You can have better shots than your opponent and still lose the match.

The difference often comes down to pickleball IQ. Smarter players don’t necessarily hit harder or play flashier—they read the game earlier, anticipate patterns, and make better decisions under pressure.

In a recent YouTube video, Ashley Griffith, a professional player on the PPA Tour, shared five tips that help players win more points by thinking one step ahead instead of just reacting to the ball.

1) Read the opponent, not just the ball

Most players focus only on the ball. Higher-level players watch everything else.
That includes body position, paddle face, balance, and movement patterns.

If your opponent is leaning back, reaching, or off balance, you can often predict what’s coming before the ball is even struck. The goal is to recognize cues earlier so you’re never purely reacting.

2) Know when you have the green light

Not every ball should be attacked.

A simple rule:

• Balls above the waist = More attacking opportunities
• Balls below the waist = Usually reset or play safer
• Waist-height balls = Often controlled counters

Smart players don’t force speed-ups, they wait for the right height and moment to apply pressure.

3) Your shot dictates your position

Every shot should trigger your next move.

• Crosscourt dink → Cover line
• Middle ball → Adjust center coverage
• Attack shot → Step in and apply pressure
• Pop-up → Recover or step back

Good players don’t just hit and watch, they hit and immediately reposition based on intention.

4) Stop trying to hit winners, create them

Winners aren’t usually instant. They’re built over multiple shots.

Top players construct points through patience, dinks, and positioning before they attack.

Instead of forcing a highlight shot early, they move opponents, create imbalance, and wait for the right opening to finish.

5) Figure out why you’re losing

The biggest IQ shift is reflection.

After matches, don’t just say “I played bad.” Identify why.

Was it footwork? Shot selection? Backhand breakdown? Positioning?

Top players review film, analyze patterns, and make targeted adjustments so the same mistakes don’t repeat.

Pickleball IQ is what separates good players from great ones.

It’s not about hitting harder. It’s about seeing earlier, deciding smarter, and building points with intention.

Once you start thinking this way, the game slows down and your results speed up.