3 PPA Pro Game-Changing Strategies: Pickleball, like many sports, follows a formula for constructing points. The most successful teams control the kitchen and either force their opponents into errors or hit the ball through them. However, at a competitive level, the strategy in pickleball is far more nuanced than many realize. Whether playing casually or for a tournament medal, these three pickleball strategies offer ways to improve the chance of success.
1. Emphasize Keeping Pressure on the Scoreboard
Keeping scoreboard pressure is critical, especially at the start of a match. A tight game forces opponents to stay alert, preventing them from gaining confidence from an early lead. The key to achieving this is minimizing unforced errors.
While this may seem like basic advice, it’s vital to understand the reasoning behind it. Early in a match, focus on executing the safest, highest-percentage shots. This approach has several advantages: it keeps the ball in play, prevents early mistakes, and provides insight into the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.
At the beginning of a game, it’s essential to make serves and returns consistently while focusing on safe third-shot drops rather than aggressive drives. Longer rallies early on can reveal vulnerabilities in the opponent’s game, which can be exploited later. By playing conservatively early, the scoreboard stays tight, and the opponent is prevented from gaining momentum.
2. Risk of Extreme Angles Early in the Match
Hitting extreme angles, especially early in a match, is generally not the best approach. Many players, even at the professional level, make the mistake of attempting to hit winners by targeting wide angles, especially on overhead smashes. This often results in errors, like shanks or overhits that carry the ball out of bounds.
Instead, focus on directing shots down the middle. This strategy has several benefits:
- Higher percentage shots: The middle of the court is typically the safest target, reducing the likelihood of errors.
- Forces communication: Early in the game, targeting the middle forces opponents to decide who will take the ball, which can lead to confusion and missed opportunities.
- Reduces the risk of an erne: Shots down the middle minimize the chances of opponents executing the “erne.”
- Extends rallies: Working the middle forces opponents to move, open up crosscourt dinks, and generates offensive opportunities.
The saying “down the middle solves the riddle” exists for a reason. It’s a strategy that forces opponents to communicate and adjust, while also setting up more aggressive play later in the match.
3. Managing Early Deficits and Momentum Shifts in Pickleball
A quick deficit, such as falling behind 0-4 or 0-5, can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to stay calm and focus on controlling the pace of the game. Pickleball, much like basketball, is a game of momentum. Quick swings can happen, and knowing how to respond is key to staying in the match.
When in the lead, continue applying pressure by maintaining a fast pace. But if the opponent gains an early advantage, slow the game down to break their momentum.
Using timeouts effectively is crucial. Call a timeout if it feels like the match is slipping away, especially after a significant run from the opponent. Many players opt to use a timeout once the deficit reaches 3-5 points, but the primary goal is to disrupt the opponent’s flow.
Between points, slowing the game down by taking extra time to towel off, adjusting equipment, or discussing strategy can help reset the rhythm. These actions allow for regrouping and can help regain control of the match.
News in Brief: 3 PPA Pro Game-Changing Strategies
PPA pro Eric Roddy shares three pickleball strategies for improving competitive pickleball play: maintaining scoreboard pressure by minimizing pickleball errors, focusing on the middle of the court to force communication and reduce pickleball mistakes, and slowing the pace of the game when behind to break an opponent’s momentum. These pickleball tactics are designed to improve consistency, disrupt opponents, and increase the chances of a successful comeback.
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