Pickleball is a game of strategy and precision. While certain shots may seem tempting, some are overrated and can cost you more points than they win.
Let’s dive into three common shots that might be hurting your game, explain why they’re not as effective as you think, and offer better alternatives.
1. The Fancy Drop Shot Dink
Why It’s Overrated:
It’s hard to resist the urge to hit a delicate drop shot dink, especially when you see your opponent out of position. You might think that a cute little dink will catch them off guard, but it often backfires.
One of three things usually happens:
- You miss the shot entirely, hitting it into the net.
- You give your opponent a chance to reset, neutralizing your advantage.
- You occasionally win the point, but this usually only happens if your opponent is slower or less experienced.
Better Alternative:
Instead of trying to force a low-percentage dink, focus on keeping your opponent pinned deep in the court. A well-placed shot to the baseline keeps them on defense, making them more likely to pop the ball up for an easier put-away shot.
By maintaining pressure, you increase your chances of winning the point with higher-percentage plays.
2. The Overhead Smash Down Into the Net
Why It’s Overrated:
The overhead smash is one of the most satisfying shots in pickleball, but many players misjudge it by swinging straight down. If you’re far back from the net and hit down on the ball, it often ends up in the net. \
The frustration? You’ve worked hard to set up a good opportunity, only to hand your opponent an easy point.
Better Alternative:
Instead of swinging down sharply, aim to swing out and through the ball. By targeting the back of the court with a more controlled overhead, you maintain accuracy and avoid costly errors.
The goal isn’t always to finish the point with a single shot; sometimes it’s about continuing to keep your opponent on their heels until you have the perfect setup.
3. The “Falling Back” Shot
Why It’s Overrated:
We’ve all been there—you get pushed back after a strong return, and instinctively, you try to hit a shot while your momentum is still moving backward.
This causes you to lose power and accuracy, often leading to missed shots or weak returns that your opponent can easily attack.
Better Alternative:
Always make sure to step forward into your shot, even if you’ve been pushed back. This way, you transfer your weight into the ball, giving you more control and power.
By focusing on shifting your weight forward and keeping balanced, you’ll find yourself making more consistent and aggressive returns, which can change the dynamic of the point in your favor.
Play Smart, Not Flashy
Look, we all love the idea of pulling off that perfect, highlight-reel shot, but let’s face it—those can cost you points. Instead, focus on playing smarter. When you make higher-percentage plays, you not only avoid unnecessary mistakes but also keep your opponent scrambling to keep up.
Next time you hit the court, remember: pickleball isn’t about showing off; it’s about strategy, patience, and playing the long game. Outlast your opponent with smart shots, and the wins will follow.
