My doubles partner and I keep getting outplayed by some of the most unassuming pickleball players at our local court. They’re typically retirees who are so seasoned and strategic with their shots, they don’t even break a sweat after a three-game run. 

So, I took to researching and found three strategies from Jordan Briones of Briones Pickleball that will help beat 99% of all players, no matter their skill level. 

1.     Hit every shot to your opponent’s feet

“Whether your opponent is at the non-volley zone, the transition zone, or the baseline, hitting near their feet will win you a lot of points and force a lot of errors,” said Briones. 

“A lot of players like to aim their dinks in the middle of the non-volley zone, which actually gives your opponent a lot of time space so that they can hit the ball wherever they want. Instead, push your dinks further and roll your dinks towards your opponent’s toes to make it more difficult and force them to make a tough decision,” he continued. 

The opponent will either need to take the ball out of the air and hit a low volley or step back and, pushing them off the line, let the ball bounce, and make them play defense. This also applies when your opponent is in the transition zone too. 

And when they’re at the baseline, driving the ball back to the baseline helps keep your opponents pushed back and gives you and your partner more angles to take advantage of and win the point. 

2.     Hit towards the middle more often 

Briones shared three major benefits for hitting the ball in the middle.

-       You have the lowest part of the net
-       It will limit your opponent’s attacking angles
-       You will cut out a ton of errors

Playing down the middle limits your opponent’s offensive attacks and gives you a larger margin of error. 

3.     The strategy of shading or following the ball 

Briones easily breaks down the concept of shading. 

“If your feet follow the ball, you’re going to be in a really strong position,” he said.

“If I’m playing on the left side and the ball is in front of me down the line in the corner, I have to make sure that I come over, follow the ball, and make sure I have this down the line covered. My partner is going to slide over and cover the middle as they follow the ball and move their feet as well,” demonstrated Briones.

If you’re playing the right side, the same principle applies. Shading will put you in a strong counterattack position, and it will help you and your partner decide who takes which balls in the middle. 

Now, it’s time to hit the court with my doubles partner and put these lessons to the test. Aim to my opponent’s feet, hit down the middle, and practice shading. 

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