A key trait of advanced pickleball players is their ability to use patterns to control a game.
If you've ever wondered how some players always seem to be one step ahead, this Up Your Game is for you. We’ll break down three attacking patterns that top players rely on in nearly every match.
Master these, and you’ll win more rallies and dominate your opponents.
This is one of the most common attack patterns in pickleball. With the ball on your forehand and your opponent’s backhand exposed, attack down the line, aiming for their backhand. After your shot, be prepared for a counter through the middle. Anticipate this by positioning your backhand in the middle or allowing your partner’s forehand to take the next shot.
Notice Dylan Frazier’s attack on the backhand leads to the counter going middle, where JW is waiting with his forehand.
Key Tip: Attacking down the sideline means crossing the highest part of the net, so aim for control rather than power. Hitting too hard will often lead to errors.
Instead of going for power, fake a big swing but hit the ball softly, aiming low toward your opponent’s knees. This can throw them off balance because they’re likely expecting a fast shot. If they pop the ball up, you have an easy putaway. Off-speed attacks are becoming the new meta in pickleball.
Watch Dylan Frazier in blue - he shows a big swing, then slows down for an aggressive dink instead.
Key Tip: When you show your paddle for the fake, use your peripheral vision to gauge where to aim your off-speed attack.
Aiming directly at your opponent’s body is smart because it provides a big target and forces them into an awkward decision – do they use their backhand or forehand for a counter? The good news is that most players will repeatedly hit this ball the same way.
You’ve now learned THEIR pattern. Now, you can exploit it for the rest of the match.
Key Tip: When you attack their body, make note of where their counter goes. The next time you do it, it’ll most likely go to the same spot - only now, your paddle will be waiting there to put the ball away.
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