Smart Strategies: Debunking 10 Pickleball Myths for Better Results

May 28, 2024

Smart Strategies: Debunking 10 Pickleball Myths for Better Results

As a teaching professional, I’ve encountered many myths about pickleball that have spread through the internet, and among players, I’ve taught over the years. My goal is to provide you with accurate information and explanations for the rules, stroke mechanics, and strategies I teach. When I debunk these myths, I will offer you clear, detailed information to ensure you fully understand why they are incorrect.

Myth 1. The forehand takes the middle

This is number one on my list because it causes more problems on the court than any other myth. It leads to improper court coverage and poor stroke mechanics, resulting in many lost points. In my regular 2.5-4.0 match play with critique classes, I see the largest percentage of points lost due to improper court coverage and positioning. Here’s why the notion that “the forehand always takes the middle” is the biggest myth:

Proper court coverage: When covering the court properly, you should follow your shot with your toes and paddle tip pointing at the ball, shifting towards the direction of your hit. This positions both you and your partner correctly before your opponent hits the ball back. Proper coverage sets you up for better court coverage and body mechanics for each shot.
Incorrect player taking the middle: When the wrong player covers the middle, it creates gaps that are hard to scramble back and cover. For example, if two right-handed players are partnered, if the player on the right hits cross court they would follow their shot and shift to cover the middle (even though it’s their backhand) and their partner would shift towards the ball to cover the down-the-line shot. If the wrong player (on the left) reaches to take the middle ball with their forehand their body mechanics will be off making the shot more difficult as well as making it hard to recover and cover the down the line area. At the Kitchen line (NVZ line), always follow this coverage strategy to maintain proper positioning for the next shot. While the forehand is often stronger, it won’t be effective if not lined up properly, leaving players vulnerable to down-the-line shots. Now, if you are the incorrect middle cover player and you reach across to hit a winner that’s different, because when you hit a winner it doesn’t matter if you’re prepared to cover the line on the next shot.
For those of you that watch pro pickleball and say, sometimes they have the forehand take the middle when it isn’t truly their cover, I hear you. However, they are pros! Pros know how to hit to places where they will stay in position. They also have lightning-fast reflexes that allow them to get back to cover. This article isn’t for pro players. It is for 2.5-4.5 level players.
Lefty/Righty Pair or Lefty/Lefty Pair: In these scenarios, you will have two backhands or two forehands up the middle. Using the advanced follow-your-shot strategy, the diagonal person to the ball always covers the middle unless the ball is coming from the middle to the middle. Communication is key; one player needs to say “mine” or “yours” to take charge. If one of you is stronger or has a better stroke, you may defer to that person. In recreational play, you’ll typically communicate on the fly, but set partners likely discuss who has the better forehand, backhand, etc. (this is not addressing stacking, I will go over that in another blog article).
When the forehand takes the middle: On a poach, an aggressive move across the middle to hit a winner, you wouldn’t worry about who covers the line after the shot since it is meant to be a winner. At the baseline, whoever takes the middle ball has time to cover the court properly afterward. Just be cautious if the ball is coming from an angle and traveling away from you it may make the shot more challenging. Communication remains crucial.

Myth 2. Never Use a High Return of Serve

Many recreational players aim for a hard, fast return of serve, thinking it will win the point. However, due to the speed of the ball when the opponent gets their shot back this often leaves the player that hit the fast return stuck in the transition area dealing with a difficult shot at their feet. A medium paced to slower return gives more time to move forward, provided it’s deep enough. A high deep return can be beneficial, allowing for plenty of time to move forward and putting the ball in a bad strike zone for your opponent’s third shot. Just ensure the ball lands in the back quarter of the court so it isn’t attackable.

Myth 3. Stay at the Kitchen Line at All Costs

While controlling the kitchen line is important, there are times when moving back is strategically advantageous. Obviously if someone lobs, you’d move back to line yourself up under the ball. Or if you or your partner pops the ball up you could back up to give more time to react, just be sure you are set when you are hitting. If your opponents are at the baseline, stepping back to put the ball in a better strike zone can be beneficial, as long as you recover to an offensive position after you have hit the shot. If all 4 players are at the kitchen line, try to maintain offensive position at the line however any time your opponents are in the back court feel free to move and play the ball however you need to hit the best shot possible.

Myth 4. Always Serve Hard and Low

A hard, low serve can be effective, but varying your serves keeps your opponents less prepared and potentially off balance. Experiment with different speeds, spins, and locations to discover what your opponents struggle with most. Consistently serving hard may not always be strategically beneficial. By mixing up your serves, you can keep your opponents guessing and make it harder for them to anticipate your shots. My motto is don’t serve your favorite serve just because you like it, serve your opponent’s least favorite serve because they won’t like it! The more advanced you get you can start to identify patterns to discover which serve is “serving” your team up for success.

Myth 5. Always Target Your Opponent's Weaknesses

Focusing solely on your opponent’s weaknesses can make you predictable. Instead, consider strategies that involve highlighting your stronger player or help to create advantageous court positioning. For example, returning serves to a net crasher that may be the stronger player can keep them off the net longer. Advanced strategies might include signals for ball placement and coordinated movements. Highlighting a stronger player on your side to take over more court or setting up a two-on-one situation can be more effective than always targeting the weakness. That being said, never change a winning game. If it’s working, you can continue doing it.

Myth 6. Never lob

Despite some professionals advising against it, lobbing can be a valuable tool when used correctly. Different types of lobs (offensive, defensive, third shot, and dink/touch lobs) can add strategic depth to your game. A well-placed lob can force opponents back and give you control of the point. Mastering the nuances of lobbing will significantly enhance your game.

Myth 7. Always Rush the Net

While reaching the net quickly is important, rushing can leave you unbalanced and vulnerable. When you are the serving team, move to the net based on the 3rd shot you hit, earning your way up together with your partner. Anytime you and your partner are split in a 1 up 1 back situation it opens more areas on the court for your opponents to hit out of your reach. You should also always stop and split step to react to opponents’ shots, ensuring proper positioning. Rushing ahead without considering your partner’s shot can leave you exposed. Proper coordination and movement with your partner are key to successful net play.

Myth 8. Always Hit Hard on the Return of Serve

Hitting hard on the return can pressure opponents, but a softer, controlled return allows you to move up to the net more effectively. Ensure your return is deep to keep opponents back, also giving you time to advance. A slower, higher return can be particularly effective if you have injuries or mobility issues, allowing you to reach the net by the time your opponent’s shot comes back.

Myth 9. Never Hit Down the Middle

Hitting down the middle can create confusion for your opponents, especially at beginner to intermediate levels. Many players at these levels don’t have the skills to effectively follow their shots and cover the court. Middle shots are safer, improve court coverage, and reduce the risk of hitting the ball out. As players advance, they can move the ball around more effectively, but beginners should focus on middle shots to minimize errors and enhance their game.

Myth 10. Winning is All About Hitting Winners

Not all shots in pickleball are meant to be winners. Consistency, patience, and smart shot selection are crucial. Pickleball is similar to chess, where setup shots are essential for winning points. By minimizing unforced errors and keeping the ball in play, you can pressure opponents and create winning opportunities without always hitting winners.

Visualizing Court Coverage and Positioning

To better understand proper court coverage and positioning, consider the following visual aids:

Shot follow through: Imagine hitting a shot cross court or diagonally, as you follow through, point your toes and paddle tip towards the ball, shifting your body towards the direction of your shot. Your partner should simultaneously shift to cover the down-the-line shot. This ensures both players are correctly positioned before the opponent’s return.
Partner coordination: In a righty-lefty pair, if the ball is hit diagonally, the player positioned diagonally to the ball covers the middle. If the ball comes from the middle to the middle, communication is key to deciding who takes the shot. Effective communication involves calling “mine” or “yours” to avoid confusion and ensure proper coverage.
Poaching: When executing a poach, the player aggressively moves across the middle to hit a winner. In this case, focus on the shot rather than court coverage, as the goal is to end the point.

Strategic Variations and Advanced Techniques

High return of serve: While a fast, low return might seem advantageous, it often leaves you vulnerable in the transition area. A high return, if deep enough, allows you to move forward and gain a better court position. The goal is to control the point from a stronger position, not just to return the serve quickly.
Kitchen Line Dynamics: While controlling the kitchen line is essential, don’t be afraid to step back if necessary. If your opponents are hitting from the baseline, moving back can provide a better strike zone and allow you to recover to an offensive position. Adapt your positioning based on the situation rather than sticking rigidly to the kitchen line.
Varying Serves: Experiment with different serves to discover what disrupts your opponents most. A mix of speeds, spins, and placements can keep opponents off balance. Serving hard isn’t always the best strategy; adaptability and variety can be more effective in maintaining control of the game.
Targeting Strategies: Rather than always targeting your opponent’s weaknesses, consider creating strategic advantages. For instance, positioning your stronger player to take more shots or setting up two-on-one scenarios can be highly effective. Advanced strategies may involve signaling for ball placement on serves and returns, as well as coordinated poaching and crossing movements.
Lobbing Techniques: Perfecting various lobs adds a valuable layer to your game. An offensive lob from the baseline, a defensive lob when under pressure, a third shot lob, and a dink/touch lob from the kitchen line each have their place. Knowing when and how to use each type of lob can turn the tide of a match.
Net Play: Rushing the net isn’t always advantageous. Move to the net based on the situation and coordinate with your partner. For instance, when serving, advance together and move forward based on the quality of your shots. When returning, advance after hitting and stop/split step to react to the opponent’s return. This ensures proper positioning and balance.
Controlled Returns: While a hard return can pressure opponents, it often leaves you vulnerable in the mid-court. A softer, more controlled return allows you to move up to the net more effectively. Aim for deep returns to keep opponents back and give yourself time to advance.
Middle Shots: Middle shots are highly effective, especially at beginner and intermediate levels. They create confusion and force opponents to cover more ground. Focus on hitting to the middle to improve consistency and court coverage. As you advance, you can incorporate more varied shot placements.
Consistent Play: Winning in pickleball isn’t solely about hitting winners. Consistency, patience, and smart shot selection are crucial. By minimizing unforced errors and maintaining consistent play, you can create opportunities to win points even without hitting spectacular winners. Focus on building points through strategic play and patience.

Conclusion

Debunking these common pickleball myths and understanding the correct strategies will significantly improve your game. By focusing on proper court coverage, effective communication, and strategic variations, you can become a more effective and consistent player. Remember, pickleball is a game of strategy, patience, and smart shot selection. Embrace these principles, and you’ll see a marked improvement in your performance on the court.

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Beginner & Intermediate