As pro pickleball continues to evolve, one shot is quickly gaining traction: the body bag.

In simple terms, it’s when a player targets their opponent with a hard drive—ideally into the chest, though sometimes it rides higher.

While it’s the kind of play that almost guarantees a spot on PPA Tour and MLP highlight reels, it also walks a fine line when it comes to sportsmanship.

Grayson Goldin recently shared his perspective.

“You don’t want to ever hit someone’s face, but chest and below is fair game,” said Goldin. “Body bagging is part of the sport, especially if someone is reaching in the kitchen a lot and they’re taking a lot of balls out of the air. That means they feel comfortable with you, so body bagging can make your opponent uncomfortable.”

For his part, Hunter Johnson doesn’t love or hate the shot.

His primary concern centers on player safety. 

“I’m neutral about body bagging, but you never want to put someone in danger. You have to pick a spot at their center mass and not their face. You don’t want to see anyone get injured,” explained Johnson. “I think it’s a real thing when people get excited and crazy when they’re going for people on purpose. I’ve been targeted before, and I don’t take it personally.”

Maybe it’s just the time of year, but it feels like pros in Major League Pickleball are going for more body bags than usual.

“I think body bags can be more popular in MLP because there’s more of that team atmosphere,” mentioned Johnson. “Everyone’s emotions can get a little fiery, so it can be a war out there.”

The game is clearly evolving, and for Johnson and Goldin, context matters when it comes to the body bag. 

Between close friends, it can be all in good fun. In other situations, though, it can carry a much more heated edge.

“It’s part of the game, but I think when it’s too blatant and at the face, it can cross the line,” noted Johnson. “My brother Yates is the only person I’d happily body bag.”

“I feel like it’s about the context you use it in. As a guy, I don’t want to body bag a girl,” insisted Goldin. “And you should show good sportsmanship, raise your hand, and apologize whenever you hit a body bag.”

What do the pros think is behind the increase in body bags?

“The Life Time ball is more rubbery, so it actually bounces up higher, and the paddles are a lot more powerful so the ball comes out quicker,” said Goldin. “You just don’t have a lot of time to react, so it’s like we’re only 14 feet away from each other. It’s inevitable sometimes.”

Still, the consensus among pros is clear: body bags don’t belong in rec play.

“I know the amateurs watch the pros do it, so then they’re going to start doing it more,” cautioned Goldin. “I don’t want rec players doing it all the time.”

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