Pickleball rewards the aggressive singles player. Practice accuracy shots including passing shots when you drill. Good players attack, so practice accordingly.
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Opponent THE BANGER
These guys hit everything hard. They hit at you, at the fence, at the ceiling, into the net and sometimes they hit a winner. You need to be the steady, prepared player and wait for the banger to spray his shots hoping something will stick. Back to fundamentals.
You need to keep the ball going back and going back deep. Spin gives him a look at some variety and forces him to think. He probably likes pace so don’ t get suckered into trying to outhit him. If you stay steady, he will try to out-macho you. Keep remembering that pickleball is a game of placement, not power. Learn to duck.
Having said that, pickleball is becoming a game of hitters so practice against hitters. Be ahead of the curve in style changes. With better preparation, better footwork, better conditioning, those bangers will become competitive players.
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Opponent THE ALL-AROUND SHOT MAKER
This player does not have an obvious weakness. She makes the“ right shot.” She threads the needle on passing shots, hits angles well, approaches the net at the right time, and is in good shape. The best philosophy here is to play each point as if it were masterpiece painting. It is not one game to 11, it is each point, one by one. You can’ t rush these players. You must build each point.
Fundamentals, yes, deep returns, yes, but most of all you have to key in on opportunities. If your opponent hits short, you must take advantage. You need to be patient for those opportunities. In your practice sessions you must work on analyzing what works against each pattern. What is your best response? Each shot is an opportunity. It is a piece of the whole. Equate this skill to playing chess.
After strategy comes tactics. You have to have the tactical skills to implement your strategy.
Let’ s say you are playing someone with a big forehand crosscourt. You try to steer clear of that weapon, but she manages to get around and pound it, pulling you way wide. You need to be able to hit to that initial forehand to open up her backhand. You must practice negating someone else’ s strength. Then you can impose your strength.
Singles is challenging. It requires more shots and better court coverage. It will make you a better player and a better student of the game. •
Alice Tym was ranked 13th in the world for tennis in the‘ 60s. She’ s been named USPTA Coach of the Year and is a USPTA Master Professional. As a 4.5 pickleball player, she has won gold in Huntsman, NSGA Nationals, US Open, and USA Pickleball events around the country. Alice is an IPTPA member, SSIPA founding board member, Bainbridge Cup Originator and gold medalist in Spain, Italy, and Germany.
SINGLES POINTERS by MARNE SMITH
PROFESSIONAL PICKLEBALL INSTRUCTOR, FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE
Anytime your opponent scores three points in a row you need to take a time-out. This applies to whatever style is being played. Do not let your opponent get a run going. Use the time-out productively.
If your opponent fast-serves and / or plays a fast rhythm game, slow it down. Force him / her to play your rhythm. Do not rush yourself. If you are losing, change the rhythm of play.
Practice by playing skinny singles, especially playing up the line rather than crosscourt( the diagonal). Work on your consistency, using the half court to force yourself to practice precision on your returns, passing shots, drives and dinks. Placement should be your goal— not only in skinny singles, but also in full-court singles. Use angles. Placement over power!
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025 | MAGAZINE 65