If you’ve been playing pickleball for a while and want to take your game to the next level, you need more than just solid shot-making. Competitive pickleball requires advanced strategy, smart decision-making, and tactical adjustments that separate top-tier players from the rest.
So, what do high-level players do differently?
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ How to control the pace of the game
✅ Advanced shot placement techniques
✅ Winning strategies for doubles and singles
✅ Defensive tactics to neutralize aggressive opponents
✅ How to maintain mental toughness in high-pressure matches
By the end of this guide, you’ll have the tools to compete with confidence and outsmart any opponent on the court.
1. Controlling the Pace of the Game
At the advanced level, controlling the tempo can be just as important as executing shots. If you let your opponent dictate the pace, you’ll always be on defense.
a. Slow the Game Down Against Power Hitters
- Power players thrive on fast, aggressive rallies.
- Force them into soft exchanges with well-placed dinks and third-shot drops.
- Keep the ball low and unattackable to neutralize their power game.
🔥 Pro Tip: Stay patient! Power hitters get frustrated when they can’t control the rally.
b. Speed Up the Ball Against Dink Masters
- If your opponent loves slow dinking battles, take control by speeding up play.
- Use aggressive volleys and well-placed drives to disrupt their rhythm.
- Look for opportunities to attack high balls at the kitchen line.
🔥 Drill to Try:
- Alternate between dinks and fast-paced volleys in practice to develop control over tempo shifts.
2. Advanced Shot Placement Techniques
It’s not just about hitting the ball—it’s about hitting it where your opponent doesn’t want it.
a. Target the Feet
- The most effective shots land at your opponent’s feet—forcing low, awkward returns.
- This is especially effective against taller players who struggle with low shots.
🔥 Drill to Try:
- Play a game where your goal is to hit every shot below knee level.
b. Aim for the Backhand
- Most players have a weaker backhand—attack it whenever possible.
- Hit crosscourt dinks and volleys that force opponents into uncomfortable backhand shots.
🔥 Pro Tip: If your opponent runs around their backhand, hit to the opposite side to expose their movement.
c. Use the Middle to Cause Confusion in Doubles
- The middle is the most underutilized target in pickleball.
- Well-placed shots down the middle create miscommunication between doubles partners.
- Fast shots down the middle are hard to react to and force weak returns.
🔥 Drill to Try:
- Play a game where every third shot must go down the middle—this builds instinct for capitalizing on open court space.
3. Winning Doubles Strategies
Doubles strategy is about teamwork, positioning, and shot selection.
a. Stay in Sync with Your Partner
- Move together as a unit—don’t leave gaps.
- Communicate before each point about who takes what shots.
🔥 Pro Tip: The team that controls the kitchen line together wins most points.
b. Target the Weaker Opponent
- Every doubles team has a stronger and weaker player—identify and attack the weaker one.
- Serve and return exclusively to the weaker player to limit the stronger player’s impact.
🔥 Drill to Try:
- Play a match where one player must take 80% of the shots to simulate targeting.
c. Use the Shake & Bake Strategy
- One player hits a strong drive while the other moves forward to attack the weak return.
- This works well against teams that struggle with fast-paced exchanges.
🔥 Drill to Try:
- Practice driving shots and immediately transitioning to net play.
4. Advanced Singles Strategies
Singles is all about movement, endurance, and shot selection.
a. Control the Center of the Court
- Always recover to the middle after hitting a shot.
- Make your opponent move side to side while you stay in control.
🔥 Drill to Try:
- Play a game where you must return to the middle before every shot—this builds recovery instincts.
b. Deep Serves & Returns
- Keep your opponent back at the baseline as long as possible.
- A deep serve or return makes it harder for them to move up and control the point.
🔥 Pro Tip: A deep return sets up a weaker third shot, giving you the advantage.
5. Defensive Tactics for High-Level Play
If your opponent is playing aggressively, here’s how to neutralize their attacks.
a. Reset the Ball with Blocks
- Instead of fighting fire with fire, absorb your opponent’s power with soft resets.
- Block volleys into the kitchen to take back control.
🔥 Drill to Try:
- Practice blocking fast-paced volleys with soft hands to absorb the speed.
b. Move Your Opponent Around
- If someone is pressuring you, use lobs, dinks, and angle shots to make them run.
- The more they move, the more tired and inconsistent they become.
🔥 Pro Tip: Fitness matters—if you can outlast your opponent, you have a huge advantage.
6. Mental Toughness: The Key to Winning Under Pressure
a. Stay Focused on the Present Point
- Don’t dwell on mistakes or past points—reset and focus on the next shot.
- Take deep breaths between rallies to stay calm.
🔥 Drill to Try:
- After every point, say out loud what you learned from it—this builds a habit of reflection.
b. Adjust When Things Aren’t Working
- If you’re losing, change something—tempo, shot selection, positioning.
- The best players adapt on the fly instead of stubbornly sticking to a failing strategy.
🔥 Pro Tip: If your opponent figures you out, start mixing in unpredictable shots to throw them off.
7. The Right Gear for Competitive Pickleball
a. Wear the Right Clothing
- Moisture-wicking pickleball t-shirts keep you cool and dry in long matches.
- Supportive shoes help with footwork and prevent injuries.
b. Stay Hydrated for Peak Performance
- Dehydration leads to slower reactions and fatigue.
- A pickleball tumbler keeps your drinks cold for maximum hydration.
🔥 Pro Tip: The right gear can make or break your endurance—don’t overlook its importance.
Final Thoughts: Play Smarter, Win More
Becoming a high-level pickleball player isn’t just about hitting the ball hard—it’s about playing smarter, adapting faster, and executing strategy flawlessly.
And if you want to stay comfortable while competing, check out:
✅ Moisture-wicking pickleball t-shirts for all-day performance.
✅ Pickleball tumblers to keep your energy up during long matches.
Master these advanced strategies, and you’ll be winning more games in no time!
