Pickleball Beating Bangers Strategies: Beating bangers, players who hit very hard from the back of the court, is a key step to becoming an advanced pickleball player. In this guide, Drew and his sister Kennedy explain strategies to control points, stay safe at the kitchen, and counterattack effectively. Using low volleys, proper positioning, and firm paddle technique helps players handle powerful drives consistently.
Understanding Banger Strategy
Bangers, like Kennedy and Drew, aim to force opponents to pop balls up so they can smash them or make them miss at the net. To counter this, players should stay solid at the kitchen, aim at opponents’ feet and sides, and keep the ball low. Low, penetrating volleys can make bangers give easier returns that players can attack to win points.
Step-by-Step Process Against Bangers
High-Quality Return and Quick Movement: Start by hitting a strong return and moving quickly to the kitchen. Standing a few feet behind the baseline helps players handle deep, hard serves without losing momentum. High-quality, deep returns make it harder for bangers to hit effective drives.
Strong Ready Position: After the return, players should use a split-step stance, feet slightly wider than shoulders, paddle held just above net height, and facing the ball. This position allows quick reactions to hard shots and multiple volleys while staying balanced.
Firm Paddle Technique: Against hard volleys, use a compact, firm punch rather than a loose swing. This stabilizes the paddle, increases sweet spot size, and uses the banger’s power against them. Soft volleys allow a looser wrist and bigger swing, but hard shots require firm control to hit accurate targets.
Examples in Action
Drew demonstrates redirecting hard shots toward opponents’ feet and sides. When bangers hit high or long drives, players can move to intercept or hit open-court targets for easy points. “Whenever a banger hits hard at you, it’s a good idea to redirect towards their partner,” he says. Mistakes happen, but consistent strategy helps win more points over time.
Equipment Recommendations
Using a paddle like the Gen 4.5, which has a larger sweet spot and pop, can help players manage hard shots more effectively. The paddle allows firm punches with less effort, making it easier to handle bangers’ aggressive play.
To beat bangers, players should focus on deep returns, quick movement to the kitchen, a strong ready stance, firm paddle technique, and aiming at opponents’ feet and sides. Combining these steps consistently helps neutralize hard hitters and gain control of points.
News in Brief: Pickleball Beating Bangers Strategies
Drew and Kennedy teach how to beat bangers in pickleball. Key strategies include deep returns, moving quickly to the kitchen, maintaining a strong ready position, using firm paddle technique, and targeting opponents’ feet. Players can use equipment like the Gen 4.5 paddle to handle hard hitters more effectively.