We’ve all been there: standing across the net from someone who seems faster, stronger, and way more experienced. It’s easy to feel outmatched, but here’s the thing—pickleball isn’t just about raw skill. It’s a game of strategy, patience, and smart decision-making. And the truth is, beating better players is absolutely possible if you know how to play smarter.
So, if you’re ready to up your game and take on tougher opponents, let’s dive into some tips and strategies that will help you level the playing field (and maybe even win).
1. Consistency Wins Matches
First things first: forget about trying to hit those Instagram-worthy hero shots. When you’re up against a stronger player, your number one goal is to keep the ball in play. Mistakes lose matches, especially at the intermediate level.
What to Do:
- Hit safe, controlled shots to deep spots on the court. Don’t flirt with the lines unless you absolutely have to.
- Play to their middle—it’s a safer target and cuts down their angles.
- Remember, you don’t have to outplay them; you just have to outlast them.
Why It Works: The more consistent you are, the more pressure they feel to make a perfect shot. And trust me, even great players crack under pressure.
2. Find Their Weakness (Yes, They Have One!)
Nobody’s perfect—not even that 5.0 player across the net. Your job is to figure out what they’re not great at and make them do it over and over again.
Common Weak Spots to Look For:
- Backhands: Most players (even advanced ones) struggle with their backhand compared to their forehand.
- Mobility: Older or less agile players often struggle with fast-moving or well-placed lobs.
- Transitions: Many players, even skilled ones, struggle with mid-court play.
How to Exploit It:
- Serve or return to their backhand side and keep testing it until they prove it’s not a weakness.
- Use lobs and sharp angles to challenge their movement.
- If they’re stuck in the transition zone, aim low and make it hard for them to advance.
3. Turn Your Serve into a Weapon
Let’s be real: in pickleball, a great serve is an underutilized weapon. Against better players, you don’t just want to get the ball in—you want to make them work for their return.
How to Step Up Your Serve:
- Go Deep: A deep serve forces your opponent to stay back longer, giving you more time to prepare for the next shot.
- Add Spin: A topspin serve creates an unpredictable bounce, making it harder to return.
- Mix It Up: Don’t let them get comfortable. Alternate between spin, depth, and pace.
Pro Tip: A serve that lands in the back third of the box is tough to handle for even skilled players. Combine depth with spin, and you’ll force weak returns more often than not.
Here are a few simple tips to help you nail your topspin serve:
4. Control the Kitchen: Own the Net
The kitchen is where the magic happens and if you want to beat better players, you need to dominate this space.
Here’s the Plan:
- Focus on consistent dinks that keep the ball low and unattackable. Patience is key—most players lose focus in long dink rallies.
- Be ready for speed-ups. Keep your paddle up, angled slightly downward, and let their power work against them.
- If you get pushed off the kitchen line, reset the ball into the kitchen and work your way back in—don’t panic!
Why It Works: When you control the net, you dictate the pace of the game, forcing them to play on your terms.
5. Aim for the Middle
Here’s a simple but wildly effective strategy: hit to the middle of the court.
Why?
- It reduces their angles, making it harder for them to attack.
- In doubles, it creates confusion over who should take the shot, often leading to errors.
So next time you’re in a rally, focus on placing your shots down the center. It’s not flashy, but it works.
6. Master the Transition Zone
The transition zone (a.k.a. “no-man’s land”) is a danger zone against better players. If you’re caught there, you’re a sitting duck.
How to Handle It:
- Use a slow, controlled third-shot drop to move toward the kitchen safely.
- Don’t rush forward after a weak shot—it’s better to stay back and reset.
- Always aim low and force them to hit up.
Pro Tip: If you’re struggling with third-shot drops, practice them daily. This one shot alone can completely change your game.
You also may want to try a ‘drip shot‘. The drip shot, a hybrid between a drive and a drop, uses topspin to dip sharply at your opponents’ feet, disrupting their rhythm and forcing tough returns.
Check it out:
7. Attack the Feet
When you’re up against skilled opponents, aiming for their chest or paddle might not cut it. Instead, go for their feet.
Why It Works:
- Shots aimed at the feet are harder to return with power.
- Low balls force upward returns, giving you an opening to attack.
Actionable Tip: Practice targeting the toes during volleys and drives—it’s a game-changer.
8. Be Adaptable
Better players adjust quickly, so you need to be flexible. If your Plan A isn’t working, switch things up.
How to Adapt Mid-Match:
- Use timeouts to regroup and brainstorm new strategies.
- Try stacking or switching court positions with your partner to shake things up.
- If they’re dominating at the net, consider lobbing more often or keeping them back with deep returns.
9. Stay Calm and Confident
Here’s the truth: playing against better opponents can mess with your head. The key is staying calm and focused, no matter what.
Tips for Staying Composed:
- Focus on one point at a time. Forget the score and play the ball in front of you.
- Don’t get discouraged if they win a great rally. Even pros make mistakes—you just need to outlast them.
- Remember, every match is a learning experience. Win or lose, you’re improving.
10. Stick to Your Strengths
One big mistake players make is trying to beat better opponents at their own game. Don’t fall into that trap.
What to Do Instead:
- Stick to what you do best. If you’re a strong dinker, focus on extending rallies and forcing errors. If you’re aggressive, play your game but choose your moments wisely.
- Trust your instincts—your strengths are your strengths for a reason.
Believe in the Challenge
Playing against better players is less about the result and more about the experience. It’s a test of your ability to stay focused, learn on the fly, and embrace the challenge. Every match—win or lose—makes you stronger, sharper, and more prepared for the next battle.
When you step onto the court, remind yourself that this is an opportunity. It’s your chance to push your limits, try something new, and see how far you’ve come. The score doesn’t define your progress—your willingness to compete does.
So grab your paddle, bring your best energy, and enjoy the ride. You might just walk off the court surprising yourself and leaving your opponent wondering what hit them. Let’s play!
