Top 5 Pickleball Strategies That Actually Might Just Work in a Pickleball Match

Top 5 Pickleball Strategies: Creative and unconventional pickleball strategies took center stage as a group of players from That Pickleball School faced off against the Friday Pickleball crew. In a lighthearted yet competitive environment, the players explored five outrageous tactics, aiming to see if these playful approaches could succeed against skilled opponents. The match wasn’t just about winning—it was about pushing boundaries, embracing unpredictability, and proving that sometimes, the ridiculous might work.

Lobbing Frenzy: Exploiting the High Game

The first strategy introduced required players to lob every third shot. Dubbed the “No Third Shot” tactic, this unorthodox approach forced participants to aim high, targeting opponents’ overhead weaknesses.

Kansas City player Isaac faced a barrage of lobs that tested his positioning and patience. Strategically, short returns were suggested to counter lobs effectively. Despite the unusual gameplay, the tactic showed potential, particularly in forcing errors and disrupting the rhythm of traditional pickleball exchanges.

Switching Sides Mid-Play

Next up was a strategy that required players to switch sides of the court once per rally. This created confusion for opponents while also challenging teammates to coordinate on the fly. The tactic, while chaotic, succeeded in altering the pace of rallies and forcing opponents to make quick decisions.

Though unconventional, the players acknowledged the merit of this approach in sparking unpredictability during games. “It definitely made me change the shot I was going to hit,” noted one opponent, reflecting on the disruption caused by mid-play switches.

All-Out Aggression: Attack Every Ball

In the third strategy, players adopted an aggressive stance, going for kill shots at every opportunity. This high-risk, high-reward style mirrored professional tournament scenarios where relentless attacking often defines matches.

While the tactic had its moments, the sheer volume of unforced errors showed its drawbacks. Counter-strategies included staying disciplined, letting potentially out balls pass, and exploiting opponents’ eagerness to attack.

Counter-Attack Only: Waiting for the Opponent’s Move

In a shift from aggression, the fourth tactic required players to counter-attack exclusively, allowing opponents to initiate play. This method emphasized patience and the art of turning defense into offense.

The players quickly recognized the effectiveness of anticipating opponents’ speed-ups and preparing precise counters. As one participant noted, “Counterattacking is actually a good form of offense.” This strategy highlighted the value of readiness and control over sheer aggression.

Aiming for the Net Cord: A Game of Precision

The final strategy was perhaps the most absurd: attempting to clip the net cord on every shot. While this approach introduced randomness, it also encouraged players to refine their precision. The unpredictability of net clips created awkward situations for opponents, but the inconsistency of execution made it a risky move overall.

Takeaways: Fun with Purpose

The session ended with valuable lessons on strategy and adaptability. The players stressed the importance of observing opponents’ patterns and adjusting tactics accordingly. On the flip side, having a cohesive game plan with a partner proved essential in handling unconventional scenarios.

This playful yet insightful experiment showed that while traditional strategies remain dominant, exploring the absurd can lead to moments of brilliance—and plenty of laughs.