The Pickleball Player’s Guide to Shot Disguise

Ever wish you could keep your pickleball opponents guessing, scrambling, and just plain confused? The secret lies in learning how to disguise your shots. It’s not just about hitting the ball; it’s about making your opponent think you’re doing one thing while delivering something completely different.

Here’s how you can master this very particular skill and start racking up more points on the court.

Why Should You Care About Disguising Shots?

Imagine this: You’re in the middle of an intense rally. Your opponent thinks they’ve figured you out, but then—bam! You surprise them with a shot they never saw coming. That’s the power of shot disguise.

Here’s why it’s so effective:

1. You Keep Them Guessing: When your opponents don’t know what’s coming, they can’t prepare as quickly.
2. You Control the Pace: You dictate the flow of the game, throwing them off their rhythm.
3. It’s Just Plain Fun: Let’s be real—it feels amazing to outsmart someone on the court.

How to Disguise Your Shots Like a Pro

1. Body Language is Everything

• Your opponent is always watching for clues—how you stand, swing, or angle your paddle. The trick? Make everything look the same, no matter what shot you’re planning.
• Keep your legs bent, stay balanced, and use the same body positioning whether you’re going for a dink, a lob, or a speed-up. This consistency will drive your opponent nuts (in a good way for you).

2. Small Backswings Are Your Friend

• A big backswing screams “power shot,” while a tiny backswing says “soft dink.” But here’s the twist: you can use a small backswing to disguise a powerful attack by snapping your wrist at the last second. Sneaky, right?
• On the flip side, you can exaggerate your backswing during a dink rally and then suddenly unleash a big attack. The goal? Keep them guessing.

3. Change Directions Unexpectedly

• Sell one direction with your hips and shoulders, but then hit the ball somewhere completely different. For example, exaggerate a cross-court motion, then surprise them with a sharp down-the-line shot.

4. The No-Look Shot

• This one’s for when you’re feeling bold. Keep your eyes focused on one part of the court but use your peripheral vision to aim elsewhere. It’s like a magician’s sleight of hand, but on the pickleball court.

Tricky Shots to Add to Your Toolkit

1. Dinks That Aren’t Dinks

Make your dinks and speed-ups look identical. Use a compact swing, and at the last moment, flick your wrist to turn a dink into a surprise speed-up. Your opponent won’t know what hit them—literally.

See it here:

@pickleball.bryant Great drill for practicing a dink then a disguised speed up off the bounce 🏓 For the speed up off the bounce 💥 Keep paddle tip down 💥 Short backswing 💥 Compact swing 💥 Add topspin (windshield wiper motion) 💥 Aim for paddle side hip or shoulder #pickleballislife #pickleball #reels #atx #drills #sports #sunrise #kitchen #rooftop #community #skyline ♬ original sound – Bryant Salcedo

2. Inside-Out Forehand

Fake a drive down the middle, then at the last second, open your paddle and send the ball cross-court. This move throws your opponent off balance and sets you up perfectly for the next shot.

Here’s a quick demo showing how it’s done:

3. The Backhand Flick

During a dink rally, keep your movements steady and consistent. When the opportunity arises, use a quick backhand flick to push the ball down the line or to an open spot. This move relies on speed and subtlety—perfect for catching your opponent mid-step.

Here’s a great video in how to hit a backhand flick in under 60 seconds:

4. The Fake Lob

Act as though you’re about to dink or speed-up, but at the last moment, add a bit of lift to turn it into a lob. This can be particularly effective if your opponents are creeping closer to the net. The unexpected elevation will force them to retreat in a panic.

Check it out:

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A post shared by Jordan Briones Pickleball (@brionespickleball)

5. The Off-Speed Drive

In the middle of a fast-paced rally, slow it down deliberately with an off-speed drive. Use the same mechanics as your regular drive, but hit the ball with less power. The sudden change in pace can throw off your opponent’s timing, giving you the advantage.

3 Real Tips You Can Start Using Now

• Practice Makes Perfect: Start working on disguising shots once you’ve nailed your basics (around the 3.0–3.5 level). That’s when your opponents start reading your game better, so it’s the perfect time to up your deception skills.
• Film Yourself: Watching your gameplay can be eye-opening. Look for “tells” in your swing or stance and adjust.
• Get Feedback: Use apps like Unforced Pickleball or ask a friend to watch and point out what you might be giving away.

Why These Shots Work

Disguising shots in pickleball is like having a secret weapon. It’s the difference between being a good player and a great one. Start small—practice making your dinks and speed-ups look the same. Work on changing directions without giving it away. And, most importantly, have fun with it! There’s nothing better than seeing the look of surprise on your opponent’s face when you outsmart them.

So, grab your paddle and hit the court. With these strategies, you’ll be keeping your opponents guessing—and winning more points—in no time. Happy playing!