What “Hit With Purpose” Actually Means

You’ve probably heard your coach say, “Hit with purpose!” and wondered, “Okay… but what does that actually mean?” In everyday terms, it’s about treating each shot as a mission instead of just sending the ball back. Rather than hitting on autopilot, you decide why you’re hitting: to push opponents back, force a mistake, open up space, or buy time. When you adopt this mindset, you’ll notice:

• Fewer random errors: You aim at something, so you focus better.
• More control of rallies: You’re guiding the point instead of scrambling.
• Higher game IQ: You learn to read situations and choose shots intelligently.
• Better teamwork: You and your partner share a plan rather than reacting independently.
• More fun and confidence: You feel in charge, not at the mercy of opponent pace.

Let’s walk through common shots in doubles—serve, return, third shot, dink, speed-up, volley/reset—and unpack what “purpose” looks like in each case, with practical tips and enough technical background to understand why certain choices work.

Your Pickleball Purpose Playbook

Shot	Primary Purpose	When to Use	Key Tip
Serve	Push opponent back / set up rally	Once consistent—aim deep or to weaker side	Pick a half-box target and vary depth/angle
Return	Pin servers back / enable net rush	On every serve—return deep toward a target	Aim deep middle/backhand and move to kitchen
3rd-Shot Drop	Neutralize net, transition forward	Short/medium returns or when opponents ready	Brush up gently, land just in kitchen
3rd-Shot Drive	Apply pressure / elicit weak reply	When return sits up and opponents less ready	Compact swing, target body/feet, prepare next
Dink	Probe weaknesses / control rally	During kitchen exchanges	Vary placement/depth/spin; move opponents
Speed-Up	Force weak reply / set up finish	On an attackable dink (knee–waist height)	Choose target wisely; expect and prepare next
Volley Attack	Finish point or create advantage	When high/weak ball arrives at net	Aim away from paddle, control angle/pace
Volley Reset	Neutralize opponent attack	When opponents drive at you	Soft block into kitchen; focus on absorbing
Transition Reset	Regain net position	Stuck in mid-court under pressure	Soft drop into kitchen instead of wild swing

1. Serves: More than “Just Get It In”

At early stages, “just get the serve in” is fine. But once you’re comfortable with consistency, start using the serve to nudge opponents into trouble:

• Aim for depth: A deep serve (landing near the baseline) pins returners back, making their reply softer or higher. Since they can’t step in aggressively, you gain time to approach the net.
• Choose a spot: Even if your power is modest, pick a target—maybe the opponent’s backhand corner or a widow’s peak between opponents. That focus forces them to move or adjust.
• Consider spin or pace sparingly: A little topspin or a slightly faster serve can add bite, but only if you can still land it reliably. Missing a serve is the ultimate “lack of purpose.”
• Vary intelligently: Don’t serve the same depth or angle on every point. Mix deep-middle, deep-to-backhand, or slightly shorter “surprise” serves when you sense they expect depth. The variation keeps them guessing.

Why it works: A serve that lands deep or toward a weaker side reduces the opponent’s reaction window and ability to attack on their return. Technically, depth forces a higher incoming angle and slower pace for their reply, making your third shot easier.

Practical tip: Pick a half-box (e.g., deep right) as your primary target until you can hit it consistently. Then occasionally switch to deep left or add subtle spin. Always ask: “What do I want to achieve? Push them back or jam their backhand?”

2. Return of Serve: Seize Early Control

In doubles, the returner has a chance to seize control by sending the ball deep. A thoughtful return does two things: pins servers back and paves your path to the net.

• Return deep and toward a target: Aim for the baseline or mid-court corner, ideally to the opponent with the weaker third-shot ability. Depth slows their attack and gives you time to approach.
• Choose cross-court vs. down-the-line: Cross-court returns offer more margin (longer diagonal) but may let the nearer opponent volley; down-the-line can surprise but is riskier. Decide based on court position and opponent tendencies.
• Mix in a lob if needed: If you’re under heavy pressure or can’t get a clean deep return, a high lob can reset and let you and partner reposition—though it concedes net control temporarily.
• Mind your footwork: After a deep return, immediately sprint or shuffle toward the NVZ. The quicker you transition, the more you capitalize on your purposeful return.

Check out Pickleball Union’s Coach Marko Grgić as he shares tips on how to nail deep returns:

Why it works: Depth plus accurate placement reduces opponents’ ability to attack, stretching them physically and mentally. For a 3.0–4.0 game, pushing them behind the baseline often leads to a weaker third shot (higher/lighter), setting up your next move.

Practical tip: On practice courts, mark a target zone (e.g., a taped area near baseline). Drill returning into that zone until it’s habitual. Then, in matches, your “return purpose” becomes automatic: “deep middle” or “deep backhand.”

3. Third Shot: Drop vs. Drive with a Plan

The third shot often dictates whether the serving team can seize net control or get punished. “With purpose” here means choosing between a drop or a drive based on situation—and executing each with a clear objective.

Third-Shot Drop

• Purpose: Neutralize opponents at the net and safely transition forward. You want a low, soft ball landing in the NVZ, so they can’t attack, and you can move in.
• When to drop: Return sits up short, you’re already moving forward, or opponents are near the NVZ ready to pounce. Also when wind or court conditions favor a soft ball.
• How to drop: Use a gentle, upward brushing motion to clear the net by a few inches and land close to the NVZ line. Aim for a spot in front of one opponent (ideally the weaker one) or toward the sideline to make their next shot awkward.
• Common mistake: Half-hearted drop that either hits the net or floats too high. Without clear intent on trajectory and placement, drops fail. Focus on “just enough” height and targeted landing area.
• Follow-up: After a good drop, move in quickly to kitchen line. Be ready for a low return dink—your goal is to control that next exchange.

Third-Shot Drive

• Purpose: Apply pressure and force a weak reply (pop-up or block) that you or partner can attack. You’re not expecting an outright winner, but a setup for the fifth shot.
• When to drive: Return is deep enough that you can swing at it comfortably, opponents are not fully ready at net, or you spot a “meatball” sitting up. Also if you or partner have strong volleys/hands to handle the ensuing exchange.
• How to drive: Use a compact swing with moderate power, aim at the opponent’s body or feet, or at an area they struggle to block (e.g., their paddle-side shoulder). Keep paddle face slightly closed (angle down) to avoid popping up.
• Common mistake: Wild drives out of frustration or without backup. If you drive into two prepared net players, you hand them an easy put-away. Always scan: “Can I handle their likely block?” If not, consider drop instead.
• Follow-up: Anticipate their block: get paddle up, ready for fast volley, or be poised to drop the fifth shot if they pop up. Your intent isn’t just the drive itself but the sequence it triggers.

Deciding Drop vs. Drive

• Assess return depth/height: Short returns favor drops; deeper returns may suit a drive if you have room and timing.
• Opponent positioning: If opponents are tight at net and ready, drop is safer. If they’re caught flat-footed or out of position, drive can punish.
• Your strengths: If you’ve practiced delicate drops, lean that way; if you have strong volley hands and partners to back you, a drive can be potent.
• Match context: If score is tight and you can’t risk a failed drop, maybe drive. If you need to calm pace and avoid risky exchanges, drop.

Why it works: A purposeful drop interrupts opponents’ net attack, while a purposeful drive sets up a likely weak reply. Both rely on reading spin, trajectory, and positioning—key technical skills.

Understanding ball physics (e.g., how much spin or speed the return has) helps you judge if a drop will skid or a drive will be attackable.

Practical tip: In drills, practice both options: feed yourself or partner a variety of returns (short, deep, floating) and decide consciously which to hit. After each, note the outcome: did the drop land well? Did the drive produce a pop-up? Over time, you build an intuitive sense for “purposeful third shot.”

Dinking: Soft Game with Strategy

Dinks often feel endless: paddle meets ball, ball dribbles over net, repeat. Without intent, rallies drag on until someone errors. With purpose, each dink probes for weakness or creates opportunities.

• Vary placement: Don’t dink to the same spot. Alternate between wide angles (stretch them laterally), cross-court center, and occasionally straight down the line. Each variation forces different footwork and can expose openings.
• Vary depth: A slightly shallower dink (just over net) can invite a pop-up; a deeper one (landing near NVZ baseline) can push them back. Choose based on your plan: do you want to tempt a loose reply or keep them pinned?
• Use spin/height tactically: A slice dink staying super low may jam them; a lightly higher arc to their feet can be awkward. If you see they struggle with low balls, purposefully add more slice. If you notice they pop up high, aim shallow to invite that pop-up for your put-away.
• Mix aggression and resets: If they dink aggressively at you, your purposeful response might be a safe cross-court dink to reset. If they show vulnerability (loose return), you might step in and lightly “attack” with a firmer dink aimed at their midsection.
• Move them around: Picture you’re playing chess: dink wide, then dink the opposite side when they shift, creating angles. The goal is to open up a gap for a future attack or induce an error.
• Watch body language: If opponent is off-balance or reaching, purposefully hit there. If they recover quickly, purposefully change pace to keep them guessing.
• Mental cues: Before each dink, think “Where do I want them to go next?” rather than “Just keep it in.” That simple shift changes your focus from passive defense to active probing.

Why it works (theory): Even soft shots involve spin, angle, and pace. By controlling these variables with intent, you manipulate the ball’s bounce and opponent’s reaction window. Technical understanding of slice vs. topspin on dinks helps you choose the right tool for the moment.

Practical tip: In partner drills, set a small challenge: “In this rally, I must win the point within 3 dinks by purposeful placement.” Or track outcomes: after each dink rally, ask “What purposeful choice led to the weak reply or error?” Reflecting builds awareness of how intent influences result.

4. Speed-Ups: Attack with a Plan

Speed-ups (or “attacks” during soft rallies) can be thrilling but risky if done haphazardly. Purpose here means choosing the right moment, target, and anticipating the next ball.

• Pick the right ball: Don’t rip every dink. Wait for a ball at knee-to-waist height that you can drive with control. If it’s too low or too high, hold off.
• Choose your target: Aim at opponent’s body or feet, or to the side that’s harder for them to redirect. Avoid speeding up right at a ready opponent’s paddle face.
• Expect the counter: Assume your speed-up will come back. Prepare your paddle up and ready for a fast volley exchange. If you can’t handle the likely reply, maybe delay the attack.
• Plan post-attack: Know what you’ll do after their block: step in for a put-away, or drop the next shot into the kitchen if they pop up. Your speed-up’s purpose is often to induce a weak return that you can finish.
• Know when to reset: If your hands (and partner’s hands) are slower than opponents’, a purposeful decision may be to reset instead of continuing to speed up. Conversely, if you have quick reflexes, you may choose to keep pressing.
• Use variation: If you speed up too predictably, opponents adapt. Mix in occasional resets or different targets so they can’t time you.

Why it works: A well-timed speed-up reduces opponents’ reaction window and exploits their positioning. Technically, faster pace combined with targeted placement forces awkward angles or hurried responses.

Understanding your own and opponents’ reaction capabilities (reaction-window concept) guides your decision.

Practical tip: In drills, practice speed-ups with a partner: take turns deciding whether to speed up or reset, and observe outcomes. Note which placements yield weak replies. Over time, you learn situational triggers for purposeful attacks.

5. Volleys & Resets: Net Exchanges with Intention

When both teams meet at the NVZ, things get fast. Purpose here is about choosing when to attack and when to soften, even in split-second volleys.

Aggressive Volleys

• Spot an opening: If you see a high-ish ball or a loose block from opponents, attack with placement: aim away from them, toward open court or their feet, not directly at their paddle. Even a fast volley should have a target.
• Control paddle angle: Slightly close face to keep the ball low, preventing easy counterattack. Technical note: a downward angle of a few degrees helps the ball skid low, reducing opponent’s reaction time and blocking options.
• Step or adjust body: Move forward or shift laterally into the ideal contact zone so your volley has the best angle. A purposeful volley combines movement and placement.
• Follow up plan: After your aggressive volley, expect a possible block. Be ready to finish or reset. Even when volleying hard, know the likely next scenario rather than celebrating prematurely.

Defensive Resets

• Soft block technique: When a drive comes at you, use “soft hands” to absorb pace and drop the ball into opponents’ kitchen. The purpose: neutralize their attack and reset to a dink rally.
• Mindset cue: Mentally say “reset” as you prepare, reminding yourself not to swing wildly. This shifts you into absorption mode, using opponents’ power against them.
• Paddle positioning: Keep paddle in front, angle slightly open to catch the ball and guide it downward. Technical detail: letting the paddle “give” a bit on contact reduces rebound speed.
• Follow-up movement: After a good reset, your goal is to move forward or reposition to control the next dink exchange. A purposeful reset isn’t just defense; it’s a setup for you to reclaim initiative.

Mid-Court Situations

• Transition resets: If you’re stuck in No-Man’s Land and opponents at net, choose a soft drop into kitchen rather than a panicked drive. Purpose: buy time and get to net.
• Volleys from awkward spots: Even when stretched, aim blocks to safe zones (center or opposite side) rather than slapping randomly. A purposeful choice reduces outright errors.

Why it works: Volleys involve reaction time and paddle angle control. By consciously adjusting angle and pace, you influence the ball’s post-contact trajectory.

Soft resets exploit momentum and gravity to drop the ball low; aggressive volleys exploit openings and geometry to finish points.

Practical tip: In volley drills, simulate pressure by having partner feed drives unpredictably; practice both soft resets (“drop it in”) and aggressive volleys with clear targets. After each rally, discuss which purposeful choice led to success or failure.

Putting It into Practice

1. Pre-point ritual: Before each serve or return, take a breath and pick a simple intent: “Deep serve to backhand,” “Return deep cross-court,” “Third-shot drop to sideline,” etc. Even naming it mentally helps focus.
2. Practice with targets: Use cones or markers on the court for serves, returns, third shots, and volleys. Hitting to a visual target reinforces purposeful aim.
3. Reflect after points: When a rally ends, ask: “What intent did I have? Did it work? What could I try next time?” This builds awareness of how purpose influences outcome.
4. Partner alignment: Discuss with your partner simple intentions: “On my third-shot drop, I’ll aim to your forehand side” or “If I drive and you see a pop-up, be ready down the center.” Shared purpose boosts teamwork.
5. Simulated scenarios: In drills, vary situations so you decide purposefully: e.g., random feeds where you choose drop vs. drive; dink drills where you vary placement; volley pressure drills emphasizing resets vs. attacks.
6. Balance ambition and safety: Purposeful doesn’t mean reckless. Always weigh risk vs. reward: is this shot likely to achieve the goal without handing free points? If not, choose a safer purposeful option (e.g., deeper serve rather than risky angle).

Why This Shot, Why Now?

Hitting with purpose shifts you from reactive to strategic. At first, it might feel clunky to think through every shot. But with practice, it becomes second nature: you see the setup, choose your response, and execute with intention.

Early on, your purpose can be simple—“hit deep,” or “dink to their backhand.” As your game evolves, so does your precision: “jam with slice,” “speed up when they’re off-balance,” “reset and aim middle.” These layers come from reps and reflection.

Think of each shot like a mini conversation: “I’m sending this—how will you respond?” That mindset—choosing, not just hitting—is what elevates your game.

So next time you hear “hit with purpose,” smile and think: What’s my mission this shot? Then go make it count. Happy pickling!