Ever wonder how top players seem to know exactly where the ball is going before it’s even hit? It’s all about reading their opponent—an essential skill that can make the difference between winning and losing.
I’ll show you how to read your opponent’s playing style, anticipate their shots, and spot patterns, plus some practical tips from seasoned pickleball players.
1. Recognize Playing Styles and Patterns
When you step onto the court, the first few rallies are your opportunity to “read” your opponent. Most pros—and even amateur players who want an edge—use the initial points to assess their opponent’s tendencies. Is your opponent favoring drives, drops, or dinks? Do they lean towards using their forehand or backhand more?
One great tip is to observe whether your opponent tends to run around their backhand or whether they use a two-handed backhand. Players who avoid their backhand usually have a weakness there—so, send shots in that direction and see if it causes trouble.
Also, watch for any patterns. Are they dropping to the same spot each time? Do they often try to hit down the middle?
Over time, these observations become second nature, and you’ll start recognizing common setups. Start by making mental notes on their preferred shots, then adjust your strategy accordingly.
2. Anticipate Shots Based on Body Position
A player’s body position is one of the most telling signs of where the ball is going. The key things to look for are the alignment of their feet, hips, and shoulders. If their front foot is pointed down the line, there’s a good chance they’ll hit straight, while a foot aimed more cross-court could mean a diagonal shot.
Pay special attention to their paddle positioning. For example, if they hold their paddle high with a big windup, they may be preparing for an aggressive drive. Conversely, if the paddle is angled down or low, they’re more likely to dink or drop. Body language and paddle angle are excellent indicators of your opponent’s next move.
Take a look as Coach CJ Johnson breaks down how to read your opponent’s paddle positioning and anticipate their next shot with more detail:
3. Watch for Shot Tells
Every player has “tells”—small cues that give away their next shot. For instance:
- Paddle Angle: The angle of the paddle can reveal a lot. If it’s angled down, expect a drop or slice; if it’s more upright, anticipate a faster shot.
- Shoulder and Foot Position: Watch for when they turn their body. A player coiling up, rotating their shoulders, or pulling back their foot is often preparing for a power shot.
- Eyes: Yes, even eyes can be a giveaway! Players who aren’t experienced at disguising shots might look at their intended target before striking, giving you a split-second advantage to move early.
4. Identify Weaknesses Through Shot Variety
Rather than treating the first few rallies passively, use them to actively probe for weaknesses. Mix up your shot selection early—hit deep, shallow, to the sides, and directly at your opponent. Gauge how well they handle different types of shots: do they struggle with low dinks, or are they vulnerable to deep drives? Try a lob or two to see if they backpedal effectively. Once you’ve identified a weakness, keep exploiting it throughout the game.
One specific trick is to test their ability to handle spin. Throw in a few topspin and slice shots and see how they respond. If they seem to struggle with a particular spin, make that a core part of your game plan.
5. Use Visual and Positioning Clues to Anticipate Like a Pro
To read your opponent effectively, focus on subtle cues in their positioning. If they’re leaning forward, they’re likely preparing for an aggressive attack. If they’re more upright or leaning back, expect a defensive shot like a dink or lob.
Watch their non-dominant hand—if it’s positioned low, they might be setting up for a soft drop shot; if higher, expect a smash.
Grip adjustment is another tell: a tight grip close to the body often means a powerful drive, while a looser grip suggests a dink or finesse shot. Paying attention to these details can give you an edge in predicting their next move.
Specific Tips for Reading and Reacting
- Watch Their Preparation for Lobs: When an opponent is about to lob, their body often leans back and the paddle moves in an upward arc. When you see this, prepare to backpedal and take the lob out of the air, if possible.
- Be Ready for a Soft Shot After a Hard One: Many players like to mix up their shot speeds to keep opponents off-balance. If they’ve just hit a hard drive, there’s a good chance they’ll follow it up with a dink. Stay ready to move forward quickly after a fast shot.
- Identify Their Favorite Kill Shot: Some players prefer to finish points with an overhead, while others may rely on a drive down the line. Identify your opponent’s favorite finishing shot and be ready for it whenever you see them in an offensive position.
- Observe How They Handle Dinks Under Pressure: If your opponent tends to pop up dinks when under pressure, create more opportunities to force them into that situation. Hit consistent, low dinks and watch for any mistakes you can capitalize on.
- Notice Their Court Positioning Habits: Some players tend to hang back or hesitate to move up to the kitchen line. If you notice this, take advantage by hitting short dinks to force them forward or lob over their heads if they are stuck too far back.
Focus & Watch
Reading your opponent takes time, experience, and a lot of practice. The more you pay attention to their patterns, body language, and paddle positioning, the better you’ll get at predicting their next move. Sure, some players hide their shots well, but most will give you subtle cues—if you’re really watching.
Next time you’re on the court, think of those first rallies as your scouting mission. Look for the tells, adjust your game, and soon enough, you’ll be reading your opponents like a book, staying one step ahead every time.