Pickleball Strategy 101: Smart Shot Selection for Every Situation

Pickleball Strategy 101: Smart Shot Selection for Every Situation

Anyone can hit the ball back and forth.

Winning players know which shot to use, when to use it, and why.

Great shot selection turns you from a “reactive” player into a smart, intentional one.

Here’s your guide.

1. When to Drop vs. Drive

Drive:

• when return is short

• when opponent pops the ball up

• when attacking the right player

• when you want to set up a 5th-shot attack

Drop:

• when return is deep

• when you need time to get forward

• when your opponents are already at the kitchen

• when the ball is low

2. When to Speed Up

Speed up when:

• the ball is above net height

• you can attack into the opponent’s right shoulder

• you disguise it well

• your feet are stable

• you’re close to the kitchen

If any of those are missing? Reset instead.

3. When to Reset

Reset anytime you’re in trouble.

If you’re:

• off balance

• pushed back

• reaching

• dealing with a low ball

• getting attacked

The reset is your safety valve.

4. When to Lob

Good lobs aren’t random. Use them when:

• opponents crowd the kitchen

• there’s no wind

• you disguise it off a dink

• you’re not under pressure

• you aim over the weaker player

5. When to Stay Patient

If you don’t have a high ball, don’t attack.

Patience forces your opponents to overhit first.

Final Takeaway

Smart shot selection transforms your game instantly.

It’s less about hitting harder and more about thinking one shot ahead.