Pickleball Strategy Guide Pickleball Strategies

by Coach “Mo”
Grip
Compliments of PickleballCoach.com
Use the continental grip. The point of the "V"
between your thumb and index finger should be
placed on top of the handle of the paddle when the
face of the paddle is perpendicular to the ground.

The easiest grip to use is the Continental Grip (See

"Volley Tips"). This grip is halfway between the
Eastern Forehand Grip and the Eastern Backhand
Grip. A player never has to change his grip on the
paddle. The volley, serving, overhead and ground
Here is what Coach “Mo” says are 10 ways to strokes are all the same using the Continental Grip.
guarantee that you will LOSE more
Pickleball games than you WIN. Most Pickle Ball players only keep one hand on the
paddle when making their shots. A player can have
1. FREQUENTLY miss your serve. much greater control hitting the ball if he uses two
2. FREQUENTLY miss your return of serve. hands to steady the paddle before hitting the ball.
3. HELP your opponents by keeping their OUT balls in
play. If you have a wet grip problem on hot, humid days,
wear a wrist band and buy some tennis over grips for
4. When your opponent hits a very difficult FAST
your paddle handle. Gamma Pro Wrap over grips are
shot at you, try and hit a low percentage sharp about $1.00 each, shipping included. Check back
angled shot for a winner rather than a DEFENSIVE pages of tennis magazines for telephone numbers of
shot. suppliers.
5. Take away your PARTNER’S easy forehand shots,
with your weaker backhand shots. Ready Position
6. Get upset with your Excellent Pickleball partner
who has SUCCESSFULLY jumped in front of you to Get back to the ready position (See "Volley Tips")
win the point! quickly after every ground stroke and especially
volleys with your paddle way out in front of your
7. Do NOT keep the ball at your opponents feet as body.
much as possible.
8. Do NOT play up to the No Volley Zone line. A common mistake made while moving forward to
9. Hit the ball TOO FAST for good placement, and do net is not having your paddle in proper ready
NOT give yourself enough leeway for error. position. Many players have their paddles at their
knees or below the net, not up and out in front of the
10. Take TOO MANY sharp angle shots rather than
body.
high percentage shots down the middle of the court
that bounces between your opponents. At the point when the ball contacts your opponents’
paddle, you should be in your ready position: elbows
and paddle out in front of your body, feet at shoulder
width apart, side by side on your toes, not your heals,
ready to move left or right. Never be moving at the
point of contact of your opponent’s paddle on the
ball. No matter where you are on the court, stop and
get into your ready position. Never sacrifice being
ready, for positioning on the court. If you are not
prepared early and properly to hit a ball, it doesn’t

1
PickleballCoach.com – Pickleball Strategy Guide by Coach “Mo”
matter where you are on court. You probably won’t because the first team that gets to the net usually wins
hit the ball properly. the point. If you can win 8 out of 10 points with any
other strategy, go for it.

Return of Serve Never Miss Your Serve because you are hitting too
hard, an especially important part of the game. Your
Never try for a pure winner. Do not make an opponents only need a pulse to win the point if you
unforced error. Make your target spot five feet from miss the serve. Give them a chance to lose. Also,
the baseline and eight inches to left of center. This your partner will lose confidence in you if you keep
will keep the ball closer to the backhand of the player missing your serve.
whose backhand is toward the middle of the court.
The ball will travel over the low part of the net and
After serving, step back one step behind the baseline.
give you a lot of leeway. Hit the ball slow to give you
There are two reasons for this. (1) The ball must land
plenty of time to set up at the no volley zone line.
in front of you not at your feet. (2) It will be easier to
see if your opponents return is going to be out. If
Change spin occasionally (top or under spin). It will your opponent has the ability to hit a drop shot, be
cause some opponents to make mistakes at times. prepared to quickly run forward.

Once in a great while, when ahead, hit fast return of When serving the ball, give yourself leeway, aim for
serve for a change up when you feel your opponents center of serving box 5 feet from baseline. Serve fast
will least expect it. only if you never miss your serve.

Place the return down the middle, slightly closer to

the back hand player. Both opponents may think the Volley
other will take the shot.
When volleying, keep elbow out in front of your hip
Wait for the serve 12" or more behind the baseline so with paddle head above wrist for better ball control.
that the ball will bounce in front of you, not at your Never drop the head of the paddle on low shots. You
feet for a difficult shot. If your opponent has a very must keep skin wrinkles on your wrist at point of
fast and deep serve, you may have to wait about 3 contact.
feet behind baseline.
Try and keep your head and eyes behind ball at ball
Have a mental note in your mind of players who do height when hitting a volley.
hit soft, short serves. Watch the face of the server’s
paddle and be ready to sprint in and split your feet for Bend your knees on all low shots. Your back knee
the short return. should almost be touching the ground. Stay down all
the way through your shot and keep your head down
If one opponent is weaker than the other, hit the and eyes looking at ball contact point long after ball
return to weakest opponent’s backhand until you get has been hit.
ahead a few points.
Do not swing at your volleys unless you are an
When the better of your two opponents least expects advanced player and feel you can make 80% of your
it, hit a shot to him deep to his backhand. The swinging volleys. Punch them unless your opponent
element of surprise can help. hits a very fast volley or overhead at close range at
you. Then just set the height and angle of your paddle
When your serve is returned, try to place a soft shot and block the shot low to your opponent’s feet.
in the no volley zone. Do not try to overpower your Beginner Pickleball players have a tendency to swing
opponent with a very fast passing shot, unless you are at their volleys and punch the ground strokes which
an advanced player and you feel you can win more should be just the opposite. There is not enough time
than 80% of points in this manner. Both opponents to swing at most volleys and you lose your
are already at net, and it would be a very low consistency when you swing and not punch the shot
percentage shot. A low soft shot is important because by extending your arm from the elbow.
it gives you time to get to the net and not be on the
defensive. More points are won when returning serve

2
PickleballCoach.com – Pickleball Strategy Guide by Coach “Mo”
When you punch your ground strokes, you lose If you don’t have time to step to the ball, at least turn
power and control. Stroke your ground strokes for your upper body and point your front shoulder in the
better placement and power. direction you want the ball to go. If you don’t have
time to turn your shoulders, then from the ready
When you are waiting for the ball, you should be in position keep a stationary wrist with paddle parallel
the "ready position." Your elbows should be out in to the net and block the fast shot over the net.
front of your body, your feet should be shoulder
width apart, and you should be on your toes. The Keep your volley low to your opponent’s feet or
head of your paddle should be higher than your wrist. bounce the ball on the court exactly beside him.
You should see wrinkles on your wrist. Never drop
the head of your paddle and let those wrinkles Hitting your right handed opponent’s right hip pocket
disappear. The angle of the face of the paddle should is not as good as hitting his feet or hitting exactly
be slightly open (1 o’clock to 7 o’clock). beside him, but it is very effective.

When you strike the ball, you should point your front After each volley move forward one step toward the
shoulder in the direction you want the ball to go and no volley zone. Get as close to NVZ line as possible.
open or close the face of the paddle to set the angle of
the paddle. Keep a firm wrist and extend your arm On the back hand volley keep your knuckles lined up
from only the elbow joint, using a jab motion. Setting with the paddle face in the direction you want the ball
the angle of the paddle and the jab motion are two
to go and keep the handle slightly ahead of the
completely separate motions. First aim the paddle
paddle.
early. Then jab from the elbow joint.
You must use an aggressive jab when volleying a ball
Keep the butt of the paddle level to the ground all the with a heavy spin.
way through the jab. (Adjust only the angle of the
face of the paddle).
The difference between an overhead and a volley the
height at which the ball is when you make contact
Always make contact with the ball as far out in front with it. If the ball is below the highest point at which
of your body as you possibly can for more power and
you can reach it with the center of your paddle, you
more control of placement.
should use a volley shot. If it is above that point, you
should hit an overhead shot. On too low a shot you
At the exact point of contact with the ball make a will not be able to fully extend your arm and will
sound to yourself. This will help prevent you from probably put the ball in the net.
making one of the biggest mistakes made while
playing Pickleball, not watching the ball hit the
When at the net, turn toward your opponent before he
paddle.
hits the ball. When the ball travels straight toward
your paddle it is easier to hit the ball.
After the point of contact, keep your eyes focused on
the contact point during your follow through.
Drop Volley
Return to the ready position quickly after each volley.
If your opponent is moving away from the net near
The harder you hit your volley the faster you must the baseline or your opponent never comes to the net,
return to the ready position. these are the times to try drop volleys if you have a
good drop volley.
Never let the face of the paddle of your paddle drop
below your wrist on low volleys. Bend your knees so Most drop volleys are placed near the post on the side
that your back knee is almost touching the ground. of the court from which your opponent had just
Your fist or the butt of the paddle must almost touch retreated to the baseline to return your team’s lob
the ground. Keep your head and body down all the shot. If you feel his partner has been anticipating
way through the follow through. Stay down; don’t your drop volley, don’t place your drop volley by the
come up too soon. post, place it half way back from the net and baseline
so that the net person must run away from the net to
play the ball. It is much more difficult to hit a shot

3
PickleballCoach.com – Pickleball Strategy Guide by Coach “Mo”
when moving quickly away from net than towards qualified to play the wind. It can help you and hurt
the net. Many times the player who just ran way back you.
for the lob will recover and get in the way of his
partner trying to help him out If the wind is 20mph, it is best to have it at your back.

Use a drop volley if your opponent stays at the

baseline. Overhead
At the point of contact on a touch shot squeeze your Never hit an overhead shot unless the ball is high
pinky middle finger and ring finger. This will help enough. You should hit the ball at the highest point
you keep a firm wrist. you can reach on the center of your paddle or you
must take a volley shot.

Lob When hitting an overhead point, point your shoulder

Defensive & Offensive and your finger of your left hand up at ball until just
before you contact ball. Keep your head up until ball
is long gone. Pronate your wrist and paddle just
When making a lob, lob over your opponent’s before you contact ball for a more disguised and
backhand side. powerful overhead. Hit at opponents’ feet wherever
they are standing.
If you hit a very high short lob from up close to net
and you are exceptionally fast on your feet, then the The difference between an overhead and a volley the
percentages play is to drop back to the baseline and height at which the ball is when you make contact
play your opponent’s overhead. If you are not able to with it. If the ball is below the highest point at which
quickly retreat to the baseline, then hold your you can reach it with the center of your paddle, you
position at the net with your paddle in the ready should use a volley shot. If it is above that point, you
position and on your toes. If the ball is hit at your feet should hit an overhead shot. On too low a shot you
while you are backpedaling and only halfway to the will not be able to fully extend your arm and will
baseline, it is almost impossible to return. Do not probably put the ball in the net.
leave your position at the net unless you are 100%
confident that you can retreat to the baseline with
When the wind is at your back, your timing can be
enough time to prepare for your opponent’s
thrown off and the ball contact is too far out in front
overhead.
of your body causing the ball to be short and into the
net the way to help this problem is to aim your
If the ball is lobbed over your head at the net, your overheads just inside the baseline.
partner should yell "I got it" and run behind you. At
the same time, you should switch sides of the court.
Keep in mind while hitting the overhead:
If you feel you can make an excellent overhead, call
off your partner early.
 Use your palm to block the sun.
If a ball is hit straight over your head and your  Keep your paddle face flat for power.
partner isn’t running back to help you, then run back  Point your finger at the ball. If your finger
parallel to the ball so when you get to the ball, you moves forward, step forward and vice-versa.
can hit a deep forehand lob. Do not turn 180 degrees  Do not back pedal. For safety, turn sideways
and run straight back after the ball, because you will and side step back to the ball.
not be in a good position to hit the ball when you get  Run back parallel to the flight of the ball; if
to it. the ball is hit straight over your head.
 On a high deep lob, sidestep back past your
Hit a few high lobs before game to evaluate direction anticipated contact point and step forward to
of wind and speed. During every second of an make your overhead. Your weight will be
important game, keep the wind direction in mind. It moving toward the net at the point of contact
will give you points. Steady your game by playing so you will have a more steady and powerful
the wind to your advantage. Beginner and shot.
intermediate players would hit less out balls if they
hit into the wind. Advanced players are better

4
PickleballCoach.com – Pickleball Strategy Guide by Coach “Mo”
 Footwork If you are stretched out to your limit when volleying,
always go down the line in the direction that you are
stepping. The shot will have more power and be more
Never step into the non volley zone with both feet. If consistent. A good example would be the same as in
a ball should bounce close to the net in the NVZ, softball, when a pitcher pitches the ball to the outside
keep one foot planted outside the NVZ line and lunge corner of the plate, the right-handed batter has a
forward like a sword fighter. Tip the ball over the net better chance of hitting the ball to right field.
into your opponents’ NVZ and quickly recover with
both feet outside your NVZ line. If a player steps into Keep your elbows high when hitting the ball down
the NVZ with both feet, it will take twice a long to the sideline.
get back out. A player cannot touch the ball in the air
when any part of his body is in the NVZ. Good
Follow through a little shorter for a straight volley
footwork at the net in this situation can shorten the
down the sideline.
time a player is in a vulnerable position.

When stretched to your limit to the right, volley

No matter where you are on the court, always split
down the right sideline. Go with the pitch.
step, putting your feet side by side and shoulder
width apart, at the point of your opponent’s contact
with the ball. This allows you to move in either How to Practice
direction equally well. Do not sacrifice being
balanced and ready for position on the court.
Find someone of your ability that appreciates the
importance of practicing.
Step toward the post in either direction and cross step
when the ball is hit out of your reach. Do not move
your back foot and lose your position on the court. If you want to play your best, you must know the
Cross stepping makes you a foot taller and gives you importance of practice, as well as playing the game.
a wider range of coverage.
A player should learn proper footwork to become a
A side step first combined with a cross step is better player. Learn to cross step, side step and split
sometimes necessary and effective. step. Good footwork makes for easier court coverage,
wider range, and better balance and shots.

Hitting Down Sideline You must practice a soft game at the net until you are
so confident that you think that you could do it
Do not hit shots down sideline unless: perfect for five minutes if needed.

 Your opponents poach. Break the game down into segments.

 Your team is favored to win.
 Your team has a good lead. Ground strokes, corner to corner and down the line.
 You have an easy ball to hit.
 You want to keep your opponents honest Volleys: One player at the net and the other at the
when they are close to center court. baseline. Volley balls hit from different angles. Both
 Your opponent’s backhand is to the outside players volley and practice short game.
of the court and he is the weaker player.
One player lobs the ball to player at net who hits
A soft ball down the line is just as good, if not better, overhead shots from different angles. Play points out
and if you can bounce the ball beside your opponent using one-half doubles court. Go from corner to
and be ready to jump on a ball hit 12" above the net. corner, not keeping score without serving and then
with serving. Points should not be counted because a
If you make contact on a shot outside the sideline, try player tends to try to win by doing only the things
a shot around the post deep to the baseline corner, or that he does well, rather than practicing things he
put up a very high lob to give yourself time to doesn’t do well.
recover. If you don’t think that you will be able to
recover, try to finish point with pure winner.

5
PickleballCoach.com – Pickleball Strategy Guide by Coach “Mo”
After practicing for a long period of time, play a  When your team is way ahead or way
singles match using only half of the doubles court behind.
and keeping score. Try to move your opponent  When you or your partner has just hit a very
around the court and out of position with ball difficult shot at you opponents feet and you
placement and the other strategies presented earlier. feel the opponent will be lucky just to return
the ball without being accurate.
After practicing the whole game in segments, the
game becomes an extension of practice and you play
better Pickle Ball. Reduce Unforced Errors
The safest place on the court to bounce the ball is
Poaching soft, low and in the middle of the no volley zone.
With this placement, your opponent may hesitate,
Make sure that your opponents are worried that you thinking that his partner will hit the ball. Hit the ball
may poach. You are not doing the job if you are not soft so your opponents will have no pace to work
giving head and shoulder fakes at the net. with. This is the highest percentage shot.
Occasionally poach just to make your fakes seem
believable. When at the net be patient. Keep hitting the ball soft
back into the no volley zone until your opponents
Make your opponent hit the ball to you. Make a head make the mistake of hitting the ball too high. Do not
and shoulder fake in one direction and hold your go for the kill unless the ball is at least 12" above the
position on the court. Your opponent will think that net. Eighty-Five percent of your shots should be
you are going to move down the net and he will hit volleys standing within 12 inches of the no volley
the ball to you. Occasionally you will have to poach zone. Do not try a tough angle shot until you have
to make your fakes believable. drawn your opponents out of position. Keep blasting
the high balls at your opponents’ feet until they miss
If both players on the opposing team are much better it. Never try an angle shot or difficult shot when the
than one of the players on the other team than the ball is below the net. Be defensive. Try a lob when
stronger player of that team must poach and fake like your opponent least expects. It is also a very effective
he is about to poach to level the playing field. Only if shot.
you are playing to win, not playing for fun and the
opposing team is hitting all their balls to your partner. Be prepared early. If you hit a fast volley to your
opponent, you must prepare your paddle face for the
An excellent poacher should poach as much as next shot faster. The faster you hit, the faster you
possible even if all four are of equal ability His must prepare.
partner should not take this as a personal affront. It is
proper play and good strategy. To poach is to cut off Be patient and wait for a ball that is 12" or higher
and hit the shot that your opponent hit to your over the net before trying to hit a winner. Always go
partner. for your opponents’ feet, no matter where they are on
the court. Foot shots are much safer than angle shots.
Types of Poaching:
Only try angle shots if you get a sitter and feel that
 Waiting at the net until you actually see an you are 150% sure that you won’t make an unforced
easy return from your opponent and move error. A sitter is an easy shot.
across court to cut the shot off for a winner.
 Player anticipates an easy return from his If you are playing properly, eighty-five percent of all
opponent and moves across the court to cut your shots and your partner’s shots should be volleys
the shot off a split second before his no further back than 12" from the no volley zone.
opponent hits the ball. Ground strokes are only used when returning a serve,
 It is important to pick the proper time in the hitting the return of your serve, or if opponent lobs
game to poach. and pulls you away from the no volley zone line. Get
 Early in the game so that your team has time back to NVZ line as fast as you possibly can.
to recover in case you lose the point.

6
PickleballCoach.com – Pickleball Strategy Guide by Coach “Mo”
Hitting down the middle is a high percentage shot a. When an exceptionally fast ball is hit to you be
and is much safer than a wide angle shot. defensive by blocking it back rather than swing at it.

Always allow for error never aim for the line itself. Be Careful: A less difficult shot to hit may
sometimes cause a player to miss a shot because it
One of the most common mistakes players makes is looked so easy that he thought it was impossible to
swinging at their volleys and punching their ground miss. A player tends to over hit and not concentrate
strokes. It should be the other way around. as much as when hitting a difficult shot and misses it.

If you cannot make a specific shot at least eight out When it is very windy make shorter steps and keep
of ten times, do not try this shot in a game until in adjusting your feet because the ball keeps moving
practice you can make it consistently. Four out of ten around. Watch the ball closer than normal and make
tries is just enough to lose the game. Shot selection at most of your shots down the middle of court.
key times in the game is very important. Know the
shots that you are very consistent with and use them If you feel you can hit with extreme power all the
at key times in the game. Give your opponents a time and still not sacrifice placement and consistency
chance to lose. Don’t beat them to it. then you have to decide whether you are a great
Pickleball player or kidding yourself. If you decide
There is a time to try and hit a “Pure Winner”, a time on the latter, take a little pace off your shots.
to hit a “¾ Winner”, and time to just keep the ball
alive by blocking it back to your opponent. When warming up before your Pickleball game hit a
couple of high lobs to check out the wind direction
1. Pure Winner – (as hard as you can hit the ball). and speed so you don’t lose a few point s during the
game. Try not to look into the sun if possible. The
sun can cause an error.
a. When your partner is weaker than both of your
opponents and you get a high ball. You must take
advantage of your good opportunities. Errors:
b. When you are the favorite team.  Poor Footwork
 No Follow Thru
c. When you have a decent lead in the game.  Impatience – don’t work the point.
 Predictability
d. When playing good competition; you make hay
when the sun shines because you don’t get many
good opportunities to go for it. Know Your Opponents
2. ¾ Winner – (3/4 pace shot). 1. Do they try and hit every ball hit to them, even
balls that would have gone out? If so, hit much faster
at them then you normally would. You have nothing
a. When you are in control of point at the net and
to lose.
both opponents are at baseline and are very steady
2. Does your opponent stay at the baseline and not
players.
move forward to the net?
3. Does your opponent hit all there volleys on the
b. When a ball hit to you is not a high percentage same side of their paddle. If so, they are vulnerable if
shot. you hit low to the backhand.
4. Does your opponent handle fast balls well? If so,
c. When you feel your team is steadier and better than hit soft balls to them and vice versa.
your opponents. 5. Does your opponent have trouble returning under
spin balls?
d. When your position on the court is not very good. 6. Does your opponent like to poach? Be ready to hit
behind him.
3. Just keep the ball alive by blocking the shot to 7. If you do not know your opponent then keep the
opponent’s feet. ball as low as possible and on the backhand side until
you have a chance to make a book on him.

7
PickleballCoach.com – Pickleball Strategy Guide by Coach “Mo”
8. Which one of your opponents is the weaker 4. Is he a very inconsistent player?
player? A team is only as strong as its weakest player
and the weakest player is only as strong as his 5. Is it a very hard and low percentage shot for you to
weakest shot. try and return? If so let it go. It may go out.
9. How fast are your opponents, then you will know
whether to drop or lob.
Keep an ear open for yell of "no" from your partner
when he thinks the ball is out.
Mental Errors
Hitting your opponents out balls builds confidence in
your opponents and a good player will make an
1. Improper shot selection
adjustment after realizing he has just hit an out ball.
2. Hitting balls going out of bounds
You will probably lose future points without him
3. Over hitting
being penalized for hitting an out ball.
4. Not enough patience
If you should play someone who always tries to hit
5. Not keeping track of wind
everything, even your out balls then hit at that person
6. Not having a mental book on your opponents
much faster than you normally would. You have
assets and deficits
nothing to lose.
7. Not communicating properly with your partner
Be aware of where you are on the court at all times.
8. Too predictable.
This will help you to decide whether to hit or not to
hit a ball.
Mental errors are much easier to cure than technical
errors when hitting the ball.
If you stop hitting your opponents out balls your
percentage of wins will rise immediately.
Hitting Fast Balls
Only hit the ball as fast as it takes to win the point.
Play the Wind
Start the match hitting at an average speed and keep
adding a little pace until you are winning more points Which direction should you hit toward with the wind
then you are losing. Every opponent is different. The or against the wind is a personal thing. There is no
faster you hit the ball the less precise your placement. right or wrong, it is a personal thing.
If you can win more than 50% of your points blasting
every ball, then go for it! Types of Wind:
Be prepared for a faster bounce of the ball if the ball 1. A steady wind in your face is excellent for a
person who likes to lob.
seems like it might hit the painted lines on the court.
2. A heavy wind in your face is not good for
lobbing and would be an advantage to a
Anticipate Out Balls person with a great overhead because the
ball tends to stop rather than go over their
heads and drop in the court.
Try to anticipate when your opponents are about to
3. A heavy wind at your back is an advantage
hit an out of bound balls. Know when to expect an
to a hard hitter because it could ad 15-
out of bounds ball before your opponents even touch
20mph to their stroke making it much harder
the ball.
to react.
4. If the wind is coming across the court either
Things to take into consideration when anticipating way, you must stay away from the side of
an out ball from your opponent. the court that the wind is blowing toward
and have the wind on your mind at all times.
1 .Is the wind at your opponent’s back? 5. If winds are gusty, the player must be
constantly feeling the wind and play it
2. Is your opponent swinging real fast at the ball and properly.
is his contact point below net? 6. Try and convince yourself the wind is
bothering your opponent as much as it is
3. Is your opponent making a difficult shot on the full bothering you.
gallop? 7. The team that plays the wind the best will
usually win.

8
PickleballCoach.com – Pickleball Strategy Guide by Coach “Mo”
 Forehand Groundstroke
Pickleball Techniques Right Handed Players:
1. Ready your paddle back into position to stroke the
Ground Stroke Stances ball with your left hand. The paddle grip should be a
continental grip with the butt end of the handle
A backhand ground stroke can be hit from an open or pointing towards the oncoming ball and the paddle is
a closed stance. level.
The Closed-stance is used most often. The player 2. Step toward the ball with your left foot and make
runs to a spot where the ball will be as close to waist contact with the ball opposite the spot that your
high as possible and sets both his feet shoulder width planted your foot. Point your left shoulder at your
apart and parallel to the net. He then steps toward the target.
ball with his front foot and hits the ball. The Open- 3. Keep your left hand out in front of your body with
stance is used when you have a very fast ball hit to your palm facing the ground at the same hight as
you and very little time to move your feet. You have your paddle and this will help keep you balanced.
only enough time to set your feet side by side at 4. Watch the ball make contact on you paddle and
about a 45 to 180 degree angle to the net and turn make sound to yourself at the exact moment the ball
your upper body at the waist so that your front touches your paddle. This will help you watch the
shoulder is pointing at your target area. ball more consistently.
Right handed player hitting a forehand would point 5. Keep a firm wrist and pretend you are hitting four
his left shoulder toward his target and when hitting balls lined up in a row during your follow through.
his backhand would point his right shoulder toward Follow through in the direction of your target.
his target and follow through towards target. 6. When hitting a low forehand shot bend your knees
with your right knee as close to the ground as
possible that stay down all the way through the shot.
Serving Techniques 7. Quickly return to your ready position.

1.
2.
Use a bowling motion.
Point your paddle toward the ground with Backhand Groundstroke
bent knees.
3. Toss the ball in front of your body in the Right Handed Players:
direction of target. Your target should be the 1. Run to a spot where the ball will be waist high or
very center of the serving box. This will as close to waist high as possible in your ready
give you a lot of leeway for error. Never position.
Ever miss your serve because it probably 2. Set your feet in a closed stance position (side by
will be the difference in a close game. side) pointing your right shoulder and looking over
4. Step toward the target with your front your right shoulder toward your target then step with
shoulder pointing at your target. your front foot toward your target.
5. Swing in an upward motion with the paddle 3. Bend your knees on low balls and keep your head
below the wrist and watch the ball contact and body down all through the shot and follow thru.
your paddle below the waist. 4. Point the butt end of your handle like a gun at the
6. Make a soft sound to yourself at the point of ball.
contact with the ball to prevent you from 5. Paddle face should be perpendicular to ground.
lifting your head before contact. 6. Contact point should be out in front of the spot you
7. Follow through in the direction of your plant your front foot.
target. 7. Keep a firm wrist at contact and you will be more
8. Step back on foot behind the baseline after consistent. (do not roll your wrist at contact unless
serving to assure the return of serve will you are an advanced player)
land in front of you. If you step into the 8. Watch the ball hit your paddle.(making a sound to
court after serving the ball it could land at yourself at exactly the point of contact of ball on your
your feet or behind you and you will have to paddle will help)
make a difficult shot because you had to 9. Make a long follow through in the direction of
backpedal to make a shot. your target. Pretend you are hitting four balls in a row
will help.
10. Quickly after your full follow thru get back to
your ready position for the next shot.

9
PickleballCoach.com – Pickleball Strategy Guide by Coach “Mo”
 9. Keep your head down and eyes glued to the spot
Overhead Technique that you made contact with the ball for as long as
possible.
10. Paddle head should follow through in the
1. Grip – Continental Grip (same as all other direction you want the ball to go.
strokes). 11. Tip – Make a sound to yourself at exactly the
2. Turn your body so that your shoulders and body time the ball makes contact with your paddle. Not too
are parallel to the flight of the lobed ball. soon or too late. This will make sure you are
3. Keep your feet parallel and move them forward watching the ball hit the paddle.
and back until the ball in the air is a little more in

Additional Information
front of your body and as high in the air as the center
of your paddle can reach.
4. Point your left hand at the ball while readying
your paddle. About ear height and making sure
paddle face is completely flat at the point of contact Extra Strategies
for extra power.
5. Keep head and chin up and watch the spot that 1. When you are learning to play pickleball, never
the ball contacts the paddle long after your follow avoid hitting your backhand ground strokes or
through. volleys. If you avoid hitting your backhand you will
6. A split second before contacting the ball, pronate never master the stroke.
your wrist to disguise your shot and the paddle will 2. When playing during a windy day keep track of the
contact the ball flat and this will get more power on wind speed and direction constantly because it does
the overhead. change at times. If you play the wind properly then it
7. After setting the paddle, the overhead is all wrist. will build confidence in yourself, in that, the wind is
Just step towards your target, point your left shoulder bothering your opponent more than yourself.
towards the target and snap your wrist with same 3. When you are feeling a little tight during a match,
motion as you would snap a whip. Pretend you are don't hit tentatively or too slow. Hit at your normal
throwing the paddle at the ball. steady pace, but give yourself more leeway to hit
8. If you don’t have time to move your feet at least your target until your confidence returns.
turn your shoulders and waist for more power and 4. Make a mental book on your own attributes and
placement. deficits. Only hit shots that you feel are a high
9. If you have to jump in the air to hit the overhead percentage for your own ability. Know what shots
use the scissors kick method. If you live in The you can make more than 50% of the time. Do what
Villages in Florida, find “Mo” and ask him. It is too you do well and practice the things that you don't do
hard to explain, it must be demonstrated and you well then use them when you can make them 50% of
must be able to leave the ground with both feet. the time.
5. Bounce up onto the balls of your feet, in the ready
position, at the point of contact of the ball on your
Drop Volley Technique opponents paddle. A moving body reacts quicker
than a stationary body.
1. Use Continental Grip with the bottom two fingers 6. If both backhands of your opponents are at the
tight and the top three fingers a light grip. middle of the court, hit down the middle of the court.
2. Paddle motion is from high to low (half moon,) 7. If your shot makes your opponent take two steps or
paddle face finishes parallel to the ground. more your chance for winning the point increases
3. Elbow and knee are bent. immensely.
4. Short backswing. 8. Don't back up to play a dink off the bounce, when
5. Punch the ball (which is full extension at elbow you can hit the ball in the air. Always try and hit the
joint). ball with your weight going towards the net.
6. Meet the ball early and out in front of the body. 9. Make contact with the ball at the highest possible
7. Do not drop the paddle head below your wrist. If point in the air when volleying and waist high on the
paddle face is locked firm above your wrist then skin bounce for your ground stroke. It will be a higher
wrinkles can be seen on your wrist. percentage shot and open up more angles with less
8. Slide your paddle under the ball (like turning a key chance of putting balls into the net.
in a door) to put an underspin on the ball. The ball 10. Give your opponents a lot of chances to miss and
will bounce low when it drops over the net. they will not let you down.
11. It is not how hard you hit the ball, but where.

10
PickleballCoach.com – Pickleball Strategy Guide by Coach “Mo”
12. Expect to win – Refuse to lose. If you feel an opponent is anticipating your shot by
watching the face of your paddle and moving before
Play Steady: The team with the most unforced errors you make contact, then have your paddle face straight
loses. Not the team with the fewest winners. ahead and then at the last second, go cross court
before your opponent has time to react. Do not have
Placement is more important than power. your paddle "read" cross court then try and surprise
your opponent and go down line because paddle must
Keep the ball as low as possible for every hit, unless be brought back first and the extra time it takes gives
you must make a defensive lob. your opponent more time to react to your fake.

If you are playing a former racquet ball player (who

Place the ball at the opponent’s feet or bounce the
very quickly flicks his paddle at the ball), you must
ball right beside your opponent. He must hit the ball
up, which quickly puts him on the defensive and you prepare your ready position even earlier or you will
on the offensive. The team which must hit the ball up be late punching your volleys or ground strokes.
most of the time will lose. Keep the ball at your
opponent’s feet no matter where he is on the court. Give your partner a second opinion on whether a ball
is in or out. Do it early enough to give him time to
Only hit the ball as hard as you can control the back away from it.
placement. Do not sacrifice placement for power. Hit
¾ winners unless you get a put away shot for a full Every once in a while, change the spin and speed of
power winner. all your shots. The element of surprise will pay
dividends.
When an opponent is planted at the net and you can’t
make a shot at his feet, the next best place to hit it is Sometimes the best shot is no shot at all. When
at the right hip pocket of a right-handed player. This playing with a much better partner than yourself, let
is a very difficult shot to return. your partner take as many shots as he possible can,
especially if he yells, "I have it." Chances are good
you are probably going to get the lion’s share of all
Patience is a virtue in Pickleball
the hits anyway. So the more your partner touches the
ball, the better chance you will win.
Do not try to win the point from the baseline. Just hit
the ball softly and bounce the ball in the no volley
zone and follow it to net. There should be only positive communication
between you and your partner. "Good try" "I have it"
"Switch" "Yours" and "Bounce it" are as examples.
Pick a good time to move forward, not when your Never say anything negative to your partner if he
opponent has an easy shot. Every second that you are isn’t doing well because it will just make things
playing, your goal should be to get to the net on a worse. It shows you are not a confident player, and
minimum of one step forward and split step at every you are looking for an excuse to lose.
touch of the ball by your opponent. Split step is when
both feet are side by side and shoulder width apart.
The second to last shot before the end of a point by
you or your partner usually decides if your team
The team that plays from the baseline exposes their either wins or loses the point. If you do not keep your
feet to their opponents and will lose to a team as good shot low enough or placed well enough and your
as or better than they are. opponent slams a shot at your partner and he misses,
the shot, then the point was lost by you. Sometimes
If your partner is drawn out of the court on his side, the point could have been lost by the third or fourth
you must move over to protect his area until he can to last shot because the team never could recover
get back into the court. If you think that you are from being put on the defensive earlier in the point.
playing an intelligent opponent, then give a head and
shoulder fake, giving the impression that you are Keep a book in your mind about the people that you
moving to cover for your partner. Don’t move from play regularly. Know what they are good at and also
your position, however, and your opponent will know their weaknesses. Many players always make
probably put the ball on your paddle. certain shots in particular situations, and if you can
anticipate these shots, you will have an edge. For

11
PickleballCoach.com – Pickleball Strategy Guide by Coach “Mo”
example, some players, when running in for a ball better player. Learn proper technique. It will give you
that bounces near the post in the no volley zone, an edge over your opponent.
always try a cross court topspin shot to the other post.
A player should try not to have any bad out bursts
When your team is a heavy favorite, play a whole after missing their shots. This type of reaction builds
game without being interested about winning and confidence in your opponents. Your partner will also
concentrate on just placing every single ball at your lose confidence in you.
opponent’s feet or beside them. Practice not going for
winners and being patient. No matter where your When two right hand players are playing together, the
opponents are on the court, go for their feet. It is a player facing the net on the left, who has his forehand
safe shot, and it will steady your game and pay to the middle of the court, takes the balls on his side
dividends. of the court plus about 8 to 12 inches toward the
center line.
On a cross court volley make contact a little farther
out in front of you. When two left hand players are playing together, the
player with his forehand toward the center of the
All strokes taken with your Pickleball paddle are court should take any ball on his side of the court
technically the same as all the tennis strokes with one plus any ball 8 to 12 inches to the left of center court.
exception, the serve. The only differences between
the two are the feel of the ball on the paddle and the When a right handed and a left handed player are
distance from your hand to the contact point of the playing together and both players backhands are to
ball on the paddle. .A person wanting to improve his the middle of the court, the player facing the net on
Pickleball strokes should read tennis books and the on the left side should be considered the fore
magazines and become a student of the game. hand and cover his side plus 8 to 12 inches to the
right of center court unless both players agree the
Determine if your opponents are left-handed before other player has the stronger backhand.
the start of the game so that you won’t be hitting to
their strength. If you like to hit with power and if your opponents
cannot recognize when a ball is going out and they
Before starting each game, let your partner know that hit every ball that they can get their paddles on, then
you don’t mind his overruling any call you make as it is to your advantage to have the heavy wind at your
long as he is 100% sure you were wrong. If one back.
person on a team feels a ball was in and the other
doesn’t, then the point goes to the other team. If your When your opponents stop hitting you the ball
feelings about the score or whether the ball is in or intentionally every time you play, it means your
out are different from the other three players on the partners are very weak or you have become a very
court, then right or wrong, you should concede. good player. Feel good about it.

Never yell anything that may help your opponent. There is no right or wrong way to play Pickleball.
Think of the shot that you just hit that was wrong. You should do things that work for you. Some
Don’t yell because your opponent may hit your out advanced players have their unconventional ways of
ball if you do not bring his attention to that playing Pickleball and because they have exceptional
possibility that it may go out. athletic ability, they are successful more than 50% of
the time. Beginners with average ability would be
Learn all the proper tennis stroking techniques to more successful if they used conventional tennis
help improve your pickle ball game. strokes and strategy before they pick up bad habits
and are not able to change.
If two players with the same natural ability play
pickle ball any and one uses the proper tennis A player should not be one dimensional; they should
technique, that player will be a steadier and better try to develop a complete game of hitting with
player. placement as well as power. Develop a good lob and
drop volley as well a good soft game. A player will
If both players are self taught players then the one not be predictable if he is able to have a variety in his
with the most athletic sense and ability will be the Pickleball game.

12
PickleballCoach.com – Pickleball Strategy Guide by Coach “Mo”
If your partner is a much weaker player than you are
and your opponents are hitting as many balls as
Guide In-Review
possible to him, then a soft dink into the no volley
zone is not to your advantage because it gives your 1: Be in ready position early! Stopped with feet
opponent more time to hit another ball to your parallel to each other at the point of contact of ball on
partner. your opponents paddle.
2: Placement is more important than power. Hit at
your opponents feet or bounce the ball beside them.
After hitting the ball toward your opponent follow
Do not sacrifice placement for power.
the same line that the ball is traveling when
3: Hit to your opponents’ weakest players weakest
advancing toward the no volley line. This will give
shot.
you a good angle and position for your opponents
4: Play steady - Do not over hit or make unforced
return shot.
errors. Never miss your serve or return of serve. Have
patience.
If your team should hit the ball close to the 5: Try and anticipate your opponents out balls.
opponent’s right sideline and the ball will be a volley 6: Punch your volleys and swing at your ground
or ground stroke then you and your partner should strokes.
divide the court into 3 equal thirds when you are 7: When hitting a ball step toward your target. Point
waiting at the NVZ line for the return. The player on your front shoulder towards your target, follow
the right side of the court protects his sideline and the through towards your target, and watch closely at the
right 1/3 of the court. The other player protects the point of contact of the ball on your paddle.
middle third of the court and you leave the far left 8: 80% of all your hits should be volleys at the NVZ
third of the court open. A crosscourt shot is a low line if you are playing to win.
percentage, it’s a sharp angle and the ball must have a
lot of top spin. Most players cannot make this shot
consistently so protect down the line and you will Definitions
win much more points than you lose.
Ground Stroke - A ball that is hit after it bounces.
The better you get at Pickleball the less balls will be
hit to you so it becomes harder to win. The thing to Volley - A ball that is hit before it touches the
do to try and get your opponents to hit more balls to ground.
you only if your partner is weaker than your
opponents and is interested in winning: Lob - A ball that is hit over your opponents head and
bounces inside the baseline.
A. Fake like you are going to poach but hold
Unforced Error - When a player misses a shot that is
your spot and they will hit you the ball by
not very difficult.
mistake.
B. Really poach occasionally to get into the
No Volley Zone - (NVZ or Kitchen) - The area of the
point but tell your partner before you do so
court between the net and the front line of the serving
he or she will be ready to switch sides and
boxes.
coer for you. This will make your fakes
more believable.
Backhand - When hitting the ball on your left side of
C. When you get a ball you must make hay
your body for right handed players and the opposite
when the sun shines and hit with a little
for left hand players.
more pace than you normally do and hope
for the best.
Forehand - When hitting the ball on your right side of
your body for right handed players and the opposite
for left hand players.

3/4 Winner - Not hitting a shot the fastest that you are
capable of hitting so you will not sacrifice placement
for power.

Split Step - When both feet are parallel to each other

and ready to cross in either direction.

13
PickleballCoach.com – Pickleball Strategy Guide by Coach “Mo”
 To learn more about this Pickleball Strategy Guide,
Cross Step - From a split step position moving your please visit PickleballCoach.com.
right foot toward the left post or left foot toward the
right post without moving your other foot at all. © 2006-2009 Richard Movsessian

Pure Winner - When your opponent never even

touches your shot. Notes
Top Spin - When a player makes the ball spin away
from him low to high, the ball tends to drop because
the contact of paddle of the ball is up and over the
ball.

Underpin - A player makes the ball spin toward his

body high to low; the ball tends to rise because the
contact point of paddle is high to low.

Overhead - A ball hit at center of paddle from a point

as high as you can reach over your head.

Drop Volley - A soft hit ball that is placed just over

the net with an under spin on the ball so it won't
bounce high.

Poach - When a player cuts in front of his partner to

take his shot.

Continental Grip - When the point of the V between

your thumb and index finger is placed at the middle
of the top of the handle when your paddle is
perpendicular to the ground.

Conclusion
Have Fun! It is only a game.

Richard Movsessian is a former USTA 4.5 ranked

doubles player and tennis teaching professional. He is
a certified member of the United States Professional
Tennis Association. He was a Boys Varsity Tennis
Coach and a Tennis Teaching Pro for 30 years. He
now resides in The Villages in Florida where he loves
playing, learning and teaching others about
Pickleball.

Notice: The reader is free to share this guide with

fellow Pickleball players. Any part of this content
may not be used on any personal or commercial
website without the express written consent of
Richard Movsessian. This Pickleball Strategy Guide
is protected under certain copyright laws and
therefore may not be copied, sold or distributed
without permission.

14
PickleballCoach.com – Pickleball Strategy Guide by Coach “Mo”