If you’ve ever watched high-level pickleball and wondered why they seem faster, calmer, and more consistent, it’s not just talent. The best players build habits that give them an edge on every point.

From movement and positioning to smarter strategy and communication, these are the key things advanced pickleball players do differently and how you can start applying them to your own game today.

1) They split step before contact

One of the biggest differences between advanced and amateur players is timing.

Many players are taught to split step when their opponent makes contact with the ball. Advanced players actually split step slightly before contact. That tiny adjustment gives them more time to react, especially against fast speed-ups at the kitchen line.

If you split step too late, you’re still recovering from your movement while the ball is already coming at you.

Why it matters:

- Faster reaction time
- Better balance
- Quicker lateral movement
- Improved defense against attacks

The higher the level, the less time you have to react. Early preparation becomes critical.

---

2) They stay low at the kitchen

Advanced pickleball players rarely stand upright while dinking.

Instead, they stay in an athletic stance with bent knees and active feet. Staying low allows players to react quicker to balls hit wide, fast, or unexpectedly.

Benefits of staying low:

- Faster side-to-side movement
- Better balance
- Improved reach on low balls
- More explosive reactions

If you watch pro level pickleball, you’ll notice players constantly adjusting their feet while maintaining a low center of gravity.

---

3) They punish dead dinks

A “dead dink” is a dink that sits too high or lacks enough pace and spin to be threatening.

Advanced players immediately recognize these opportunities and attack them.

Usually, that means:

- Speeding the ball up
- Aggressively rolling the dink
- Forcing a defensive response

High-level players understand that the team that attacks first often controls the point. Dead dinks become invitations to take over the rally.

---

4) They recover after every shot

Advanced players never admire their shots.

After every ball they hit, they recover immediately into proper court position based on:

- Where they hit the ball
- Their partner’s positioning
- Their opponents’ positioning

Good recovery keeps players balanced and prepared for the next shot.

A common amateur mistake is hitting a good shot and standing still to watch the outcome. Advanced players are already preparing for the next ball before it’s returned.

---

5) They choose high-percentage shots

Advanced players prioritize smart decisions over highlight-reel winners.

Instead of forcing risky shots, they focus on:

- Crosscourt dinks
- Middle attacks
- Controlled speed-ups
- Strategic placement
- Consistency under pressure

They avoid “hero shots” unless absolutely necessary.

The best players understand that pickleball is often won through discipline, patience, and smart shot selection, not reckless aggression.

---

6) They watch film of themselves

One of the fastest ways to improve is by recording and reviewing your matches or practice sessions.

Video exposes habits you may never notice during play:

- Footwork flaws
- Poor positioning
- Inconsistent mechanics
- Predictable patterns
- Missed opportunities

Watching yourself play helps bridge the gap between what you think you’re doing and what’s actually happening on court.

Even professional players regularly study film to improve specific areas of their game.

---

7) They reset crosscourt more often

Advanced players frequently reset crosscourt instead of down the line, especially from the transition zone.

Why?

Because crosscourt shots give:

- More court space
- More net clearance
- More margin for error
- More time for the ball to drop

A crosscourt reset travels farther, making it easier to hit a softer, more controlled shot that lands low in the kitchen.

Down-the-line resets require greater precision and leave less room for mistakes.

---

8) They disguise their speed-ups

Beginners often telegraph attacks with exaggerated takebacks or obvious body language.

Advanced players make their speed-ups look identical to regular dinks until the last second.

How they do it:

- Minimal backswing
- Same preparation as a dink
- Late acceleration through contact
- Compact paddle motion

This disguise forces opponents to hesitate, often resulting in weak counters or pop-ups.

The best attackers are unpredictable.

---

9) They communicate constantly

In doubles pickleball, communication is essential.

Advanced teams are always talking:

- “Mine”
- “You”
- “Switch”
- “Go”
- “Up”

Constant communication reduces confusion, prevents collisions, and improves court coverage.

One of the easiest ways to improve as a doubles team is simply talking more during points.

Silence leads to hesitation. Communication creates confidence.

---

10) They expect every ball to come back

At advanced levels, very few shots are true winners.

That means elite players never assume the point is over.

Even after hitting a great shot, they:

- Stay balanced
- Maintain ready position
- Continue split stepping
- Prepare for another ball

Many amateur players relax too early and lose points they should win.

Advanced players stay mentally engaged until the rally officially ends.

---

11) They drill more than they play

This may be the most important habit of all.

Advanced players spend more time drilling than playing recreational games.

Why?

Because drilling provides:

- More repetitions
- Faster skill development
- Focused improvement
- Better muscle memory

In games, you only touch the ball occasionally. During drills, you can hit hundreds of repetitions in a short session.

Some of the best drills include:

- Dinking drills
- Reset drills
- Speed-up counters
- Third-shot drops
- Wall drills

Consistent practice is what separates casual players from serious competitors.

---

Summing it up

Advanced pickleball players aren’t just more athletic, they’re more intentional.

They move better, recover faster, communicate more, and make smarter decisions under pressure. Most importantly, they practice with purpose.

If you focus on developing even a few of these habits consistently, your game can improve dramatically.

Start with:

- Earlier split steps
- Staying lower at the kitchen
- Smarter shot selection
- Consistent drilling

Master the fundamentals first, and the advanced results will follow.