Once you’ve grasped the basics, improvement in pickleball becomes more intentional. At higher levels, it’s no longer about just getting the ball back—it’s about control, strategy, and discipline. These advanced tips will help you move from a solid player to a serious competitor.
1. Control the Tempo of the Game
Great players don’t just react—they dictate pace. Learn when to slow the game down with dinks and when to speed it up with a well-timed drive or volley. If you control the tempo, you control the match.
2. Develop a Reliable Third Shot Drop
This is one of the most important shots in advanced play. A soft, accurate third shot drop allows you to move from defense to offense and get to the kitchen line safely. Practice this relentlessly.
3. Learn to Reset Under Pressure
When your opponents are attacking, your goal isn’t to win the point—it’s to neutralize it. A soft reset shot into the kitchen can turn a losing rally into a winnable one.
4. Use Placement Over Power
At higher levels, power alone won’t win points. Aim for your opponent’s feet, backhand, or open court. Precision forces errors and creates opportunities.
5. Disguise Your Shots
Don’t telegraph your intentions. Use similar preparation for dinks, drives, and speed-ups. The later your opponent realizes what you’re doing, the more effective your shot becomes.
6. Master the Backhand
Many players avoid their backhand—advanced players rely on it. A strong, controlled backhand (especially for dinks and blocks) makes you far more difficult to exploit.
7. Anticipate, Don’t Just React
Watch your opponent’s paddle angle, body position, and tendencies. The best players are already moving before the ball is struck because they’ve learned to read the game.
8. Dominate the Middle
In doubles, the middle is often the smartest place to hit. It creates confusion, reduces angles, and targets the weakest coverage area. Teams that control the middle win more points.
9. Stay Mentally Steady
Advanced games are often decided by a few points. Avoid emotional swings. A calm, focused player will outperform a more talented but inconsistent one every time.
10. Play High-Percentage Pickleball
This is where maturity shows. Don’t go for low-percentage winners. Choose smart, repeatable shots that keep you in control of the rally. Over time, consistency beats flashiness.
Final Thought:
At the advanced level, pickleball becomes a thinking game. Patience, awareness, and discipline separate the good from the great. If you commit to these principles, you won’t just play better—you’ll start to understand the game at a deeper level.
Up next: If you want to keep growing, here is a weekly improvement plan.
