3 Powerful Pickleball Attacks: Pickleball players looking to elevate their game need effective strategies to outplay opponents. A recent instructional video highlights three game-changing pickleball attacks that are widely used by top players to dominate on the court. Each of these tactics is carefully designed to exploit opponents’ weaknesses and improve consistency and accuracy during play.
The Across-the-Body Attack: Exploiting the Chicken Wing
The across-the-body attack is a powerful pickleball strategy, especially when executed from the right side of the court. In this pickleball technique, players aim for a net-high ball on their forehand side and drive it toward the opponent’s “chicken wing,” the area near their dominant shoulder or right hip for right-handed players.
This shot forces awkward defensive moves, often leading to mistimed returns. If the opponent manages to counter, their return typically travels toward the middle of the court. Players should anticipate this response by positioning themselves for a backhand volley, either one-handed or two-handed.
For an added layer of strategy, players can mix up their attacks by sending a slower-paced shot down the line to the opponent’s backhand. This keeps opponents guessing and disrupts their ability to predict movements effectively.
The Backhand Flick: Precision Down the Line
The backhand flick is a dynamic attack from the left side of the court. It targets an opponent’s dominant side, creating challenges for counterattacks. By leaning into a cross-court dink and rolling or flicking the ball down the line, players can capitalize on openings in their opponent’s defense.
Location is critical in this attack. Aiming just outside the opponent’s right hip increases the likelihood of forcing an error. In higher-level matches, where defenses are stronger, it’s essential to be prepared for a counterattack directed toward the chest. Adjusting positioning or sliding slightly right after the shot can help players stay ready.
To adapt to opponents who overcompensate by covering their dominant side, players can redirect the flick to the left side. This variability makes the backhand flick a versatile and effective weapon.
The Inside-Out Topspin Dink: Precision in the Non-Volley Zone
For players on the left side of the court, the inside-out topspin dink in pickleball is a staple of high-level play. This attack leverages weaker dinks in the non-volley zone, with players applying topspin to push the ball toward the cross-court opponent’s backhand.
This shot minimizes the opponent’s attacking options, often forcing them to return the ball to the middle or to the player in front of them. By repeating this tactic, players can set up a speed-up shot down the middle, creating further confusion for their opponents.
Incorporating this mix of slow, controlled dinks and quick, low-speed attacks ensures opponents remain off-balance and unable to develop a defensive rhythm.
Why These Attacks Work
All three of these attacks—across-the-body, backhand flick, and inside-out topspin dink—share a common thread: they exploit opponent vulnerabilities while offering flexibility. These methods ensure opponents are constantly guessing, making it difficult to mount an effective defense.
As these pickleball tactics are regularly used by professional players like Ben Johns, they show their effectiveness across skill levels. When executed properly, they offer a pathway to consistent wins and improved performance.
For those eager to master these pickleball techniques, practicing anticipation, precision, and adaptability on the court is key. With dedication, players can integrate these strategies into their arsenal and take their game to the next level.