Mastering pickleball isn’t only about knowing the rules or the scoring system. Once beginners understand how the game works, the next major step is learning the key shots that shape rallies. Pickleball is a sport built on control, placement, and decision-making – and the best way to develop these skills is by understanding the core shots used by players of all levels.
This guide breaks down every essential pickleball shot, why it matters, when to use it, and how beginners can practise effectively. Whether you dream of becoming a confident doubles player or simply want smoother, longer rallies, these shots form the foundation of good pickleball.
Why Learning Pickleball Shots Matters
Pickleball is unique because it rewards technique and strategy far more than power. You don’t need to be the strongest or the fastest player on the court to win points. Instead, you need the right shot at the right moment.
Learning the main pickleball shots helps beginners:
- Play with more control.
- Reduce unforced errors.
- Keep rallies going longer.
- Pressure opponents without taking unnecessary risks.
- Build strategic awareness during games.
Understanding these shots is essential for improving quickly and becoming a competitive player.
The Dink Shot
The dink is one of the most important shots in pickleball. It is a soft, controlled shot played into the opponent’s non-volley zone (the kitchen). Instead of trying to win the point outright, the dink sets up opportunities and forces mistakes.
When to Use a Dink
- During kitchen rallies.
- To slow down fast exchanges.
- To draw opponents out of position.
- To force them to hit upwards, giving you an advantage.
Why Dinks Matter
Pickleball players often say: “Games are won at the kitchen line.”
The dink is essential for controlling this area. By hitting soft, accurate shots, you take away your opponent’s ability to attack and create chances to finish the rally.
Beginner Tips for Dinking
- Keep your paddle face open.
- Bend your knees rather than swinging your arm.
- Aim for a gentle arc that lands inside the kitchen.
- Practise soft hands and control rather than power.
The Drop Shot
The third-shot drop is one of the most talked-about shots in pickleball and a huge part of doubles strategy. This shot is played from near the baseline and is designed to land softly in the kitchen.
When to Use a Drop
- On the third shot (after your opponent’s return).
- When you want to move from the baseline to the kitchen line.
- To neutralise aggressive opponents at the net.
Why Drops Matter
Because the serving team starts back at the baseline, they need a way to move forward without giving their opponents an easy attack. The drop shot slows the rally down and allows the serving team to take the strongest strategic position at the kitchen line.
Beginner Tips for Drop Shots
- Focus on height, not speed.
- Aim for a slow, soft shot with a high arc.
- Don’t swing like a tennis groundstroke – keep the motion compact.
- Consistency matters more than perfection.
The Drive Shot
The drive is a powerful groundstroke hit after the ball bounces. It is faster and harder than a drop shot, often used to pressure opponents or force a weak return.
When to Use a Drive
- When you receive a high or short ball.
- When opponents are not expecting pace.
- To test their reflexes or expose mishits.
Why Drives Matter
A well-timed drive can force your opponents into a defensive shot, giving you the chance to move forward and take control. It’s also useful for mixing your play and keeping opponents guessing.
Beginner Tips for Drives
- Use controlled power, not full swings.
- Hit low over the net to reduce your opponent’s reaction time.
- Target the opponent’s backhand whenever possible.
- Follow your shot forward to take court position.
The Volley
A volley is a shot hit out of the air before the ball bounces. Volleys usually happen at the kitchen line during fast exchanges.
When to Use a Volley
- During quick net battles.
- To keep pressure on opponents.
- When returning fast, low balls at the kitchen.
Why Volleys Matter
Volleys help you maintain control at the most important area of the court. By reacting quickly and keeping the ball low, you can dominate kitchen rallies.
Beginner Tips for Volleys
- Keep the paddle out in front.
- Use short, compact movements.
- Avoid stepping into the kitchen unless the ball bounces.
- Control, not power, is the goal.
The Lob
The lob is a high shot played over your opponents’ heads, forcing them to retreat. When used correctly, it breaks up pressure and shifts the momentum.
When to Use a Lob
- When your opponents are crowding the net.
- To surprise players who lean forward too much.
- To reset a rally when you feel trapped.
Why Lobs Matter
A good lob disrupts your opponents’ positioning and changes the pace of the rally. It is particularly effective against players who rely on aggressive net pressure.
Beginner Tips for Lobs
- Add height – it must clear opponents comfortably.
- Aim deep to push them back.
- Use sparingly so it stays unpredictable.
The Smash
The overhead smash is the most attacking shot in pickleball. It is a powerful downward strike used to finish points when the opponent sends up a high ball.
When to Use a Smash
- When you receive a weak lob.
- When opponents pop the ball up at the net.
- When you want to end the rally decisively.
Why Smashes Matter
A well-timed smash can win a point instantly. While beginners often enjoy smashing the ball, the real value comes from picking the right moment rather than just using power.
Beginner Tips for Smashes
- Get into position early.
- Hit downward, not straight.
- Aim for open space rather than maximum speed.
- Keep your wrist firm and controlled.
Reset Shots
One of the more advanced beginner skills is the reset. This is a soft, absorbing shot used to slow down a fast rally and return the game to a neutral, controlled pace – usually into the kitchen.
When to Use a Reset
- When opponents attack aggressively.
- When you’re pushed deep and need time to recover.
- When you want to shift momentum back in your favour.
Beginner Tips for Resets
- Loosen your grip to soften the ball.
- Aim high enough to clear the net safely.
- Keep your paddle steady and let the ball melt off it.
When to Use Each Shot: Simple Summary
| Shot | Purpose | Best Used When |
|---|---|---|
| Dink | Control the kitchen | Slow rallies, create mistakes |
| Drop | Move forward safely | Third shot, neutralising opponents |
| Drive | Apply pressure | High balls, fast pace |
| Volley | Maintain net control | Kitchen exchanges |
| Lob | Push opponents back | Opponents crowd the net |
| Smash | Win the point | Weak lobs, high pop-ups |
| Reset | Regain control | Under pressure, defensive moments |
Final Thoughts
Pickleball shots form the foundation of everything you do on court. From soft dinks to powerful smashes, each shot has a purpose and a strategic role in rallies. Beginners who learn these core shots quickly find themselves playing more confidently, controlling rallies, and adapting to opponents of all different styles.
You don’t need to master every shot immediately – even learning three or four well will transform your game. As you practise, your touch, control, and awareness will naturally develop, helping you become a stronger, smarter, and more competitive pickleball player.
