There’s a trend in pickleball right now—everyone wants to hit harder. Power paddles, banger drills, “big drive” tutorials. And sure, crushing a ball feels great. But if you’re wondering why your winners keep landing out or your putaways pop up, here’s your answer:
You’re probably swinging too hard.
This guide isn’t about ditching power—it’s about learning when and how to use it. Because whether you’re hitting a third shot drop or an overhead smash, your power needs a purpose.
And if your shot doesn’t have placement, all that power won’t matter.
Power Guidelines by Shot Type
Let’s start with a quick-reference table. These are recommended power levels (in percentages) by shot type, based on control, positioning, and intended outcome.
| Shot Type | Suggested Power (%) | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Third Shot Drop | 30–40% | Soft arc helps land it in the kitchen and keep you in control. |
| Dinks | 10–30% | Gentle touch keeps the ball low and unattackable. |
| Overhead Smash (close) | 60–75% | Enough to finish, not enough to lose control or hit into the net. |
| Overhead Smash (lob) | 80–90% | Higher ball gives more margin for power—but still aim deep. |
| Drive (from baseline) | 70–85% | Aggressive shot to push opponents back or attack gaps. |
| Serve | 50–70% | Focus on depth, spin, and placement—not just speed. |
| Return of Serve | 40–60% | Controlled depth sets up your team to move forward. |
| Punch Volley | 50–70% | Quick reaction shot; needs enough pop to challenge, not overshoot. |
| Defensive Lob | 30–50% | Controlled lift helps reset the rally—power isn’t the goal. |
Placement Beats Power—Almost Every Time
Let’s break down why you don’t need to be a power hitter to win more points.
The Power Trap
Ever been in a rally where you get a pop-up and just know you’re going to put it away? You wind up. You crush it. And… it either goes out, hits the tape, or comes back with interest.
Happens all the time—especially when you’re hitting the ball too hard without controlling where it’s going.
The Placement Rule
Pro tip: hit as hard as you can—without sacrificing placement. That’s the golden balance. You want your shots to be difficult, not just fast.
Let’s go deeper into when to use placement versus power by shot type.
Serve and Return: Set It Up, Don’t Blow It
A powerful serve ≠ a good serve.
Pickleball isn’t tennis. A well-placed serve that targets a weak return (like your opponent’s backhand or outer foot) is far more valuable than a rocket that just speeds up the point.
Same with the return: don’t rush to blast it. A deep, soft return gives you time to move to the kitchen line—and that’s where points are won.
Try this: Serve to space, not speed. Return with depth, not force.
Drops, Dinks & Control Shots: The Low Power Game
This is where most players go wrong. They swing too hard on drops and dinks, causing the ball to float or pop up—easy targets for your opponent.
✅ The Fix:
- Use 30–40% power on drops—think arc and spin, not drive.
- Use 10–30% power on dinks—just enough to get it over, low and unattackable.
- Keep your contact point in front, and reduce backswing. Big swings = big mistakes.
If you’re popping up third shots or dinks, chances are, you’re swinging too hard or too late.
Overheads & Putaways: Power with Purpose
Here’s the trap: You get a juicy overhead and go full tennis smash mode. It rockets into the net or short middle.
The better move? Target the deep baseline or hit sharply crosscourt to the sideline. Make your opponent run or reach, not block.
3 Placement Tips from the Pros:
- From the middle? Aim deep, within 2–3 feet of the baseline.
- From the sideline? Aim short and wide—make it bounce out near the corner.
- Use 60–75% power up close, and up to 90% if it’s a lob you can attack.
One more gem: if you’re taking a high backhand, use two hands. That second hand adds control and pop, especially when reaching wide or going crosscourt.
Common Power Mistakes to Watch For
1. Overhitting putaways and third shots
Just because the ball floats doesn’t mean you need to crush it. Many players go for the knockout swing on overheads or third shot drives and end up hitting into the net or long. The smarter play?
Dial it back slightly and focus on clean, well-placed contact. Finish with control, not brute force.
2. Slamming without balance
Power means nothing if your body’s not behind it. When you’re off-balance—especially on overheads or when charging in—your mechanics break down. Footwork should come first.
Get your feet set, stay grounded, and let your body drive the shot, not just your arm.
3. Forcing sharp angles from bad positions
We’ve all done it: trying to thread a winner down the line while backpedaling or mid-lunge. But forcing angles from awkward positions usually leads to errors.
Instead, aim for smart depth or a safer zone until you’re in control.
4. Equating power with pressure
Here’s the truth: power doesn’t always scare opponents—precision does. A fast ball to the middle might come back, but a slow ball to the feet or outer hip? That creates hesitation, awkward shots, and errors.
Pressure isn’t about speed; it’s about making your opponent uncomfortable.
So… How Hard Should You Hit?
It depends. But here’s a cheat sheet:
- If your shot needs margin for error? Dial it back.
- If your opponent is scrambling? Aim deep, not hard.
- If you’re attacking a high ball? Use just enough power to end the point with placement.
Power Isn’t the Problem—Misused Power Is
Power isn’t bad. In fact, it’s critical in some scenarios. But if you can’t place your shots, power turns into a liability.
So practice with purpose. Use drills that teach you to hit with 70%, 50%, even 30% power—and still land the ball where it needs to go. Then ramp it up with control.
You’ll win more points. You’ll frustrate your opponents. And your game will start to feel effortless—even when you’re not hitting hard.
