When it comes to improving your pickleball game, are you focusing on the shots that really matter? According to a DUPR’s poll of over 1,000 players, more than half of pickleball players are prioritizing the wrong skills—and it could be holding them back from improving their pickleball ratings.

What the DUPR Data Revealed

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We asked players what they believe is the most important shot in pickleball. Here’s what over 1,000 players voted:

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This means more than 50% of players voted for shots other than the reset, despite top-level coaches and pros consistently naming the reset as the most crucial skill for advancing in pickleball.

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What Separates 3.5 from 4.5 Players - according to Bobbi Oshiro 

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Top pro player Bobbi Oshiro agrees the reset—and its cousin, the third shot drop—are the key skills that separate intermediate from advanced players:

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“Being able to hit a third shot drop and reset from transition is what separates 3.5 to 4.0–4.5 players. Most players don’t get up to the kitchen in time to win the point because they don’t have the best drop or reset from transition.”

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She also highlights the importance of counters, especially at higher levels:

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“Being able to counter and protect your body is another key skill. Recreational players often swing wildly and aim at the opponent’s body. To beat bangers, you need solid counters and the ability to defend your body effectively.”

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Why the Reset Shot Matters (And Why Most Players Miss It)

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In pickleball, the team that reaches the kitchen line first gains a huge advantage. But thanks to the double bounce rule, the serving team starts at an unfavorable position, since they must let the return bounce before they can advance. That’s why knowing how and when to reset is crucial — the reset is often the hardest, but most important, shot in the game.

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If you want to level up, you need to dedicate time every practice session to mastering your resets. Yet many players spend most of their practice working on drives, volleys or dinks, overlooking the importance of the transitioning shot.

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The reset is a soft, controlled shot typically executed from the mid-court or transition area. It neutralizes your opponent’s attacks and sets you up to establish position at the kitchen line — the place where most points are won.

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Without a reliable reset, you’ll often find yourself stuck in the transition zone or handing your opponents easy put-aways. Master this shot, and you’ll transform your game.

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Train Smarter: Prioritize What Really Matters

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The DUPR data and testimonials from pro players both point to the same truth: if you want to go from 3.5 to 4.0+, you need to master your reset shot and third shot drop. Focus your practice there, and you’ll start to control more points, protect yourself against hard hitters, and climb the DUPR pickleball ratings faster.

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So next time you’re drilling, don’t just bang serves or practice dinks—spend time on resets. Because in pickleball, it’s often the softest shots that make the biggest difference.

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