We’ve all faced those moments—standing on the court with the scoreboard against us and feeling like a win is slipping away. But don’t sweat it! Every game, win or lose, is an opportunity to learn and improve. The key is knowing how to shift your mindset, adapt, and make strategic moves to turn things around.
Here are some friendly and practical tips to help you stay in the game, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
1. Stay Fearless—Play Your Style Aggressively
One of the biggest reasons players lose is they start playing too cautiously. You might be thinking, “I just can’t make another mistake!” But guess what? Playing too conservatively will often lead to exactly what you’re trying to avoid—more errors and, eventually, a loss.
When things aren’t going your way, loosen up and stay aggressive. Don’t suddenly change to an unfamiliar style, but make sure you’re confidently going for shots that fit your game plan. You want to keep your opponents on their toes, applying pressure whenever possible.
Aggressive doesn’t mean smashing every ball with all your power; it means playing boldly and keeping the pressure up. Be unpredictable, make them question what’s coming next, and own your style. It’s all about confidence.
2. High Percentage > High Risk
| Shot Type | High-Percentage Shots | Low-Percentage Shots |
|---|---|---|
| Position of Ball | Shots where the ball is above the net level | Shots where the ball is below the net level |
| Common Shots | Dinks, especially to the middle Drives at 75% power Speedups through the middle | The Erne Around-the-post (ATP) Drop shots requiring finesse |
| Power Shots | Overhead slams | Down-the-line speedups (due to higher net sides) |
| Specialty Shots | Well-placed lobs | Backhand flicks |
| Strategic Areas | Shots aimed at weaker opponent zones or toward open spaces | Risky, aggressive shots into tight or defended areas |
We’ve all been there—tempted to pull off that beautiful sideline shot that would leave our opponents speechless. But the truth is, going for these high-risk shots when you’re down often leads to unforced errors that you just can’t afford. High-percentage shots, on the other hand, are all about playing smart.
Think of it this way: Pickleball isn’t about impressing anyone; it’s about outlasting and outplaying your opponents. So, focus on safe shots with more margin for error. Hit balls a few feet inside the sideline, avoid aggressive shots from difficult positions, and look for opportunities where success is most likely. This way, you’ll start forcing your opponents to make the errors instead.
3. Never Underestimate Consistent Serves and Returns
If you’ve missed a couple of serves or returns, it’s time to take a step back and simplify your approach. You can’t score points if your serve doesn’t even make it over the net! And returns? Missing those just hands points to your opponents, often with little effort on their part.
Instead of going for power serves that risk hitting out of bounds, focus on getting a solid, deep serve in every time. When you return, aim to push your opponents back to make it harder for them to gain control. Sometimes, simply getting back to the basics of getting every serve and return in play can make all the difference between a win and a loss.
4. Win the Kitchen Line Battle
Let’s talk strategy—getting to the kitchen line is absolutely critical. The kitchen line is where you win those long, intense rallies. If you’re behind, there’s a good chance you and your partner have been stuck too far back, and your opponents have been dominating the net.
The solution? Make getting to that kitchen line your mission. Once there, use it as your fortress—hold your ground, push your opponents back, and be ready to dink strategically. Remember, the kitchen line is where control happens. Whoever dominates this space is most likely going to walk away with the win.
5. Shake Up Your Game Plan
If you’re losing, you need to change something. It’s simple: what you’re doing isn’t working. It’s time to assess and adapt. Ask yourself, are you hitting shots that aren’t finding their mark? Are you constantly playing to your opponent’s strengths?
Try targeting a specific player, switching between speed and dinks, or aiming for their weaker backhand side. You can also vary your pace—if your opponent likes a fast game, slow it down and play more dinks. If they’re dominating dinks, try faster drives. Strategy in pickleball is like a chess game—an adaptable player will always have an edge.
6. Call a Time-Out—Change the Momentum
Sometimes, the game starts slipping away simply because your opponents are on a roll. When this happens, don’t hesitate to call a time-out. A time-out isn’t just about resting; it’s about changing the momentum. It gives you and your partner a chance to refocus, adjust strategy, and reset your mindset. And just as importantly, it takes your opponents out of their groove.
A good rule of thumb? If your opponents score three points in a row, it might be time to call that break. Step off the court, breathe, regroup, and step back on with a refreshed game plan.
7. Be the Partner You’d Want
Your partnership can make or break a game. The truth is, how you handle being behind speaks volumes. If you start getting frustrated and blaming your partner, you’re not helping anyone—least of all yourself. A positive, encouraging attitude can often lead to a remarkable shift in performance.
Talk it out, strategize together, and give positive reinforcement. Building your partner up will keep the energy on your side of the court positive, and most people play much better when they feel supported and uplifted. Remember, pickleball is all about teamwork—win or lose, you’re in it together.
Bonus Tips: Avoid These 5 Common Pitfalls
Coach Tim Buwick also has some great reminders on what not to do when you’re on the verge of losing a winnable game:
- Be Patient: Don’t try to end every point quickly. Look for the right opportunity instead of forcing it.
- Mind Your Positioning: Don’t drift forward too quickly after serving or drift away from the kitchen line when you need to be there.
- Keep Your Eye on the Ball: This seems basic, but too many points are lost simply because you look away too soon. Stay focused until the shot is fully complete.
- Don’t Overuse Power: Power can be effective, but placement is king. Find those open spots rather than trying to blast through your opponent every time.
- Communicate: Silence doesn’t work in doubles. Talk with your partner, strategize, and make sure you’re working as a team.
Learn to Play Under Pressure
If you’re someone who struggles when the game is close—like at a 10-10 tie—it’s important to practice those high-pressure scenarios. You can simulate these moments during practice so that they become more familiar. The more comfortable you get with those close-score situations, the less intimidating they’ll be during actual games.
Whether it’s calling out where to target or simply working to stay calm, practice these skills until they feel like second nature.
Make sure to also read our article on how to handle unnerving defeats.
Comebacks Are Always Possible
No one likes to lose, but every game is a chance to learn and improve. If you find yourself losing, remember to stay aggressive, stick with high-percentage shots, get to the kitchen line, shake up your strategy, use time-outs wisely, and always support your partner. When you stay adaptable, mentally tough, and team-oriented, you’ll find more opportunities to turn games around in your favor.
Remember, comebacks are always possible. It’s all about staying in the game—both physically and mentally—and making smart, confident choices. So next time you’re on the court and the scoreboard isn’t in your favor, remember these tips, and play like you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.
