Pickleball isn’t just about soft dinks and patience—sometimes, you need to turn up the heat and put your opponents on their heels. But playing aggressively doesn’t just mean hitting the ball as hard as possible. It’s about using the right shot at the right time to take control of the point.
In this guide, we’re breaking down five of the most aggressive shots in pickleball—what makes them so deadly, when to use them, and how to execute them without making costly mistakes.
1. The Speed-Up – Catch Your Opponent Off Guard
What It Is:
The speed-up is when you turn a soft dink exchange into an instant attack, catching your opponent off guard with a fast-paced shot before they can react. This shot is especially effective in hand battles at the net, where quick reflexes decide the winner.
Why It’s Aggressive:
✅ Takes opponents by surprise when they’re expecting a soft shot.
✅ Forces defensive errors by speeding up the rally.
✅ Gives you control of the exchange, making your opponent react instead of dictating the point.
When to Use It:
- Opponent is leaning forward and expecting a dink.
- You get a slightly higher ball in a dink rally—a perfect setup for attack.
- Opponent has a weak backhand and struggles with fast shots.
How to Execute It:
- Stay Low & Balanced – Keep your stance ready to explode into the shot.
- Use a Short, Fast Wrist Motion – A quick flick of the wrist rather than a full arm swing adds speed without overshooting.
- Aim for the Paddle Side or Body – Harder to react when it’s close to them.
If your speed-ups aren’t landing right, this video breaks down what’s going wrong—and how to fix it for more consistent, effective shots every time:
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Speeding up from a low ball – If the ball is too low, you’ll likely hit into the net.
❌ Being too predictable – Mix in dinks and resets so opponents don’t see it coming.
❌ Overhitting – A well-placed speed-up is better than raw power.
Skill Level for This Shot:
3.5+ – Start practicing with higher dinks before using deception.
2. The Erne – Jump the Kitchen for an Instant Attack
What It Is:
The Erne is one of the flashiest and most effective aggressive shots in pickleball. It involves stepping (or jumping) outside the kitchen to attack a ball before it crosses the net—often catching opponents completely off guard.
Why It’s Aggressive:
✅ Puts you in an ideal attacking position right next to the net.
✅ Completely takes time away from your opponent.
✅ Turns a dink rally into an immediate offensive opportunity.
When to Use It:
- Opponent dinks down the sideline—the perfect setup.
- You anticipate a soft shot and can move early.
- Opponent struggles with fast play and won’t react in time.
How to Execute It:
- Recognize the Opportunity – Watch for predictable cross-court or sideline dinks.
- Step Outside the Kitchen – Both feet must be outside the NVZ before hitting.
- Attack the Ball Early – Strike before your opponent knows what’s happening.
Watch this video for top tips on executing a perfectly legal Erne:
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Moving too early – If you tip off your opponent, they’ll adjust.
❌ Foot faulting – Your feet must be completely outside the NVZ before contact.
❌ Forcing the Erne – Only go for it when the setup is there.
Skill Level for This Shot:
4.0+ – Requires quick reactions and good anticipation.
3. The ATP (Around-the-Post) – The Ultimate Angle Shot
What It Is:
An ATP (Around-the-Post) shot is when you let the ball travel out wide past the net post and drive it back into your opponent’s court without crossing over the net. It’s completely legal and one of the most satisfying shots to hit in pickleball.
Why It’s Aggressive:
✅ Completely bypasses your opponent’s defense.
✅ Gives them almost no time to react.
✅ Forces weak returns (if they can even reach it).
When to Use It:
- Opponent hits a wide dink or drive that pulls you off-court.
- The ball stays low and gives you an open angle.
- You’re positioned well enough to keep the ball in play.
How to Execute It:
- Let the Ball Travel Wide – Don’t try to cut it off too early.
- Stay Low & Swing Parallel to the Net – Keep your paddle low and drive through the ball.
- Aim Deep & Cross-Court – The deeper the shot, the harder it is to return.
Watch this one simple tip to nail your ATP shot every time:
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Trying an ATP when the ball is too close to the net.
❌ Hitting too high – Keep the shot low to avoid an easy counterattack.
❌ Forcing the ATP – If the setup isn’t right, reset instead.
Skill Level for This Shot:
4.0+ – Best for players who can control angles and ball placement.
4. The Swinging Volley – A Faster, More Attacking Volley
What It Is:
Unlike a traditional punch volley, a swinging volley is a full low-to-high swing on a volleyed ball, often adding topspin to make the shot dip quickly after crossing the net.
Why It’s Aggressive:
✅ Lets you attack balls that are below net level.
✅ Adds power and topspin to make the ball harder to return.
✅ Takes time away from your opponent.
When to Use It:
- Opponent hits a slow, high dink or reset.
- You want to keep pressure on your opponent.
- You need extra topspin to dip the ball into the court.
Watch this quick video from Coach Kevin Beeson for easy tips on hitting a great swinging volley:
How to Execute It:
- Use an Eastern or Semi-Western Grip – This helps generate topspin.
- Brush Up on the Ball – A low-to-high motion creates dip and control.
- Follow Through Fully – Ensures a fluid motion rather than a slap.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Swinging too flat – You need topspin to keep the ball in play.
❌ Hitting too hard – Power without control leads to errors.
❌ Making the shot too obvious – Mix it in with punch volleys for deception.
Skill Level for This Shot:
3.5+ – Effective if practiced properly.
4.5+ – When used correctly, it’s a deadly offensive tool.
5. The Roll Volley – The Next-Level Attacking Shot
What It Is:
A roll volley is a compact, controlled volley where you add topspin using a quick roll of your wrist and forearm. It’s faster than a dink but has more shape and safety than a flat speed-up.
Why It’s Aggressive:
✅ Combines control and power in one shot.
✅ Forces opponents to hit up, setting up putaways.
✅ Can be disguised as a dink, adding deception.
When to Use It:
- Opponent is expecting a soft dink.
- You have a higher contact point near net level.
- You need a safe, controlled attack.
How to Execute It:
- Use a Short, Compact Swing – Focus on brushing up for spin.
- Keep Your Wrist Loose – Allows for better acceleration and disguise.
- Aim for Their Paddle Side or Backhand – Harder to counter.
Coach John Cincola shares key tips for a killer roll volley:
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Swinging too hard – Keep it short and controlled for better spin.
❌ Hitting too low – Wait for a higher ball to avoid the net.
❌ Not using topspin – Brush up on the ball to keep it in play.
Skill Level for This Shot:
3.5+ – Can be used as a safer alternative to the speed-up.
Smart Aggression Wins Games
Aggression in pickleball isn’t just about power—it’s about decision-making. The best players don’t just hit hard; they choose the right moments to attack and know when to hold back. If you speed up at the wrong time, you’re handing your opponent an easy counter. If you force an Erne when the setup isn’t there, you’re giving away a free point.
The key? Controlled aggression. Pick your moments, disguise your attacks, and mix it up. Keep your opponents guessing, and you’ll always have the upper hand.
So next time you step on the court, don’t just play—impose your game. Make your opponents react to you. And most importantly, have fun while making them scramble. 🏓🔥
