Top Six Pickleball Strategies: Pickleball continues to evolve, becoming faster and more competitive. A recent video shared six key strategies to help players improve their hand speed and dominate hands battles on the court.
Speed Up and Shift
The first tip is to “speed up and shift.” After speeding up the ball, players should shift their body weight to one side. The direction depends on where they are on the court. For example, on the left side, players should shift to the left and open their paddle face to their forehand side if they are right-handed. This prevents the ball from coming directly back to them, which often leads to awkward and defensive positions. Players should never stay in alignment with where they sped up the ball, as this leaves them vulnerable to fast returns.
Play to Your Strengths
The second strategy involves playing to your strengths. If you’re more comfortable with forehand shots, prioritize them, and if backhands are your strength, stick to those. Practicing your weaker side, particularly your backhand, can improve your range and make you more adaptable in high-pressure situations.
Drill with the Pros
Practicing with professional-level drills is crucial. Using resources like the Pickleball Drills app, which provides hundreds of drills taught by experts, can be incredibly beneficial. Drilling consistently and using the same exercises that professionals do is one of the fastest ways to enhance your hand speed.
First to Hit Down Wins
In a hands battle, the first player to hit downwards usually wins the point. The video explains that aiming for the feet of your opponent is a strategic way to force an error. To achieve this, players must angle their paddle downwards. For best results, an Eastern forehand grip can make this action smoother, though some players might benefit from the continental grip for better versatility on both forehand and backhand sides.
Move to the Right Position
The fifth strategy is to adjust your positioning. If the ball goes high, step back; if it’s low, move forward. This movement gives players more time to react and better positions their paddle for a successful return. Players are advised to back up immediately after the ball pops up to maintain a strong position and avoid giving opponents an easy target.
Effective Communication
Finally, communication is key when playing doubles. Players need to coordinate with their partner, especially when adjusting their positioning. If one player backs up after a high ball, they should call out, “Get back,” to ensure the partner moves as well. Failing to communicate can result in an easy point for the opponent.
By applying these strategies, players can increase their chances of winning 99% of hands battles. Improving hand speed and decision-making during critical moments will elevate a player’s overall game.
These pickleball strategies, shared by an experienced player, offer valuable insight into staying competitive and improving performance on the court.
News in Brief: Top Six Pickleball Strategies
Six strategies to dominate pickleball hands battles include speeding up and shifting, playing to strengths, using pro-level drills, aiming shots downward, adjusting positioning, and effective doubles communication. These pickleball tactics help improve hand speed, decision-making, and overall performance, giving players a competitive edge on the court.
ALSO READ: Ryan Fu’s Winning Technique in Pickleball: How to Turn a Dink Shot into an Offensive Move