If your drives keep popping up and getting smashed back at you, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common problems in pickleball—and thankfully, one of the easiest to fix.

Most players assume the issue is power. It’s not. The real problem? Your swing mechanics and body positioning.

The good news: a few simple adjustments can transform your drive from attackable to unstoppable.

Why pop-ups are killing your game

A popped-up drive is basically a free point for your opponent.

You hit the ball, it floats… they crush it. Point over.

The goal of a great drive isn’t maximum power, it’s keeping the ball low enough that your opponent can’t attack it.

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Mistake #1: Swinging up instead of through

This is the biggest reason drives float.

Many players drop their paddle and “scoop” the ball upward. It feels powerful, but it sends the ball high and attackable.

Fix it:
Think forward, not up.

Imagine there’s a wall behind the ball and you’re trying to drive it straight through that wall. Your swing should be flat and driving forward, not lifting.

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Mistake #2: Leaning back on contact

Leaning back opens your paddle face, and that sends the ball up automatically.

This often happens when players feel rushed or off-balance.

Fix it:
Shift your weight forward.

- Step into the ball
- Lean your chest slightly forward
- Keep your momentum moving toward the net

A simple cue: “Nose over toes”

Even exaggerating this at first will instantly lower your drives.

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Mistake #3: Paddle face too open

Even a slightly open paddle face can cause pop-ups.

Fix it:
Close the paddle face just a bit.

- Tilt it slightly downward
- Aim closer to the net tape—not over it

Pretend the net is 6 inches higher than it actually is. Your brain will naturally keep your shots lower.

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Bonus tip: Stop swinging at 100%

This one surprises most players.

Swinging harder doesn’t make your drive better, it makes it less controlled.

Fix it:
Dial it back to 70–80% power.

Focus on smooth, controlled swings. In pickleball, precision beats power every time.

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The only two things you need to remember

If everything else goes out the window, keep this:

- Step forward and shift your weight into the court
- Swing through the ball, not up

That alone will dramatically improve your drives.

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Quick drill to fix your drive today

Next time you play, try this:

- Hit 10 drives
- Try to skim the net tape (not hit it)
- Keep every ball low

If the ball pops up:

- Slow your swing
- Lean forward more
- Flatten your swing path

Do this for just 5 minutes, and your brain will start recalibrating automatically.

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You don’t need more strength. 

You need better positioning, cleaner mechanics, and controlled swings.

Fix those and your drives will go from attackable to dangerous almost instantly.