You know that one of the keys to winning is forcing your opponents to make mistakes. Often, those mistakes come when they’re on the move, off balance, or just trying to reach for a tricky shot.
In this article, we’ll dive into some of the best tips and strategies to keep your opponents on the run, ensuring they make more errors and you gain the upper hand.
1. Mix It Up: Never Hit the Same Shot Twice
One of the easiest ways to force your opponents to move is by keeping them guessing. Don’t let them get comfortable! You have so many options in pickleball—dinks, drops, drives, volleys, lobs, and speed-ups. With each shot, vary the placement, depth, spin, and speed.
Avoid hitting the same shot twice in a row, and make a conscious effort to move the ball around the court. When you vary your shots, your opponents are forced to adjust, and that’s when mistakes start happening. The key is to constantly make them wonder, “Where is the next ball going?”
2. Create Open Court Space
Ever feel like your opponents are covering every inch of the court? It can be frustrating, but you can create space by “breaking their link.” Usually, opponents try to stay linked together to cover as much ground as possible. To disrupt this connection, try using shots with sharp angles that pull them off the court or shots that curve away.
It may take a few attempts to gradually create that open space, so be prepared to grind it out. Once you’ve broken their link, you’ll find opportunities to hit into open areas and win the point.
Check out this video for awesome tips on cross-court dinking and how to stay aggressive while hitting this tricky shot:
3. Target Your Opponents’ Feet
Nothing makes an opponent more uncomfortable than having to reach down low for a shot. The best types of shots for targeting the feet are dinks, drop shots, and low volleys, as they stay close to the ground and force your opponents into difficult positions. To force movement and make life difficult, aim your shots at your opponents’ feet. This forces them to bend their knees, which can lead to awkward returns or outright errors.
Keeping the ball low also limits their ability to attack, putting you in control of the rally. A well-placed low shot is a great way to create chaos on the other side of the court.
4. Use the Lob to Your Advantage
The lob shot has seen a resurgence in popularity in pickleball, and for good reason. When executed well, it forces your opponents back toward the baseline, disrupting their positioning and making them move. But don’t overuse it—remember to stay unpredictable.
A well-timed lob can catch your opponents off guard, especially if they’re playing aggressively at the net. When your opponents are pushed back, it gives you more room to control the point and dictate where the action happens.
Watch pro Catherine Parenteau share a fantastic tip on executing offensive lobs right at the kitchen line:
5. Distract with Movement
Another way to force your opponents to “move” isn’t just about making them run on the court; it’s about pulling their focus. You can do this by using your own movement to distract them. Whether it’s a fake switch with your partner or simply moving aggressively after a shot, you can make your opponents take their eyes off the ball for just a split second—and that’s all you need to gain an advantage.
Make them wonder what you’re doing, and they’re less likely to be focused on executing their shot effectively.
6. Advanced Strategy: Isolate and Target
For those looking to really up their game, consider isolating one opponent and targeting them repeatedly. This strategy works well when you notice that one player is weaker or more prone to errors. If you can, keep hitting cross-court to that player until you get a chance to finish the point.
By isolating one opponent, you put them under constant pressure, making it more likely they’ll make an error, and their partner won’t be able to help. This tactic requires good coordination with your partner, so make sure you’re both on the same page.
Practical Tips for Effective Execution
- Split Step: Always use a split step before your opponent hits the ball to avoid moving while making contact. This will help you stay balanced and make cleaner shots.
- Communicate with Your Partner: Effective doubles play relies on strong communication. Make sure you and your partner know who is taking each shot and where you plan to move next.
- Read Your Opponents: Pay attention to your opponents’ tendencies. Are they weaker on their backhand? Do they struggle with lobs? Use this information to decide where to place your shots.
Get Smart on the Court
Pickleball is all about making smart decisions and staying one step ahead of your opponents. By forcing them to move, you put them in positions where they’re likely to make mistakes, giving you the upper hand. Remember to stay unpredictable, create open spaces, and use strategic targeting to control the game. And most importantly, have fun!
There’s nothing quite like seeing your opponent off-balance and knowing you’ve got the point in the bag.
