4. Learn to Love Your Backhand
Sometimes opponents aim directly at your body, making it harder to counter their shots. Always keep your paddle in a“ safe space” position and slightly tilted to your backhand side. This will allow you to protect yourself. It’ s extremely difficult to protect your body with a forehand. If the ball is headed for you and you can’ t step sideways or lean away to dodge it safely, take a backhand.
Remember, pickleball is meant to be a friendly game, but body shots happen— and being prepared makes all the difference.
5. Read Your Opponent
Pickleball is as much about strategy as it is about physical skills. Pay attention to your opponents’ tendencies— do they prefer slamming balls down the middle, targeting sidelines, or hitting at extreme angles? Observing their habits gives you the upper hand when predicting their next move.
6. Practice Reflex Drills
Improving your reflexes can help you react faster to hard-hit balls. Incorporate drills like quick paddle exchanges and partner exercises with rapid returns to hone your reaction time.
Surviving an attack boils down to a combination of skill, preparation, and awareness. With the right paddle positioning, techniques, and mindset, you can transform those once-intimidating shots into opportunities to outplay your opponents. So hit the court, practice, and survive the battle! •
Based at Onion Creek Club in Austin, Texas, Kelly Marshall is a Racquet Sports Professionals Association( RSPA) Master Pro and coach developer with 30 years of experience. She brings deep expertise in coaching, management and player development.
SPRING 2025 | MAGAZINE 41