{"Status":true,"Message":"","Response":{"post":{"postuid":"b08641f0-1584-4826-8b77-a4a7d7f5839d","tenantuid":"45a0010e-ec76-43e9-9914-4376bfa80903","projectuid":"4025e8c9-71ea-4557-850d-662c78598919","title":"Pickleball Shots \u0026 Techniques Library: Every Shot You Need to Know","slug":"article/pickleball-shots-techniques-library-every-shot-you-need-to-know","html":"\u003Cp\u003EPickleball rewards players who can execute a variety of shots \u2014 not just those who hit the hardest. This library covers every shot type you\u0027ll encounter in recreational and competitive play: what each shot is, when to use it, and how to execute it correctly. Whether you\u0027re brand new to the sport or working toward a 4.0\u002B rating, this is your complete reference for pickleball technique.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ccite class=\u0022recommended\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022title\u0022\u003ENote\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBrowse by shot type using the Table of Contents below. Each section covers the purpose of the shot, the mechanics, common mistakes, and when to deploy it in a real match. Bookmark this page and return to it as you add new shots to your game.\u003C/p\u003E\u003C/cite\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022table_of_contents\u0022\u003ETable of Contents\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Col\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022#the-serve\u0022\u003EThe Serve\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022#the-return-of-serve\u0022\u003EThe Return of Serve\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022#the-third-shot-drop\u0022\u003EThe Third Shot Drop\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022#the-drive\u0022\u003EThe Drive\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022#the-dink\u0022\u003EThe Dink\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022#the-volley\u0022\u003EThe Volley\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022#the-reset\u0022\u003EThe Reset\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022#the-lob\u0022\u003EThe Lob\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022#the-overhead-smash\u0022\u003EThe Overhead Smash\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022#the-erne\u0022\u003EThe Erne\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022#the-atp-around-the-post\u0022\u003EThe ATP (Around the Post)\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022#spin-shots\u0022\u003ESpin Shots: Topspin, Backspin, and Sidespin\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022#the-speed-up\u0022\u003EThe Speed-Up\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022#the-kitchen-line-battle\u0022\u003EThe Kitchen Line Battle\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022#shot-selection-fundamentals\u0022\u003EShot Selection Fundamentals\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ol\u003E\u003Chr\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022the_serve\u0022\u003EThe Serve\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe serve starts every rally, and while it doesn\u0027t need to be a weapon, it should be consistent and purposeful. In pickleball, all serves must be hit underhand with an upward arc, below the waist, using a volley serve or a drop serve.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022volley_serve_vs_drop_serve\u0022\u003EVolley serve vs. drop serve\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA \u003Cb\u003Evolley serve\u003C/b\u003E is struck before the ball bounces \u2014 you toss it upward and hit it in the air. The paddle must make contact below your navel, your arm must swing in an upward arc, and the paddle head must be below your wrist at contact.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA \u003Cb\u003Edrop serve\u003C/b\u003E allows you to drop the ball and let it bounce before you hit it. There are no arm swing, height, or paddle orientation restrictions for a drop serve \u2014 which makes it more forgiving and popular among beginners.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022where_to_aim_your_serve\u0022\u003EWhere to aim your serve\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe most effective serves target one of three zones: deep to the opponent\u0027s backhand, deep down the center line, or at the opponent\u0027s body (T-zone). Serves that land short give opponents an easy return and a fast path to the kitchen line \u2014 always aim deep.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022common_serve_mistakes\u0022\u003ECommon serve mistakes\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHitting too short\u003C/b\u003E \u2014 landing the serve inside the transition zone gives the returner a short ball they can attack\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ETelegraphing the serve\u003C/b\u003E \u2014 always varying your serve placement keeps opponents from settling into a routine return\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EOvercomplicating it\u003C/b\u003E \u2014 a consistent deep serve is more valuable than a flashy spin serve you can\u0027t control\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EIllegal contact point\u003C/b\u003E \u2014 ensure paddle contact is below your navel on a volley serve\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Chr\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022the_return_of_serve\u0022\u003EThe Return of Serve\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe return of serve is arguably the most strategically important shot in pickleball. A great return neutralizes the serve and puts the returning team in a commanding position.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe golden rule: \u003Cb\u003Ehit your return deep and move immediately to the kitchen line\u003C/b\u003E. A deep return forces the serving team to hit their third shot from far back, giving you time to reach the NVZ (Non-Volley Zone) before the rally develops.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022return_mechanics\u0022\u003EReturn mechanics\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Col\u003E\u003Cli\u003EStart in the middle of the baseline with your weight slightly forward\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ELet the ball bounce (you must \u2014 the two-bounce rule requires it)\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EStep into the shot and drive through the ball, aiming 6\u20138 feet deep in the opponent\u0027s court\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EBegin moving to the kitchen line immediately after contact\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ol\u003E\u003Ccite class=\u0022recommended\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022title\u0022\u003ENote\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe serve must bounce before the returner hits it, and the return must bounce before the serving team hits it. After those two bounces, either team may volley. This rule prevents server dominance and makes the third shot drop critical.\u003C/p\u003E\u003C/cite\u003E\u003Chr\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022the_third_shot_drop\u0022\u003EThe Third Shot Drop\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe third shot drop is the most important shot in pickleball. It\u0027s the third shot of the rally (served by the serving team), and its purpose is to neutralize the opponent\u0027s advantage at the kitchen line by dropping the ball softly into the Non-Volley Zone \u2014 forcing them to hit up rather than attacking.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022why_the_third_shot_drop_matters\u0022\u003EWhy the third shot drop matters\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAfter the serve and return, the returning team is typically at the kitchen line. The serving team is stuck at the baseline. If the serving team drives the ball hard, opponents can easily volley it back aggressively from the NVZ. A well-executed third shot drop forces them to hit a ball that\u0027s below the net level \u2014 taking away their attack angle and giving the serving team time to advance forward.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022how_to_execute_the_third_shot_drop\u0022\u003EHow to execute the third shot drop\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Col\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESet up with a continental or eastern grip, knees bent\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EUse a pendulum swing \u2014 start high, swing low-to-high through the ball\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EContact the ball in front of your body, around knee height\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAim to clear the net by 6\u201312 inches and land in the first half of the kitchen\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFollow through upward \u2014 not forward \u2014 to keep the ball soft\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EBegin moving forward as soon as you hit\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ol\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022common_third_shot_drop_mistakes\u0022\u003ECommon third shot drop mistakes\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHitting too hard\u003C/b\u003E \u2014 a pop-up from a hard third shot is easy to put away\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHitting into the net\u003C/b\u003E \u2014 come from below the ball; never swing downward on this shot\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ENot moving after contact\u003C/b\u003E \u2014 the whole point is to transition forward; stay planted and you lose the advantage\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EAiming too deep\u003C/b\u003E \u2014 a drop that lands past the kitchen is a sittable ball for your opponent\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Ccite class=\u0022recommended\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022title\u0022\u003ENote\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe third shot drop is the hardest shot to master and the highest-value shot to practice. Dedicate at least 20% of your drilling time specifically to third shot drops from both wings.\u003C/p\u003E\u003C/cite\u003E\u003Chr\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022the_drive\u0022\u003EThe Drive\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA drive is a flat, hard groundstroke hit with pace and intent to penetrate through the opponent\u0027s defense or force a weak response. Drives are most effective from the baseline or transition zone and are often used as an alternative to the third shot drop \u2014 known as the \u003Cb\u003Ethird shot drive\u003C/b\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022when_to_drive_vs_when_to_drop\u0022\u003EWhen to drive vs. when to drop\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Ctable border=\u00221\u0022 style=\u0022border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\u0022\u003E\u003Cthead\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Cth\u003ESituation\u003C/th\u003E\u003Cth\u003EDrive\u003C/th\u003E\u003Cth\u003EDrop\u003C/th\u003E\u003C/tr\u003E\u003C/thead\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd\u003EOpponents at or near the kitchen line\u003C/td\u003E\u003Ctd\u003ERisky \u2014 they can volley hard\u003C/td\u003E\u003Ctd\u003EPreferred \u2014 forces them to lift\u003C/td\u003E\u003C/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd\u003EOpponents still transitioning back\u003C/td\u003E\u003Ctd\u003EEffective \u2014 they\u0027re off-balance\u003C/td\u003E\u003Ctd\u003ELess necessary\u003C/td\u003E\u003C/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd\u003EShort return sits up high\u003C/td\u003E\u003Ctd\u003EYes \u2014 attack the bounce\u003C/td\u003E\u003Ctd\u003ENot needed here\u003C/td\u003E\u003C/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd\u003EYou\u0027re in a comfortable position\u003C/td\u003E\u003Ctd\u003EOptional \u2014 situational\u003C/td\u003E\u003Ctd\u003ESafer default choice\u003C/td\u003E\u003C/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd\u003EYou\u0027re off-balance or out of position\u003C/td\u003E\u003Ctd\u003EAvoid \u2014 poor contact likely\u003C/td\u003E\u003Ctd\u003EAlso avoid; reset instead\u003C/td\u003E\u003C/tr\u003E\u003C/table\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022drive_mechanics\u0022\u003EDrive mechanics\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Col\u003E\u003Cli\u003ETurn your shoulders early and set your feet\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ETake a full backswing appropriate to the pace you want\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDrive through the ball with a low-to-high swing path to generate topspin and control\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAim for the opponent\u0027s feet, the sideline, or the center seam between partners\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EStay balanced \u2014 don\u0027t lunge or reach\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ol\u003E\u003Chr\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022the_dink\u0022\u003EThe Dink\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe dink is a soft, arcing shot hit from at or near the kitchen line that lands in the opponent\u0027s Non-Volley Zone. It\u0027s the foundational shot of the kitchen battle \u2014 used to extend rallies, create openings, and set up attackable opportunities.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGreat dink players control rallies. They don\u0027t just keep the ball in play \u2014 they use dink placement to move opponents laterally, create angles, and eventually draw a pop-up they can put away.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022dink_mechanics\u0022\u003EDink mechanics\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Col\u003E\u003Cli\u003EStand at or within a step of the kitchen line with soft knees\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EUse a relaxed grip \u2014 3 to 4 out of 10 grip pressure\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESwing from the shoulder, not the wrist \u2014 minimize arm bend\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EContact the ball in front of your body, just below net level\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFollow through low and forward, aiming to clear the net by just a few inches\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ELand the ball softly in the kitchen \u2014 aim cross-court for consistency, down-the-line for pressure\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ol\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022dinking_patterns_that_work\u0022\u003EDinking patterns that work\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ECross-court dink\u003C/b\u003E \u2014 the most common and forgiving; uses the longest diagonal distance over the lowest part of the net\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDown-the-line dink\u003C/b\u003E \u2014 shorter window but puts pressure on the opponent and can catch them leaning cross-court\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EMiddle dink\u003C/b\u003E \u2014 forces communication problems between doubles partners\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDink to the backhand\u003C/b\u003E \u2014 most players are weaker on the backhand dink; exploit it\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022common_dink_mistakes\u0022\u003ECommon dink mistakes\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EFlicking the wrist\u003C/b\u003E \u2014 creates inconsistency; use the shoulder as the pivot point\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHitting too hard\u003C/b\u003E \u2014 a high dink becomes an attackable ball for your opponent\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBacking away from the kitchen\u003C/b\u003E \u2014 dinks get harder from farther away; stay at the line\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDinking without a purpose\u003C/b\u003E \u2014 every dink should have a target; mindless dinking leads to pop-ups\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Chr\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022the_volley\u0022\u003EThe Volley\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA volley is any shot hit before the ball bounces. Volleys are hit from the transition zone or near the kitchen line (but not from inside the NVZ \u2014 that\u0027s a fault). Good volley technique is essential for controlling the net.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022types_of_volleys\u0022\u003ETypes of volleys\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EPunch volley\u003C/b\u003E \u2014 a compact, firm punch that redirects pace. The workhorse volley for kitchen battles.\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ERoll volley\u003C/b\u003E \u2014 adds topspin to push the ball down at the opponent\u0027s feet. Effective for finishing points.\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBlock volley\u003C/b\u003E \u2014 absorbs pace from a hard-hit ball and drops it into the kitchen. Used defensively against speed-ups.\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EDrop volley\u003C/b\u003E \u2014 similar to a block volley but aimed with more intention into the kitchen; requires touch.\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022volley_mechanics\u0022\u003EVolley mechanics\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Col\u003E\u003Cli\u003EKeep the paddle in front of you at all times \u2014 elbows slightly bent, paddle head up\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EStep into the shot where possible \u2014 never reach or back up\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EMinimize backswing \u2014 a short, punchy motion creates control\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EContact the ball in front of your body\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFollow through toward your target, not upward\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ol\u003E\u003Ccite class=\u0022warning\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022title\u0022\u003EWarning\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYou cannot volley from inside the Non-Volley Zone (kitchen). You can step in to hit a ball that has bounced \u2014 but volleying from inside the kitchen, or letting your momentum carry you in after a volley, is a fault. This applies to both feet and anything touching you (like a dropped paddle).\u003C/p\u003E\u003C/cite\u003E\u003Chr\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022the_reset\u0022\u003EThe Reset\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA reset is a soft, neutralizing shot used to end a fast exchange and return the rally to a dinking pace. When you\u0027re being attacked \u2014 balls coming hard at your body or feet \u2014 the reset is your escape hatch.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe goal of a reset is not to win the point. It\u0027s to survive the attack and reset back to a neutral or controlled state \u2014 usually by landing the ball in the kitchen so your opponents can\u0027t keep attacking.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022reset_mechanics\u0022\u003EReset mechanics\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Col\u003E\u003Cli\u003ERelax your grip to 2\u20133 out of 10 pressure \u2014 you want to absorb, not redirect\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EUse a blocking motion: hold the paddle still and let the ball\u0027s pace die on contact\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAim cross-court into the kitchen \u2014 it\u0027s the most forgiving target\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EKeep the paddle face open slightly to pop the ball up and over the net\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EGet back in position immediately after the reset\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ol\u003E\u003Ccite class=\u0022recommended\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022title\u0022\u003ENote\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMost players try to attack out of trouble. The reset requires restraint \u2014 your ego wants to hit back hard, but the smart play is to slow things down. Players who master the reset win more points because they never lose a rally they didn\u0027t have to lose.\u003C/p\u003E\u003C/cite\u003E\u003Chr\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022the_lob\u0022\u003EThe Lob\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA lob is a high, arcing shot hit over the opponents\u0027 heads, designed to force them to retreat from the kitchen line. The offensive lob is one of the most effective \u2014 and most misused \u2014 weapons in pickleball.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022when_to_lob\u0022\u003EWhen to lob\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWhen opponents are crowding the kitchen line and leaning forward\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWhen you\u0027re off-balance and need time to recover\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAs an occasional surprise shot to break dinking patterns\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWhen the sun, wind, or overhead coverage is in your favor\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022lob_mechanics\u0022\u003ELob mechanics\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Col\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDisguise your lob \u2014 set up as if you\u0027re dinking\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EOpen the paddle face and swing upward with a longer follow-through than a dink\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAim for a trajectory that clears extended arms overhead (about 6\u20138 feet above the kitchen line)\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ETarget the deep corners \u2014 down-the-line lobs are especially hard to retrieve\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EImmediately advance or reposition after the lob; don\u0027t watch it\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ol\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022lob_risks\u0022\u003ELob risks\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA lob that doesn\u0027t clear your opponent\u0027s extended paddle \u2014 or that goes out of bounds \u2014 is a free point for the other team. The lob is high-risk/high-reward. Use it sparingly, and disguise it well. Against tall opponents or strong overhead players, think twice before lobbing.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Chr\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022the_overhead_smash\u0022\u003EThe Overhead Smash\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe overhead smash is the answer to a lobbed ball that doesn\u0027t go deep enough. It\u0027s an aggressive, downward-angled shot hit above your head \u2014 and when executed well, it\u0027s usually a point-ending shot.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022overhead_mechanics\u0022\u003EOverhead mechanics\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Col\u003E\u003Cli\u003ETurn sideways immediately and move back under the ball \u2014 never backpedal with your back to the net\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EPoint your non-paddle hand up toward the ball to track it\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EReach up and contact the ball at full arm extension above your head\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EDrive down through the ball toward the opponent\u0027s court \u2014 aim for their feet or an open corner\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFollow through across your body and return to ready position\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ol\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022jump_smash_vs_standing_smash\u0022\u003EJump smash vs. standing smash\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOn very deep lobs, you may need to retreat and hit a \u003Cb\u003Ejump smash\u003C/b\u003E \u2014 leaping to make contact before the ball gets behind you. This requires good timing and footwork but creates a sharper angle. Most recreational lobs can be handled with a standing overhead if you read the ball early.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Chr\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022the_erne\u0022\u003EThe Erne\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Erne is an advanced, aggressive shot where a player jumps or steps outside the sideline to hit a volley from beside \u2014 rather than behind \u2014 the kitchen line. Named after Erne Perry, who popularized it, this shot creates a surprising angle that catches opponents off guard.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022how_the_erne_works\u0022\u003EHow the Erne works\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESince the NVZ rules only restrict volleying from \u003Ci\u003Einside\u003C/i\u003E the kitchen, you can legally stand beside the court and volley a ball that travels close to the sideline. The Erne works because opponents dinking near the sideline often put the ball in range \u2014 and the close contact point means the return angle is almost impossible to handle.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022setting_up_the_erne\u0022\u003ESetting up the Erne\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Col\u003E\u003Cli\u003ELook for opponents dinking cross-court to the sideline repeatedly\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ETelegraph a move toward the middle to bait them into the sideline dink\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EStep or jump outside the sideline, landing outside the NVZ before striking\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EHit a firm punch volley aimed at the open court\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EReturn immediately \u2014 you\u0027re now out of position and need to get back\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ol\u003E\u003Ccite class=\u0022warning\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022title\u0022\u003EWarning\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYou must not step through the kitchen to reach the position outside the sideline. You can jump over the kitchen corner (landing outside the NVZ) or walk around behind your NVZ. Touching inside the kitchen during the motion is a fault.\u003C/p\u003E\u003C/cite\u003E\u003Chr\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022the_atp_around_the_post\u0022\u003EThe ATP (Around the Post)\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe Around the Post (ATP) is one of the most spectacular shots in pickleball. When a ball travels wide of the court past the net post, a player can legally hit it around the post \u2014 without going over the net \u2014 to land in the opponent\u0027s court. There is no height restriction on an ATP.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022when_atps_happen\u0022\u003EWhen ATPs happen\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EATPs typically occur when an opponent hits a heavily angled dink or drop that pulls you wide. If the ball travels past the net post, instead of chasing it back toward the center, you hit it around the outside of the post and angle it back into their court.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022atp_mechanics\u0022\u003EATP mechanics\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Col\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESprint wide toward the ball as it angles off\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ELet the ball drop slightly \u2014 contact around knee to waist height works well\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ESwing around the post (outside it, not over the net) and aim back into the opponent\u0027s kitchen or near sideline\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFollow through toward the target\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ol\u003E\u003Cp\u003EATPs are as much about recognition as technique \u2014 you have to read the wide ball early to get in position. Practice wide ball drills to build this instinct.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Chr\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022spin_shots_topspin_backspin_and_sidespin\u0022\u003ESpin Shots: Topspin, Backspin, and Sidespin\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdding spin to your shots changes how the ball moves through the air and how it behaves when it bounces or lands on your opponent\u0027s paddle. Understanding spin \u2014 both creating it and reading it \u2014 is a skill that separates intermediate players from advanced ones.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022topspin\u0022\u003ETopspin\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETopspin is created by brushing upward over the back of the ball at contact. It causes the ball to dip down faster than a flat shot \u2014 useful for drives that clear the net but drop quickly at the opponent\u0027s feet. Topspin on a dink or third shot drop makes the shot harder to attack because it keeps low after the bounce.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022backspin_slice\u0022\u003EBackspin (slice)\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBackspin is created by cutting under the ball at contact, brushing downward. A sliced ball stays low after the bounce, making it difficult for opponents to get under it for a clean dink. Backspin on a dink can force a pop-up if the opponent doesn\u0027t adjust their paddle angle.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022sidespin\u0022\u003ESidespin\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESidespin is generated by brushing across the ball from left to right or right to left. It causes the ball to curve and bounce at an angle away from the opponent. Sidespin serves are increasingly popular because they can curve into the returner\u0027s body or off the court unexpectedly.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022reading_spin_from_your_opponent\u0022\u003EReading spin from your opponent\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWatch the paddle face angle and swing direction at contact to read the spin type\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFor topspin: open your paddle face slightly to redirect the ball upward\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFor backspin: close your paddle face slightly to prevent the ball from going into the net\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EFor sidespin: anticipate the bounce direction and adjust your body position accordingly\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Chr\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022the_speedup\u0022\u003EThe Speed-Up\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe speed-up is an offensive attack launched from a dinking exchange \u2014 taking a ball that should be dinkable and driving it hard at the opponent\u0027s body or shoulder. It\u0027s designed to catch opponents off guard when they\u0027re in \u0022dinking mode\u0022 and expecting a soft shot.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022when_to_speed_up\u0022\u003EWhen to speed up\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWhen a dink sits up slightly higher than usual \u2014 above the net level\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWhen an opponent\u0027s paddle is in a neutral or low position\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWhen you\u0027ve been cross-court dinking and want to redirect sharply down the line\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWhen opponents look settled or complacent in their dink rhythm\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022speedup_targets\u0022\u003ESpeed-up targets\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe best speed-up targets are: the opponent\u0027s \u003Cb\u003Eright shoulder\u003C/b\u003E (for right-handers, this jams them between forehand and backhand), the \u003Cb\u003Ehip or body\u003C/b\u003E at close range, and the \u003Cb\u003Epaddle-side shoulder\u003C/b\u003E of the weaker partner in doubles. Avoid aiming at open court \u2014 a speed-up is about creating body pressure, not placement.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022defending_the_speedup\u0022\u003EDefending the speed-up\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen a speed-up comes at you, block or reset \u2014 don\u0027t try to attack it back. Keep your paddle compact, relax your grip, and drop the ball softly into the kitchen. The player who resists the urge to counter-attack usually wins the exchange.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Chr\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022the_kitchen_line_battle\u0022\u003EThe Kitchen Line Battle\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe kitchen line battle \u2014 also called the NVZ battle or the dink game \u2014 is the central tactical theater of doubles pickleball. Both teams stand at the NVZ line, exchanging dinks, probing for openings, and waiting for the right moment to speed up or lob.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022positioning_at_the_kitchen_line\u0022\u003EPositioning at the kitchen line\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EStand as close to the kitchen line as possible without stepping in\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EKeep your paddle up in front of you at waist height between shots\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EKnees bent, weight forward \u2014 be ready to move laterally without crossing your feet\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EStay connected to your partner \u2014 move as a unit, not independently\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022tactical_goals_in_the_dink_battle\u0022\u003ETactical goals in the dink battle\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EForce movement\u003C/b\u003E \u2014 dink wide to pull opponents off their line\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ETarget the weaker player\u003C/b\u003E \u2014 most doubles pairs have a weaker dink player; find them\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWork the middle\u003C/b\u003E \u2014 balls down the center create communication problems\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWait for the right pop-up\u003C/b\u003E \u2014 don\u0027t force the speed-up; let the opening come to you\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EVary your pace and placement\u003C/b\u003E \u2014 predictable dinkers get read and beaten\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Chr\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022shot_selection_fundamentals\u0022\u003EShot Selection Fundamentals\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EKnowing how to hit every shot is only half the equation \u2014 knowing \u003Ci\u003Ewhen\u003C/i\u003E to use each one is what separates good players from great ones. Here are the foundational principles of smart shot selection.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022the_transition_zone_rule\u0022\u003EThe transition zone rule\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen you\u0027re in the transition zone (between the baseline and the kitchen line), you\u0027re in the most vulnerable area of the court. The primary goal in the transition zone is to \u003Cb\u003Eget to the kitchen line\u003C/b\u003E. Hit drops, not drives. Take pace off the ball. Never attempt high-risk shots when you\u0027re caught in no man\u0027s land.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022contact_point_determines_shot_type\u0022\u003EContact point determines shot type\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Ctable border=\u00221\u0022 style=\u0022border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\u0022\u003E\u003Cthead\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Cth\u003EBall height at contact\u003C/th\u003E\u003Cth\u003EBest shot option\u003C/th\u003E\u003C/tr\u003E\u003C/thead\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd\u003EAbove net level (attackable)\u003C/td\u003E\u003Ctd\u003EDrive, speed-up, or roll volley\u003C/td\u003E\u003C/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd\u003EAt net level\u003C/td\u003E\u003Ctd\u003EFlat punch or angled dink\u003C/td\u003E\u003C/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd\u003EBelow net level (defensive)\u003C/td\u003E\u003Ctd\u003EDrop, reset, or lob\u003C/td\u003E\u003C/tr\u003E\u003Ctr\u003E\u003Ctd\u003EAt your feet (very low)\u003C/td\u003E\u003Ctd\u003EReset or let it bounce and reset\u003C/td\u003E\u003C/tr\u003E\u003C/table\u003E\u003Ch3 id=\u0022the_patience_principle\u0022\u003EThe patience principle\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMost recreational points are lost, not won. Unforced errors \u2014 trying too hard, attacking too early, going for hero shots \u2014 account for the majority of losing points at skill levels below 4.5. The discipline to wait for the right ball, execute a high-percentage shot, and stay patient in a long dink rally is the most underrated skill in pickleball.\u003C/p\u003E\u003Ccite class=\u0022recommended\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022title\u0022\u003ENote\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf the ball is below the net when you contact it, your only job is to get it over the net safely. Don\u0027t try to win the point from a defensive position. Reset. Wait. Win the point when you have a ball above the net you can attack.\u003C/p\u003E\u003C/cite\u003E\u003Chr\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022related_articles\u0022\u003ERelated Articles\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022#\u0022\u003EPickleball Strategy Guide\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022#\u0022\u003EComplete Pickleball Rules Guide\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022#\u0022\u003EPickleball Scoring Explained\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022#\u0022\u003EPickleball Skill Levels \u0026amp; Ratings Guide\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022#\u0022\u003EHow to Play Pickleball: A Complete Beginner\u0027s Guide\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\u003C/ul\u003E\u003Chr\u003E\u003Ch2 id=\u0022frequently_asked_questions\u0022\u003EFrequently Asked Questions\u003C/h2\u003E\u003Csection class=\u0022faq\u0022\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EWhat is the most important shot in pickleball?\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Carticle\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe third shot drop is widely considered the most important shot in pickleball. It allows the serving team to neutralize the opponent\u0027s advantage at the kitchen line and transition forward. Without a reliable third shot drop, the serving team is stuck at the baseline and constantly under pressure.\u003C/p\u003E\u003C/article\u003E\u003C/section\u003E\u003Csection class=\u0022faq\u0022\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EWhat is the difference between a dink and a drop shot?\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Carticle\u003E\u003Cp\u003EA dink is a soft shot hit from at or near the kitchen line that lands in the opponent\u0027s Non-Volley Zone \u2014 it\u0027s used to extend kitchen line rallies and create openings. A drop shot (like the third shot drop) is hit from farther back \u2014 typically the baseline or transition zone \u2014 with the goal of landing softly in the kitchen to neutralize a fast-court position. Both shots require touch, but they serve different tactical purposes.\u003C/p\u003E\u003C/article\u003E\u003C/section\u003E\u003Csection class=\u0022faq\u0022\u003E\u003Ch3\u003ECan you hit a volley from inside the kitchen?\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Carticle\u003E\u003Cp\u003ENo. Volleying from inside the Non-Volley Zone (kitchen) is a fault. You must let the ball bounce before hitting it if you\u0027re inside the NVZ. However, you can step into the kitchen to hit a ball that has already bounced, and you can enter the kitchen at any time \u2014 as long as you don\u0027t volley while inside it.\u003C/p\u003E\u003C/article\u003E\u003C/section\u003E\u003Csection class=\u0022faq\u0022\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EWhat does \u0027resetting the rally\u0027 mean?\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Carticle\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResetting the rally means using a soft, controlled shot \u2014 usually into the kitchen \u2014 to slow down a fast-paced exchange and return the rally to a neutral, dinking pace. It\u0027s a defensive tactic used when you\u0027re being attacked or are out of position. A successful reset removes the opponent\u0027s attacking advantage and restores balance to the point.\u003C/p\u003E\u003C/article\u003E\u003C/section\u003E\u003Csection class=\u0022faq\u0022\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EIs the Erne shot legal in pickleball?\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Carticle\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYes, the Erne is a legal shot. As long as the player does not step through the NVZ to reach the position outside the sideline \u2014 and does not touch inside the kitchen during or after the shot \u2014 it\u0027s perfectly legal to stand beside the court and volley a ball that passes near the net post. Players can jump over the kitchen corner (landing outside) or walk around behind the NVZ to get into Erne position.\u003C/p\u003E\u003C/article\u003E\u003C/section\u003E\u003Csection class=\u0022faq\u0022\u003E\u003Ch3\u003EHow do I get better at dinking?\u003C/h3\u003E\u003Carticle\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe fastest way to improve your dinking is structured practice at the kitchen line. Work on: (1) cross-court dink consistency \u2014 rally with a partner cross-court and count consecutive successful dinks; (2) relaxing your grip \u2014 grip pressure is the most common dink killer; (3) staying at the kitchen line \u2014 backing up makes dinking harder; and (4) targeting specific spots rather than just keeping it in. Playing against stronger dink players is also one of the fastest ways to improve.\u003C/p\u003E\u003C/article\u003E\u003C/section\u003E\u003Chr\u003E\u003Cp\u003EHave questions about a specific shot or technique not covered here? Reach out to our support team at \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:support@pickleball.com\u0022\u003Esupport@pickleball.com\u003C/a\u003E \u2014 we\u0027re happy to help.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cscript type=\u0022application/ld\u002Bjson\u0022\u003E\r\n{\r\n  \u0022@context\u0022: \u0022https://schema.org\u0022,\r\n  \u0022@type\u0022: \u0022FAQPage\u0022,\r\n  \u0022mainEntity\u0022: [\r\n{\r\n    \u0022@type\u0022: \u0022Question\u0022,\r\n    \u0022name\u0022: \u0022What is the most important shot in pickleball?\u0022,\r\n    \u0022acceptedAnswer\u0022: {\r\n    \u0022@type\u0022: \u0022Answer\u0022,\r\n    \u0022text\u0022: \u0022The third shot drop is widely considered the most important shot in pickleball. It allows the serving team to neutralize the opponent\u0027s advantage at the kitchen line and transition forward. Without a reliable third shot drop, the serving team is stuck at the baseline and constantly under pressure.\u0022\r\n    }\r\n},\r\n{\r\n    \u0022@type\u0022: \u0022Question\u0022,\r\n    \u0022name\u0022: \u0022What is the difference between a dink and a drop shot?\u0022,\r\n    \u0022acceptedAnswer\u0022: {\r\n    \u0022@type\u0022: \u0022Answer\u0022,\r\n    \u0022text\u0022: \u0022A dink is a soft shot hit from at or near the kitchen line that lands in the opponent\u0027s Non-Volley Zone \u2014 it\u0027s used to extend kitchen line rallies and create openings. A drop shot (like the third shot drop) is hit from farther back \u2014 typically the baseline or transition zone \u2014 with the goal of landing softly in the kitchen to neutralize a fast-court position. Both shots require touch, but they serve different tactical purposes.\u0022\r\n    }\r\n},\r\n{\r\n    \u0022@type\u0022: \u0022Question\u0022,\r\n    \u0022name\u0022: \u0022Can you hit a volley from inside the kitchen?\u0022,\r\n    \u0022acceptedAnswer\u0022: {\r\n    \u0022@type\u0022: \u0022Answer\u0022,\r\n    \u0022text\u0022: \u0022No. Volleying from inside the Non-Volley Zone (kitchen) is a fault. You must let the ball bounce before hitting it if you\u0027re inside the NVZ. However, you can step into the kitchen to hit a ball that has already bounced, and you can enter the kitchen at any time \u2014 as long as you don\u0027t volley while inside it.\u0022\r\n    }\r\n},\r\n{\r\n    \u0022@type\u0022: \u0022Question\u0022,\r\n    \u0022name\u0022: \u0022What does \u0027resetting the rally\u0027 mean?\u0022,\r\n    \u0022acceptedAnswer\u0022: {\r\n    \u0022@type\u0022: \u0022Answer\u0022,\r\n    \u0022text\u0022: \u0022Resetting the rally means using a soft, controlled shot \u2014 usually into the kitchen \u2014 to slow down a fast-paced exchange and return the rally to a neutral, dinking pace. It\u0027s a defensive tactic used when you\u0027re being attacked or are out of position. A successful reset removes the opponent\u0027s attacking advantage and restores balance to the point.\u0022\r\n    }\r\n},\r\n{\r\n    \u0022@type\u0022: \u0022Question\u0022,\r\n    \u0022name\u0022: \u0022Is the Erne shot legal in pickleball?\u0022,\r\n    \u0022acceptedAnswer\u0022: {\r\n    \u0022@type\u0022: \u0022Answer\u0022,\r\n    \u0022text\u0022: \u0022Yes, the Erne is a legal shot. As long as the player does not step through the NVZ to reach the position outside the sideline \u2014 and does not touch inside the kitchen during or after the shot \u2014 it\u0027s perfectly legal to stand beside the court and volley a ball that passes near the net post. Players can jump over the kitchen corner (landing outside) or walk around behind the NVZ to get into Erne position.\u0022\r\n    }\r\n},\r\n{\r\n    \u0022@type\u0022: \u0022Question\u0022,\r\n    \u0022name\u0022: \u0022How do I get better at dinking?\u0022,\r\n    \u0022acceptedAnswer\u0022: {\r\n    \u0022@type\u0022: \u0022Answer\u0022,\r\n    \u0022text\u0022: \u0022The fastest way to improve your dinking is structured practice at the kitchen line. Work on: (1) cross-court dink consistency \u2014 rally with a partner cross-court and count consecutive successful dinks; (2) relaxing your grip \u2014 grip pressure is the most common dink killer; (3) staying at the kitchen line \u2014 backing up makes dinking harder; and (4) targeting specific spots rather than just keeping it in. Playing against stronger dink players is also one of the fastest ways to improve.\u0022\r\n    }\r\n}\r\n    ]\r\n}\r\n\u003C/script\u003E","publish_status":0,"post_type":"Article","authoruid":"42b786ed-5ff2-467c-9593-d828908ee6d2","author":{"authoruid":"42b786ed-5ff2-467c-9593-d828908ee6d2","name":"Christy Cook","url":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-cook-texas/","photo_url":"https://graffiti-auf7e6dwhxhcbwek.z03.azurefd.net/45a0010e-ec76-43e9-9914-4376bfa80903/4025e8c9-71ea-4557-850d-662c78598919/4fd2cf59-047a-4a00-8a6d-2d9c6c9f91fe.jpg?v=1114665229","linkedin_url":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-cook-texas/"},"featured_image_url":"https://graffiti-auf7e6dwhxhcbwek.z03.azurefd.net/45a0010e-ec76-43e9-9914-4376bfa80903/4025e8c9-71ea-4557-850d-662c78598919/b08641f0-1584-4826-8b77-a4a7d7f5839d-featured.png?v=231610288","featured_image_updating":true,"meta_description":"Complete pickleball shots and techniques library \u2014  how to hit the dink, third shot drop, drive, volley, reset, Erne,  ATP, lob, overhead, and more. Mechanics, ","keywords":"pickleball shots; pickleball techniques; third shot drop;  pickleball dink; pickleball volley; Erne pickleball; how to reset  in pickleball; pickleball shot selection","display_toc":true,"has_workingcopy":false,"allow_indexing":true,"total_views":196,"date_stale":"2026-11-02T00:00:00","date_published":"2026-05-02T20:30:00","date_updated":"2026-05-02T20:38:11.54","date_created":"2026-05-02T20:07:49.243"}}}