The 30-second version
- At 3.5+, you win by out-thinking, not out-hitting — the right shot to the right place beats a bigger swing.
- Hit to the feet and the middle — it forces weak returns and takes away angles.
- Target the weaker player and the backhand, and be patient — wait for the attackable ball.
- Keep the ball low so opponents have to hit up, and adjust your plan to who you’re playing.
Part of our guide to improving your pickleball game.
Two players with identical shots can have very different results, and the difference is strategy — choosing the right shot, to the right target, at the right time. As you climb, points are won less by power and more by making your opponent uncomfortable. Here’s how to think your way to more wins.
Keep the ball low and make them hit up
The foundation of pickleball strategy: whoever is forced to hit up loses the initiative. Keep your dinks, drops, and returns low so opponents have to lift the ball — giving you the attackable ball you’re waiting for. Hitting up yourself hands them the offense, so patience and low contact come first.
Where should you aim?
- At the feet. A ball at an opponent’s feet is the hardest to handle — they can only pop it up or reset. Aim dinks and drops down at the shoelaces.
- Down the middle. “The middle solves the riddle” — a ball between two opponents causes hesitation, takes away sharp angles, and often draws a weak reply.
- To the backhand. Most players are weaker on the backhand, especially higher balls — pick on it.
Target the weaker player and the weakness
It’s not rude, it’s smart: hit more balls at the weaker of the two opponents, and at each player’s weaker shot. Make them prove they can beat you. Build patterns — run several balls at the same target until it breaks down. This is how you dismantle a team that’s beating you on athleticism.
Be patient and pick the right ball
Most unforced errors come from impatience — attacking a ball that was too low or forcing a winner that wasn’t there. Elite strategy is mostly discipline: dink and reset until you earn a ball above the net, then attack that one. Build the point; don’t force it.
How to beat a stronger opponent
- Play their weaknesses, not their strengths — keep the ball off their favorite shot.
- Slow the game down with patient dinks if they want to bang; speed it up if they have slow hands.
- Lob or push them back if they crowd the line.
- Make them earn every point — cut your own errors to zero and let the pressure build on them.
Common strategy mistakes
- Hitting to the stronger player or their best shot.
- Going for the sideline — low-margin; the middle and feet are safer and just as effective.
- Attacking low balls out of impatience.
- Playing their game instead of imposing yours.
Which levels this skill helps
This skill shows up on these rungs of the skill ladder:
Frequently asked questions
What is the best strategy in pickleball?
Keep the ball low so opponents must hit up, be patient until you earn an attackable ball, and aim at the feet, the middle, and the weaker player. You win at higher levels by out-thinking opponents, not by out-hitting them.
Where should I aim my shots in pickleball?
At your opponents’ feet (hardest to handle), down the middle (takes away angles and causes hesitation), and at the backhand (usually the weaker side). Avoid the sidelines — they’re low-margin.
Why do people say “hit it down the middle”?
A ball down the middle between two opponents causes hesitation over who takes it, removes sharp cross-court angles, and often draws a weak reply. “The middle solves the riddle” is one of the most reliable tactics in doubles.
How do I beat a stronger pickleball player?
Play their weaknesses instead of their strengths, control the tempo (slow it down against bangers, speed it up against slow hands), keep the ball low, and eliminate your own unforced errors so the pressure falls on them.
Is it okay to target the weaker player?
Yes — it’s smart, standard strategy, not poor sportsmanship. Hitting more balls at the weaker opponent and at each player’s weaker shot is how you win competitive points.
Want a coach to fast-track it?
Reading is one thing — grooving it under pressure is another. I run private lessons and clinics in Central Mass that drill exactly these skills. Your first session is half off.