When it comes to pickleball, we’ve all heard the classic advice: “Keep your eye on the ball!” But is that really the whole story? While keeping an eye on the ball helps ensure solid contact, placement—knowing exactly where to hit the ball on the court—can’t be overlooked.
So, should you focus more on the ball or your opponent’s position? Let’s break it down, and find the balance to improve your ball placement.
The “Eye on the Ball” Myth
We’ve been taught to watch the ball all the way to the paddle, and for beginners, this is sound advice. Watching the ball ensures you make clean contact and understand how your paddle’s angle affects the shot.
As you advance, however, it’s time to move beyond just focusing on the ball.
Ball vs. Opponent: Where Should Your Focus Be?
The trick is knowing when to shift your focus. When the ball is on your side of the court, lock your eyes onto it. But the second it leaves your paddle, shift your focus to your opponent. Why? Because your opponent will give away clues about how they’re going to return the ball—whether through their body language, paddle position, or foot movement.
Take the advice of pro players: you should only stare at the ball when it’s in your contact zone. Beyond that, it’s time to read your opponent and plan your next move.
Eye on the Ball? More Like Eye on the Target
Instead of thinking “keep your eye on the ball,” consider visualizing where you want the ball to land. Many players, including the pros, take a “mental picture” of their target spot on the court before executing their shot.
Focus on hitting large targets, not just precise spots—it’s about consistency over precision.
Reading Your Opponent’s “Tells”
Every opponent telegraphs their next move. From their stance to their paddle angle, there are subtle clues that tell you if they’re about to dink, drive, or drop shot. Use your peripheral vision to assess these clues after striking the ball.
That split-second awareness of their body language can give you an advantage, allowing you to react faster and place the ball where they’re least prepared.
Here are some subtle clues that reveal what your opponent might do next:
- Paddle Angle: A low paddle angle often signals a dink or drop shot, while a higher paddle position hints at a drive.
- Stance: A wide, balanced stance usually indicates they’re preparing for a defensive move, while a forward-leaning stance signals they’re ready to attack.
- Backswing: A longer backswing suggests a hard shot or drive, while a shorter one hints at a dink or controlled placement.
- Knee Bend: A deep knee bend often indicates a soft shot like a dink; less bend suggests a more aggressive approach.
- Grip Tension: Watch their hand grip—tight grip means they’re likely going for power, while a looser grip signals a softer shot.
- Foot Position: If they shift forward, they’re likely preparing for a quick volley; stepping back might signal a lob or reset shot.
Reading these tells will help you anticipate your opponent’s next move and place your shot effectively.
Placement Over Power
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is focusing too much on power and not enough on placement. It’s not about how hard you hit; it’s about where you hit. For example:
- Hitting deep pushes your opponent back, giving you control at the net.
- Placing the ball at sharp angles forces your opponent to run, creating opportunities for easy putaways.
- Dinking near the sidelines puts pressure on your opponent to return difficult shots.
The Head Trick: Disguising Your Shots
Here’s a sneaky trick: keep your head down when striking the ball. Why? It throws your opponent off. If you raise your head, they can often read where you’re going to hit.
By keeping your head down or neutral, you disguise your shot and make it harder for them to anticipate.
Practice Drill: Improve Your Focus and Placement
One great drill to work on both your ball focus and placement is the paddle bounce drill. Simply bounce the ball on your paddle, alternating between the forehand and backhand. As you get better, increase the pace and bounce height.
Check out pickleballer Shea Underwood as he shares three unique variations of the paddle bounce drill:
These drills help with hand-eye coordination and keep your focus on the ball while teaching you to adjust placement with subtle paddle movements.
It’s All About Balance
In pickleball, balance is key—both on the court and in your focus. When the ball’s on your side, keep your eye on it. When it’s on your opponent’s side, shift your focus to them. Placement is more important than power, and learning to read your opponent can give you the edge to win points more effectively.
So next time you’re on the court, remember: it’s not just about watching the ball—it’s about watching everything.
