Ever watch a pro pickleball match and notice how the top players seem to know exactly when to step aside and let the ball go out, scoring an easy point? It’s like they have a sixth sense, right? Well, they didn’t just wake up one day with that skill—it’s something they’ve trained for.
f you’re playing at a 3.0 or higher level, it’s time to start incorporating the strategy of letting balls go out into your game. Recognizing when a ball is going out can save you from unnecessary errors and give you a real edge on the court.
Here are 5 pretty sure signs that a ball is likely to go out, along with tips on how to train your brain to make these split-second decisions.
5 Key Clues the Ball is Heading Out
1. Opponent’s Position on the Court
One of the biggest indicators of whether a shot will go out or stay in is your opponent’s position on the court when they hit the ball. When they’re close to the net, particularly during a speed-up, they have less room to work with and are more likely to overhit, sending the ball long.
Recognizing your opponent’s position is key. If they’re close to the net, be prepared to let the ball go if it looks like it’s heading out. Conversely, if they’re near the baseline, anticipate a more controlled shot that’s likely to stay in. This awareness will allow you to make smarter decisions on the court and gain an advantage over your opponent.
2. Backswing Length
A big, exaggerated backswing usually means the ball is going to have too much power and is likely to go long. Pay attention to your opponent’s windup—longer swings typically result in less controlled shots. This often results in shots that sail long or wide.
Conversely, if their backswing is short and controlled, expect a more precise shot that’s likely to stay in play.
3. Spin on the Ball
The type of spin your opponent puts on the ball can be a big clue. A ball with backspin tends to carry longer, making it more likely to go out.
On the other hand, topspin causes the ball to dip faster, increasing the chances it will stay in.
4. Angle of Attack
By closely watching your opponent’s angle of attack, you can better predict whether their shot will stay in.
If they’re attempting a sharp cross-court angle, be ready to let the ball go if it appears to be heading out. On the other hand, a down-the-line shot generally has a higher chance of landing in, so be prepared to play those balls.
5. Contact Point
The contact point where your opponent strikes the ball is a key indicator of whether the shot will stay in or go out:
- Low-to-High Swing: If the contact point is below the hip, the ball is often hit on an upward swing. This low-to-high motion tends to lift the ball too much, making it more likely to go out.
- High Contact Point: Shots hit from a high contact point, especially with a flat swing, tend to have too much forward momentum, causing them to fly out of bounds.
Training Your Brain to Make Fast Decisions
To effectively let balls go out, you need to train your brain to quickly process these visual cues and make split-second decisions.
Here’s how:
- Practice Observation: During practice sessions, focus on observing these cues in real-time. Work with a partner who can hit a variety of shots, and make it a point to decide whether to hit or let the ball go based on the cues mentioned above.
- Slow-Motion Drills: Slow down your practice rallies and exaggerate the cues (like big backswings or sharp angles) so you can train your brain to recognize them more easily during regular-speed play.
- Video Analysis: Record your matches and review them, paying attention to instances where you hit a ball that was likely going out. Analyze what visual cues you missed and how you can improve your decision-making process.
How Long Does It Take to Get Better at Letting Balls Go Out?
Getting better at letting balls go out in pickleball doesn’t happen overnight, but with some practice, you can start seeing progress fairly quickly.
- First Signs (1-2 Weeks): In just a week or two, you’ll start becoming more aware of those balls you shouldn’t have hit. This awareness is the first step toward improving.
- Noticeable Improvement (4-6 Weeks): After about a month, you should start noticing a real difference. You’ll be more confident in letting balls go out, winning more points from your opponent’s errors.
- Making It a Habit (3-6 Months): With regular practice, this skill becomes second nature. In a few months, you’ll instinctively know when to let a ball go, without overthinking it.
Keep practicing and stay patient—it’ll pay off!
