What if you were to look at a pickleball rally and see it differently?
The beauty of pickleball lies in its perfect blend of activity, fun, and social interaction, which is why it's become so popular.
In many of the articles I write, I focus on specific skills or shots that players are interested in mastering.
However, throughout my learning and playing, I've come to realise that viewing the game from different perspectives can open up a whole new world of possibilities.
Here are five ways to see the game differently, and why they might just help you play smarter, not harder...
1. Traffic Lights: Stop, Go, and Slow Down
Pickleball is often played at a fast pace, but sometimes the best strategy is to think in terms of traffic lights. When you're on the court, ask yourself: Is this a stop moment, a go moment, or a slow-down moment?
Red light (Stop): This is when you recognise that the shot you're about to take isn’t going to work. Maybe you're out of position, or maybe the ball is just too high for a safe return. Instead of forcing a risky shot, let the rally reset. The best players know when to pull back and wait for a better opportunity.
Green light (Go): This is when the opportunity presents itself—maybe you’ve forced your opponent into a weak return, or you’ve set yourself up for a clean, controlled shot. It’s time to take action and go for it.
Yellow light (Slow down): Sometimes, slowing things down can be the best tactic. If your opponent is in a defensive position, you might want to keep the ball in play with softer shots to force errors, rather than going for a fast kill shot. Patience often pays off.
By thinking of your court movements and shot choices like traffic lights, you'll make smarter decisions that allow you to stay in control of the pace of the game.
2. Seesaw: Gauge the Ball's Height
I introduce this concept early in a player’s progression. When you’re gauging the height of the ball, think of yourself and your opponent as being on opposite ends of a seesaw.
Just like a seesaw, the height of the ball is in constant motion. If you’re hitting a ball that’s high, you’re on the "up" side of the seesaw. If it’s low, you're on the "down" side.
Understanding the trajectory of the ball and how it moves can help you decide the best time to attack.
If the ball is coming high, you can make a powerful overhead shot, but if it’s low, you might want to consider a soft drop shot or a reset to gain better positioning.
Just as with a seesaw, balance is key. Recognising whether you're on the rise or fall of the rally can give you a much clearer idea of your next move.
3. Hand Pressure: The Subtle Art of Control
Pickleball is often a game of finesse, and one way to master control is by varying the pressure in your hands. You might think of your paddle as an extension of your arm, but in reality, it’s more like a tool you hold with a delicate touch.
When hitting soft shots like dinks or drop shots, ease up on your grip. A relaxed hand allows for better control and precision, helping you make those perfect soft touches over the net.
On the other hand, when you're driving the ball or trying to make a power shot, increase the pressure slightly. This allows you to control the paddle’s angle and generate the necessary power.
By learning to adjust your hand pressure, you’ll be able to make more versatile shots and develop a more controlled, adaptive game.
Pro tip: If 10 is the hardest you can hold a paddle handle, for dinking, I recommend a 3/10 grip pressure.
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4. Cat and Mouse at the Non-Volley Zone
The non-volley zone (also known as the "kitchen") often feels like a cat-and-mouse game. Both teams know that stepping into the kitchen to volley is a risk—but it’s also where all the action happens.
To see the game differently, think of the kitchen as a strategic battleground. At any given moment, one player is either the "cat" trying to chase down the ball or the "mouse" trying to evade a powerful shot.
To be the cat, you need to keep your opponent on the move with quick, sharp shots that force them into uncomfortable positions.
To be the mouse, you need to be unpredictable—changing your direction, using subtle angles, and looking for opportunities to pop the ball over your opponent’s head or force them to make a mistake.
Mastering the cat-and-mouse dynamic at the kitchen line will elevate your game and make you a more formidable player.
5. Doing Less is More: The Power of Simplicity
Pickleball is a game where sometimes doing less actually leads to better results. You don’t need to over-complicate your shots or put extra spin on everything.
Often, the simplest shot—the one that’s executed with the right technique—is the most effective.
Think about your overall strategy. Sometimes, it’s better to make a controlled, soft dink that sets up your next shot rather than going for the flashy winner.
Don’t get caught up in trying to impress your opponent with difficult shots. Focus on maintaining consistent positioning, placing the ball smartly, and waiting for the right moment to strike.
As the saying goes: "Less is more." Let simplicity guide your decision-making, and you'll find that precision and placement win more games than raw power.
Bonus Tip: Watch the Bounce
One often overlooked aspect of pickleball is watching the bounce of the ball closely. When you focus on the ball's height and wait for it to bounce at its peak, you’re setting yourself up for better timing.
Watch how the ball rises after the bounce and aim to make contact just as it's about to descend for its second bounce.
Allow the bounce to dictate the best time for you to strike, and don’t rush your shot. Patience in pickleball can be a huge advantage, especially when you're in a rally that feels like it's on the brink of a mistake from either side.
This article was taken from our 'Control the Kitchen' Newsletter, if you're interested in receiving more content like this, please feel free to sign up using the subscribe section located at the bottom left of this page (or underneath the article if you're on mobile), thanks!
