shots that may be going long and out of bounds. If they lob a lot, cheat a little bit by staying a couple of feet off the kitchen line to give yourself a better chance to get back for the overhead, or to chase down the lob.
If you’ re at the baseline and hit a shot to opponents who like to hit drop shots, start moving in after you hit it to get to the ball before it bounces twice. If they always go for a crosscourt volley, start moving before they hit it to try to cover the angle in time to return it.
Recognizing opponents’ tendencies may be one of the best ways to keep a rally going, and to win the point.
3. Watch the opponent’ s arm swing and paddle.
While this is a harder skill to master, there are some telltale signs of what your opponent might do with the next shot.
For example, when you are up to the kitchen line and in a dink rally, if the opponent takes a longer backswing, there’ s a good chance they might be speeding up the next shot. Or, if they open up the paddle face more than normal, there’ s a chance they will be hitting a lob.
When the opponents are the serving team and one takes a long backswing for the third shot, you can probably expect a drive coming at you. But, if they keep the paddle out in front, they probably are planning to hit a third shot drop.
Subtle little changes in arm swing and paddle face can sometimes tip you off as to what the next shot will be.
There’ s no better way to improve your game than drilling, taking lessons, or attending clinics by accredited training professionals. But recognizing little tendencies can often get you in the best position, both body and paddle, to counter shots. And don’ t forget to have the mindset,“ This next shot is coming at me!” •
Jim Hackenberg is a 2020 Pickleball Hall of Fame inductee, and an IPTPA certified instructor.
SPRING 2025 | MAGAZINE 25