One of the biggest factors that separates good pickleball players from great ones is shot selection. Knowing when to drive, when to dink, and when to lob can help you control the game, keep your opponents guessing, and force errors.
Many players rely too much on power, while others play too passively. The key is balance—using the right shot at the right time to stay one step ahead of your opponent.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔️ The purpose of each shot and when to use it
✔️ How to choose the best shot for each situation
✔️ Common mistakes in shot selection & how to fix them
✔️ How to mix up your shots to keep opponents off balance
✔️ Pro tips for improving shot selection and court control
By the end, you’ll know exactly when to drive, when to dink, and when to lob to maximize your chances of winning!
1. Understanding the Three Key Pickleball Shots
Each shot in pickleball has a different purpose. The best players blend these shots together based on their position, opponent weaknesses, and court situation.
🚀 The Drive (Power Shot)
✔️ A fast-paced, low shot hit with power.
✔️ Used to apply pressure, force weak returns, or put away points.
✔️ Typically hit from the baseline or midcourt.
📌 Best Used When:
✔️ Your opponent hits a high return that sits up.
✔️ You want to catch your opponent off guard and force a weak return.
✔️ Your opponent is too far back and you can attack their feet.
📌 Avoid Drives When:
🚫 You’re off balance—it leads to unforced errors.
🚫 Your opponent has quick hands at the net—they’ll counter easily.
🚫 You’re in the transition zone—driving from no-man’s-land is risky.
🎾 The Dink (Soft Control Shot)
✔️ A gentle, controlled shot that lands in the kitchen.
✔️ Used to slow the game down and force patience.
✔️ Typically hit from the kitchen line to prevent attackable shots.
📌 Best Used When:
✔️ You and your opponent are both at the kitchen line—prevents aggressive attacks.
✔️ You want to reset a fast rally and regain control.
✔️ You’re forcing an opponent into a long dink battle to test their patience.
📌 Avoid Dinks When:
🚫 You’re too far back—it makes the shot easier to attack.
🚫 Your opponent has an aggressive forehand—they can flick a fast winner.
🚫 Your dinks are too high or bouncy—it leads to put-away shots.
🎯 The Lob (High Arc Shot Over Opponent’s Head)
✔️ A high, deep shot that forces opponents to move back.
✔️ Used to reset play, disrupt aggressive net players, or attack a weaker backhand.
✔️ Typically hit from the kitchen or transition area.
📌 Best Used When:
✔️ Your opponent crowds the net and doesn’t expect it.
✔️ They have slow footwork or a weak overhead smash.
✔️ You need to buy time and reset the point.
📌 Avoid Lobs When:
🚫 Your opponent has a strong overhead smash—they’ll punish weak lobs.
🚫 You’re playing in strong wind—lobs become unpredictable.
🚫 You’re too far back—it’s hard to control depth and accuracy.
📌 Pro Tip: Lobs are most effective when unexpected—don’t overuse them!
2. How to Choose the Right Shot for Each Situation
Pickleball is all about decision-making. Here’s how to choose the best shot in different scenarios.
🏓 Situation #1: You’re at the Baseline Returning a Serve
✔️ Best Shot: A deep, controlled return (not too aggressive).
✔️ If your opponent stays back, return deep & set up a soft drop shot.
✔️ If your opponent rushes the net, consider a drive or lob to push them back.
📌 Pro Tip: The goal of a return is to move forward and take control—don’t play too defensively.
🏓 Situation #2: You’re in a Fast-Paced Hands Battle at the Net
✔️ Best Shot: A controlled dink to slow the game down.
✔️ If your opponent stays aggressive, target their backhand with soft shots.
✔️ If they’re leaning forward too much, a surprise lob can be effective.
📌 Pro Tip: Winning fast exchanges isn’t about hitting harder—it’s about choosing the right moment to slow things down.
🏓 Situation #3: Your Opponent is Rushing the Net
✔️ Best Shot: A low, controlled drive to their feet.
✔️ If they get too close, a soft dink forces them to reach.
✔️ If they struggle with mobility, a lob can keep them off balance.
📌 Pro Tip: Keep your opponent guessing—mix up drives, dinks, and lobs so they can’t predict your next move.
🏓 Situation #4: You’re Pulled Out Wide to the Sideline
✔️ Best Shot: A controlled cross-court dink to reset the rally.
✔️ If your opponent is moving forward, a well-placed lob buys time.
✔️ Avoid risky down-the-line shots—they’re harder to control from out wide.
📌 Pro Tip: Don’t panic! Smart shot selection gets you back in position instead of forcing a low-percentage shot.
3. Common Mistakes in Shot Selection (And How to Fix Them)
Even experienced players make mistakes when deciding which shot to use. Here’s how to avoid them.
❌ Mistake #1: Driving Too Much
🚫 Overusing drives makes your shots predictable and easy to counter.
✔️ Fix: Mix in dinks and resets to keep your opponent guessing.
❌ Mistake #2: Dinking When It’s Not Needed
🚫 Some players dink even when they have a chance to attack.
✔️ Fix: Recognize when your opponent hits a high dink—take advantage and speed up play.
❌ Mistake #3: Lobbing Too Often
🚫 Lobs work best as a surprise tactic, not a primary shot.
✔️ Fix: Use lobs only when opponents crowd the net too much.
📌 Pro Tip: A well-timed lob wins points, but a bad lob gives away free smashes.
Final Thoughts: Mastering Shot Selection in Pickleball
Smart shot selection controls the pace of the game and forces opponents to react.
✔️ Drive when you have an attackable ball.
✔️ Dink when you need control and patience.
✔️ Lob when your opponent is too aggressive at the net.
✔️ Mix up your shots to stay unpredictable.
If you can read the situation and choose the right shot, you’ll outthink and outplay your opponents every time!
