You know that moment in a pickleball game when your opponent is locked in on your paddle, waiting to pounce on your next shot? What if you could send them flying in the wrong direction—while you casually place the ball exactly where you want it?
Enter the No-Look Shot—a sneaky, effective, and downright fun way to fake out your opponents without losing control of your shot.
This isn’t just for showboating. When done right, the no-look shot can open up easy putaways, force errors, and make you look like a total pickleball wizard (which, let’s be honest, is always fun).
Let’s break down what it is, when to use it, how to practice it, and why you don’t have to be Ben Johns to pull it off.
What is a No-Look Shot in Pickleball?
A no-look shot is exactly what it sounds like—you hit the ball without looking directly at your target, making your opponent think it’s going one way when it’s actually going another.
It’s not a reckless, blind swing. Instead, you’re using your body, eyes, and paddle position to sell a fake—while still maintaining full control over the shot.
It’s like being a quarterback looking off a defender before making a pass or a basketball player faking a no-look pass to an open teammate. It throws opponents off-balance, which gives you an edge in rallies.
When (and Why) to Use the No-Look Shot
The best time to use the no-look shot is when your opponent is closely watching your eyes and body position to anticipate your next move.
Here’s when to deploy it:
✅ At the kitchen line: Use it to fake a crosscourt dink, then send it straight down the line.
✅ On drop shots: Make it look like you’re dropping it short, then flick it deeper.
✅ When your opponent is leaning: If they’re expecting a shot in one direction, make them commit—then place it somewhere else.
✅ In hand battles: A quick no-look flick can send a volley past an opponent stuck in attack mode.
And here’s when not to use it:
❌ If you’re out of position – Don’t prioritize trickery over smart shot placement.
❌ Against super patient players – Some opponents won’t bite on fakes. If they’re not reacting, it won’t be effective.
❌ If you haven’t mastered control yet – Hitting no-look shots without accuracy just makes you look reckless.
How to Hit a No-Look Shot Without Losing Control
A good no-look shot is all about deception and execution. Follow these steps:
1. Sell the Fake with Your Eyes and Body
Your opponent is reading your head position, shoulders, and paddle angle—so use them to sell your fake.
- Look in one direction while subtly angling your paddle toward your actual target.
- Keep your shoulders and body neutral so you can quickly adjust.
- Hold your gaze on the fake target just long enough to make them commit.
2. Use a Soft Grip for Control
Your paddle grip should be relaxed, around a 4/10 pressure. This keeps you fluid and precise, allowing last-second adjustments.
3. Execute a Controlled Flick or Push
- For dinks, use a soft wrist flick to change direction at the last second.
- For volleys, keep your paddle in front and use a quick push to redirect the ball.
- For groundstrokes, use a controlled roll with topspin to guide the shot.
4. Keep Your Motion Smooth
No jerky movements! A good no-look shot looks just like your normal stroke—until the last second when you change direction.
Watch pro Sarah Ansboury break down the no-look shot and the art of deception in pickleball:
How to Practice the No-Look Shot
You don’t need a pro-level opponent to practice deception. Here’s how to train your no-look shot:
Solo Practice (Wall Drill)
🏓 Find a wall and mark a small target area.
👀 Look in one direction while aiming for the actual target.
🔄 Try different spins and speeds to get comfortable controlling the ball without direct focus.
Partner Drills (Live Play Simulation)
📍 Dink & Fake Drill
- Start a normal dinking rally.
- Look crosscourt but send it straight down the line.
- Have your partner call out if they got fooled or not.
📍 Volley Redirection Drill
- Stand at the kitchen line with a partner.
- Have them feed volleys at you.
- Look at one spot but redirect the ball somewhere else.
📍 Game Situational Drill
- Play regular points with a partner.
- Once per rally, attempt a no-look shot and see if they react.
- If they fall for it, you’re on the right track!
Who Should Use the No-Look Shot?
✔ Intermediate & Advanced Players – If you can control dinks, volleys, and placement, this is a great weapon to add to your game.
✔ Players Who Face Aggressive Opponents – If your opponents are jumping on shots early, use this to freeze them in place.
✔ Anyone Who Loves to Have Fun – Let’s be honest, pulling off a no-look shot feels amazing (especially when your opponent falls for it).
Who Should Hold Off?
❌ Beginners – Focus on consistency and shot placement first.
❌ Players Who Struggle with Accuracy – If you’re still popping up dinks, work on control before adding deception.
Why You Should Try It
The no-look shot isn’t about showing off—it’s about adding an element of deception to your game. When used correctly, it opens up easy winners, forces errors, and gives you the upper hand in fast-paced exchanges.
But like any advanced skill, it takes practice, patience, and confidence to execute under pressure.
Next time you’re on the court, try one no-look shot per game—just for fun. If it works? Congratulations, you’ve just added a new weapon to your game.
And if it doesn’t? At least you’ll have given your opponent something to think about for the next time you play. 😉
