Outsmart Pickleball Bangers: Pickleball coach CJ Johnson shared an easy strategy to help players beat strong hitters, often called “bangers.” In a video for Better Pickleball, filmed with partner Tony Roy and player Sarah, CJ explained how to stay calm and smart at the net by using a block volley and knowing when to let the ball go. This approach works well against players who rely on hitting the ball hard.
Understanding the Banger’s Game Plan
CJ Johnson explained that bangers usually hit one kind of shot: hard and fast. These players often drive the ball from the baseline and continue to hit hard even when moving closer to the net. Most senior players struggle with this type of game because they try to hit back with the same force or get nervous at the net.
To counter this, CJ said, “Today I’m going to show you how one and a half is going to help you play against the banger.”
Sarah, who helped CJ in the demo, is a powerful hitter. While she isn’t only a banger, her strong shots helped show how to react to fast-paced play. CJ noted that this strategy is helpful when opponents don’t mix up their shots and mostly focus on speed.
Choosing the Right Volley: Punch or Block
CJ Johnson stood at the non-volley zone line while Sarah drove the ball from the baseline. CJ demonstrated two types of volleys: the punch volley and the block volley. The block volley is best for slowing down the ball. “I am not trying to match her pace,” CJ said. “I’m not trying to use a punch volley. I want to use a block volley to diffuse the pace.”
CJ showed that a punch volley requires a larger swing and sends the ball deeper into the court, while a block volley is softer and keeps the ball short, often in the non-volley zone. Grip pressure is key. A lighter grip helps absorb the power of the shot and drops the ball softly over the net.
Learning the Right Grip for the Block Volley
To master the block volley, CJ emphasized the importance of grip pressure. She explained that grip pressure should be around a “three” on a scale of one to ten, with one being the lightest.
She said, “The reason that that ball went up and over the net and didn’t go very far… is just simply the grip pressure. I had a very light grip pressure on it.”
CJ explained that a light grip helps keep the ball short. A firm grip will cause the ball to fly deeper. The amount of grip pressure will decide how far the ball travels. She encouraged players to test their grip by seeing where their shot lands when using different grip levels.
CJ added, “If you have tried the block volley against the banger, put ‘block’ down in the comments below. If you tend to make a big swing, hit that punch volley or try and bang it back, put the word ‘bang’.”
The Second Step: The “Half Shot” Strategy
Even if a block volley isn’t perfect and lands around midcourt, the strategy doesn’t stop there. The next step is called the “half shot.” If the banger moves forward and prepares to hit hard again, the player should step aside and let the ball go.
“They are now in the middle of the court. They are gonna hit the ball hard, and chances are high that that ball is gonna go out,” CJ explained.
The idea is to avoid hitting the ball when it’s likely to go out on its own. As CJ said, “The minute that Sarah came into the court and started to turn her body, I had already made my decision to allow that ball to go out.”
She admitted that players might guess wrong sometimes. But learning to read the court and make smart choices is important.
Extra Advice: Don’t Always Return Every Ball
Many players feel the need to return every shot, even ones heading out. But CJ Johnson warned against that. “Most players don’t let any balls go. They just keep sitting here and doing it again and again and again,” she said. She added a fun quote from Tony Roy: “That’ll make you the banger’s huckleberry.”
CJ advised players to start letting some of those hard shots go and observe if they land out. If a banger consistently keeps the ball in, then players can adjust their strategy. She reminded players not to make changes based on one shot but to look for patterns.
She ended the session by thanking Sarah, saying, “Special thanks to Sarah. This was a bit of a warm day, and that took a lot of effort, so I appreciate her hitting all those hard shots.”
The Bigger Picture
CJ Johnson’s “one and a half shot” strategy gives pickleball players, especially seniors, a smart way to deal with strong hitters. By using a light grip for the block volley and letting tough shots go when the time is right, players can gain control and stay confident.
This approach helps avoid turning rallies into power battles and instead focuses on smart choices. Players can test what works, make adjustments, and avoid being “the banger’s huckleberry.”
For more advice, CJ and Tony Roy offer training and resources through Better Pickleball to help people play safely, stay in control, and improve their game.
News in Brief: Outsmart Pickleball Bangers
Pickleball coach CJ Johnson explained how to beat power players using a “one-and-a-half shot” strategy. With help from Sarah, she showed how a light block volley and smart decision-making at the net can stop bangers. The key tip: don’t return every shot—let some go out.
ALSO READ: Serving Up Smiles: Casey Cares Tournament Supports Critically Ill Children