In pickleball, mastering shot selection is key to success. Some shots, however, can drag your game down—especially as you progress to higher levels of play.
Here’s a look at the worst shots in pickleball, why they don’t work, and at what levels they become less effective.
1. The High, Slow Lob
- Why It’s a Bad Shot: While lobs can work at beginner levels, a high, slow lob is a sitting target for advanced players. They will easily smash it back for a winner.
- When It Fails: Intermediate to advanced levels. Players here are quick to position themselves for a powerful overhead.
- Pro Tip: If you must lob, keep it deep and fast, ideally over the backhand side, forcing opponents into a weaker response.
2. The Pop-Up Dink
- Why It’s a Bad Shot: A dink that pops up too high gives your opponent an easy put-away shot. In doubles, this can cost you valuable points.
- When It Fails: Any level beyond beginner. As soon as your opponent learns how to handle net play, high dinks will be punished.
- Pro Tip: Focus on soft, controlled dinks that stay low over the net. Keep your paddle steady and avoid excessive wrist motion.
3. The Forehand Slice Return
- Why It’s a Bad Shot: A forehand slice return tends to stay low but also bounces short, allowing your opponent to take control of the rally early.
- When It Fails: Intermediate and above. Skilled opponents will use this shot as a setup to take control of the net.
- Pro Tip: Mix up your returns. Use deep, flat shots that push your opponent back or a controlled topspin shot to keep them off balance.
4. The Drop Shot Volley
- Why It’s a Bad Shot: If your opponent is deep and you’re at the net, using a drop shot volley is usually a mistake. It allows them to move forward easily and regain control of the court.
- When It Fails: At all levels, this shot often lets your opponent close the gap and take over the net.
- Pro Tip: Only use this shot if your opponent is off balance or hitting from their back foot. Otherwise, they’ll likely use it to regain control.
5. The Overhit Serve
- Why It’s a Bad Shot: A serve with too much power and not enough control can easily go out of bounds, giving away free points.
- When It Fails: Any level, but particularly costly at higher levels where opponents expect consistency and precision from serves.
- Pro Tip: Focus on control. Vary your serves with placement, spin, and speed to keep your opponent guessing while avoiding unnecessary errors.
The Importance of Shot Selection
As you progress in pickleball, understanding when and where to hit each shot becomes vital. Beginner players can sometimes rely on basic shots, but higher-level players require strategic shot placement to stay competitive.
- Control Over Power: At more advanced levels, power alone won’t win points. Skilled players are ready for fast-paced balls, so it’s more important to have control and accuracy.
- Anticipation: As your game develops, you’ll need to start reading your opponent better—anticipating their next move so you can place your shot effectively.
How to Bounce Back from a Bad Shot
We’ve all been there—hitting a shot that makes you cringe the moment it leaves your paddle. Even the pros make mistakes! But the real difference comes in how you recover.
Letting one bad shot get in your head can spiral into more errors, so here’s how to quickly shake it off and keep your game on track.
1. Acknowledge It, Then Let It Go
After a bad shot, acknowledge it mentally but don’t dwell on it. Focusing too much on errors can lead to frustration and more mistakes.
2. Refocus on the Next Point
Immediately shift your attention to the next point. Take a deep breath, visualize your next shot, and get ready to execute it.
3. Analyze Later, Not During Play
Save the analysis for after the game. During play, stick to your strategies. Reviewing your mistakes later will help you improve without disrupting your current flow.
4. Keep Your Confidence Up
Don’t let one bad shot shake your confidence. Every player has off moments, but the best players know how to bounce back quickly.
The Shots You’ll Want to Leave Behind
The high lob or pop-up dink might’ve worked at first, but as you improve, these can quickly cost you the game. The good news? Every mistake is a chance to learn.
Next time you hit one of these “worst” shots, don’t stress—just refocus, reset, and come back stronger. After all, every rally is a fresh start! Keep practicing, keep improving, and remember: even the pros were where you are now! 🎾
