Playing against better players can feel intimidating, but it’s also one of the best opportunities to improve your skills.
If you’ve found yourself in games with higher-level opponents and wondered how to make the most out of it, here are some practical tips to help you hold your ground and even make an impression.
1. How to make Sure You’re Invited Back
The best way to ensure you’ll be welcomed back to higher-level games is to embrace the role of a learner. Be open to feedback—sometimes even unsolicited advice—and avoid making excuses. Instead of trying risky shots or only focusing on impressing others, use the game as an opportunity to improve.
Higher-level players respect humility and a willingness to learn. Remember, they can tell who’s genuinely trying to get better versus who just wants to show off.
Practical Tip: If someone offers advice, listen attentively, even if you don’t apply it immediately. Show appreciation, as their insights can make a big difference in your development.
2. Target Weaknesses Thoughtfully
When facing better players, it’s essential to make strategic decisions. One effective tactic is to identify and target the opponent’s weaknesses. For most players, the backhand is weaker than the forehand. If you can, direct the ball towards your opponent’s backhand, especially during key moments of the match.
Practical Tip: When serving or rallying, aim towards the left side of the box if your opponent is right-handed. This forces them to use their backhand, which might be less consistent, giving you a slight edge.
3. Improve Your Serve
Serving in pickleball is about consistency, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make your serve challenging. Adding some extra pace, targeting weak spots, or using spin are all ways to elevate your serve and make it harder for opponents to return comfortably.
Practical Tip: Practice adding topspin to your serve by brushing up behind the ball during contact. Target weak spots like your opponent’s backhand, their body (which makes it harder to return), or deep corners of the service box. You can also vary between topspin and side spin to keep your opponent guessing.
Here’s a great, 60-second video on how to add topspin to your serve:
4. Prioritize Shot Execution Over Winning
It’s easy to get caught up in trying to win every point, but when you’re playing against more skilled opponents, your goal should be to improve your shot consistency and execution. Often, players make the mistake of trying to hit risky, low-percentage shots, leading to unforced errors.
Practical Tip: Focus on hitting smart, controlled shots. For example, try to return serves down the middle or to your opponent’s feet. This reduces errors and gives you a better chance of staying in the rally.
5. Dinking is Everything at Higher Levels
Dinking is one of the most critical skills in pickleball, especially in advanced games. Better players will take advantage of a weak dink, so make sure you practice dinking consistently and accurately. A good dink can help you reset the rally, slow down the pace, and force your opponent into making mistakes.
Practical Tip: Practice dinking towards your opponent’s backhand, as this will likely be a weaker area. Mix up your shot placements and keep the ball low over the net to make it more challenging for your opponents.
Be sure to master different types of dinks to up your aggression at the kitchen line—like the push dink, for example:
6. Be Unpredictable
While consistency is key, occasionally surprising your opponent can give you an advantage. Varying your tactics—such as using a drive, a drop shot, or even a lob—can make you less predictable and force your opponent to adapt.
Practical Tip: Use a drive when your opponent’s return is short and high. For drop shots, pick moments when your opponent is positioned far back, expecting a powerful shot.
7. Understand Court Positioning
Proper court positioning can make a huge difference, especially when playing against skilled players. Stay glued to the kitchen line whenever possible, as this allows you better angles for returns and puts pressure on your opponents. Also, understand when to back off briefly to give yourself more time when dealing with high, difficult shots.
Practical Tip: When your opponent is forced to hit a low shot, move in to apply pressure. If you accidentally give your opponent a high ball, step back slightly to prepare for a powerful return.
8. Stay Positive and Manage Emotions
Playing against stronger opponents can be frustrating, especially if you’re not winning points. However, maintaining a positive attitude is crucial. Don’t let mistakes or losses get to you. Every rally is a chance to learn, and the best way to improve is to stay focused and keep a clear mind.
Practical Tip: If you make a mistake, take a deep breath, and focus on the next point. Positive self-talk, like “I’m learning and getting better,” can help keep you in the right mindset.
9. Communicate with Your Partner
If you’re playing doubles, communication is vital, particularly when playing with or against stronger players. Talk to your partner about strategies—whether you want them to take the middle shots or let you take them. Clear expectations reduce confusion and ensure you’re working together effectively.
Practical Tip: Before starting, agree with your partner on roles, especially regarding middle shots and who will cover specific areas.
10. Embrace the Opportunity
Finally, remember that playing with higher-level players is an invaluable experience. These games give you a chance to push your limits, learn new techniques, and get better faster. Be grateful for the opportunity and show your appreciation.
Practical Tip: After the game, thank your opponents and even ask for feedback if appropriate. Showing gratitude encourages them to invite you again.
How to Approach Better Players and Ask for a Game
If you want to play with better players, it’s important to approach them the right way. A respectful and positive attitude can go a long way in getting them to agree to a game with you.
Rule #1: Be polite and direct. Politely ask if they are open to playing a game with you. For example, you could say, “Hi, would you mind if I join for a game? I’m really looking to improve and would love the opportunity to play with you.” A direct but humble approach shows that you value their time and skill.
Rule #2: Show genuine interest in learning. Express that you’re eager to learn from them, and make it clear that you’re not just looking to win but to improve your game. This attitude can make higher-level players more inclined to include you.
Rule #3: Be flexible with timing. Understand that better players might have their own schedules or preferred partners. Offer to play whenever it’s convenient for them, which shows respect for their time.
Rule #4: Be flexible with timing. Understand that better players might have their own schedules or preferred partners. Offer to play whenever it’s convenient for them, which shows respect for their time.
Rule #5: Start by playing drills. If a full game seems too much to ask, start by asking if they would be willing to do some drills with you. This is often a lower-pressure way for better players to see your commitment to improving without the intensity of a full match.
Rule #6: Accept a “no” graciously. If they decline, thank them for considering it and move on without hard feelings. It’s important not to push or make anyone uncomfortable, as this can affect your chances in the future.
What to Do If Better Players Aren’t Treating You Right
Unfortunately, not every higher-level player will be supportive or respectful. If you find that better players are not treating you well or are unwilling to play with you, it’s essential to handle the situation with grace while advocating for yourself.
Practical Tip 1: Stay polite and positive. If someone is dismissive or rude, don’t take it personally. Remember that their behavior reflects on them, not on your value as a player.
Practical Tip 2: Seek out other opportunities. If certain players aren’t welcoming, look for others who are. Many experienced players enjoy helping others improve, and you’ll find supportive groups if you stay persistent.
Practical Tip 3: Be assertive when necessary. If you are consistently being treated unfairly, it’s okay to assert yourself respectfully. You could say, “I feel like I’m not being given a fair chance. I’m here to learn, and I would appreciate the opportunity to improve alongside everyone else.” Sometimes, addressing the issue directly can lead to better outcomes.
Practical Tip 4: Build relationships off the court. Getting to know players off the court can make a big difference in how they treat you on the court. Be friendly, approachable, and engage in conversations.
Embrace Every Challenge, Embrace Improvement
Playing against stronger players may be challenging, but it’s also an excellent way to grow. By adopting a learning mindset, focusing on smart shot selection, and keeping a positive attitude, you’ll gradually improve and close the gap between you and the better players.
Embrace each game as a learning experience, and remember—the journey to getting better is all about persistence and smart practice.
Happy playing!
