What Are the Different Shots in Pickleball? Learn to Win!

When I first picked up a pickleball paddle, I quickly realized that mastering each stroke was just as important as understanding the different shots in the game. 

While a stroke defines how you apply action to the ball, a shot is the outcome of that movement. 

A well executed shot depends on a strong fundamental approach, ensuring precision and control. What makes pickleball exciting is the way each player applies different principles to enhance their playstyle. 

Whether refining techniques or experimenting with strategies, the ability to apply the right stroke at the right moment makes all the difference. 

This dynamic aspect of the sport keeps the game competitive and continuously evolving, making skill development both engaging and rewarding. 

What are the different shots in pickleball? – Quick Answer

The variety of shots in pickleball reflects a player’s intent, deepening game 3 Players or 5 player strategy, mixing dinks, drives, and lobs keeps opponents off balance. Anticipating their moves helps you react faster and stay ahead.

One of the most exciting parts of playing pickleball is experimenting with different shots. Some of them even look crazy at first, but once mastered, they become a powerful part of your arsenal. 

While new techniques are always emerging, many established strokes form the foundation of the game. If you are a new player, focusing on basic and advanced strokes is key to long term improvement. 

I remember when I first started, I found it incredibly fun to learn and practicing those essential skills over time made a huge difference. This article is all about sharing the must-know shots in pickleball, helping you master the most important techniques and elevate your game.

Watching experienced pickleballers in action can leave you in awe, especially when they dominate a game with strategic ball placement and well-timed shots. 

Whether you are playing for fun or aiming to one up an opponent, understanding how to play pickleball and develop your skill set is key. The sport demands the ability to read an in-game situation and respond with the best shot, making it critical for players at any skill level to execute a variety of different shots. 

A competitor or even a social student of the game will find that learning essential shots, like the overhead drive and forehand drive, builds confidence and comfortable play. 

More technical shots, such as the backhand drive, and around-the-post, are typically used by advanced players who continuously evolve their skills. 

To truly improve, working with a professional or consultant, like those at Life Time, is highly recommended. 

Through focused practice, you can increase your ability to perform these shots effectively, making your gameplay even better. While some shots can be challenging, they are all incredibly helpful in making you a stronger player.

The Basic Strokes in Pickleball

In pickleball, every stroke plays a crucial role in shaping the outcome of a shot. While both terms are often used interchangeably, they are quite different: a stroke is the fundamental movement used to apply action to the ball, whereas a shot refers to what actually happens after the stroke is made.

Mastering the basic strokes is key to improving control and consistency, as they are based on essential principles that guide all aspects of the game. 

With a broader understanding of these fundamentals, Advance pickleball players can refine their techniques and make their shots more specific to various game situations. Developing a strong foundation with these core movements is the first step to excelling in pickleball.

Groundstroke

A groundstroke is one of the most common shots in pickleball, as it occurs every time a player makes a shot after the ball has bounced once. 

This technique is essential for maintaining control during rallies, whether hitting deep returns or executing soft dinks at the net. 

It is a simply executed move, yet mastering it improves consistency and shot placement. 

Since groundstrokes are used in nearly every exchange, refining this skill is crucial for all players looking to enhance their game.

Volley

A volley is a shot that is made before the ball hits the ground, meaning it hasn’t bounced yet. Whether you strike it near the net or over your head, this type of shot is typically fast and powerful. 

One of the most popular volley techniques is the overhead smash, which is my personal favorite for finishing points aggressively. 

However, players must remember that volleys are not allowed in the kitchen, adding a strategic layer to the game. Mastering volleys helps maintain control and apply pressure on opponents.

Dink

The dink is a controlled groundstroke that is designed to be played at the net and is a key part of the strategy in pickleball. 

It is a soft, gentle shot that barely goes over the net, landing in the kitchen to force the opponent into a difficult position. Since the ball has a low bounce, it makes it harder for them to return with a hard shot, increasing the chances of winning the point. 

The characteristics of a good dink include being precise, mindful, and focused, ensuring that the ball lands in a way that makes it difficult for the opponent to attack. 

The goal is to place the ball on their weaker side, whether it’s their backhand or forehand, making them more likely to make a mistake. Improving your forehand drive can help you execute this strategy more effectively, adding precision and power to your shots.

Mastering the dink requires practice and a great sense of touch. The best players can rally back and forth, patiently waiting for their opponent to make an error. 

While a dink may not immediately win a match, it ensures that the player maintains control of the game.

 A well-placed dink forces the opponent into a defensive stance, giving the player an advantage to set up the next attack. 

Players can perform this shot in different ways, but it should always be controlled and executed with intention. If you want to improve your dinking skills, an ultimate guide on the shot can help refine your Strategies to Get Better at Pickleball.

How many types of shots are there in pickleball?

In pickleball, different shots serve strategic purposes. The serve starts the rally with an underhand hit. 

A dink is a soft shot landing in the kitchen to slow play. The drive is a fast, powerful shot to pressure opponents. A lob sends the ball high and deep to push opponents back. 

The smash is a forceful downward hit to finish the point. Each shot plays a key role in winning the game. 

The Serve

When stepping onto the pickleball court, the serve is your first move—it’s the shot that gets the point started. Improving your serve shots can give you a strong advantage, setting the tone for the rally and keeping your opponent on the defensive.

Whether you are aiming for power or precision, the serve sets the tone. Unlike a volley or a groundstroke, it follows its own rules, making it a unique skill to master. 

One of the most basic yet strategically crucial shots, the serve offers players the freedom to experiment with different techniques. 

A well-placed serve can keep opponents on edge, and its flexible nature allows for creative placement.

The Lob Shot

A well timed lob in pickleball can completely shift the rhythm of a rally, catching opponents off guard as they scramble to turn and run toward the backcourt. 

This shot is particularly useful when the pace of play becomes too intense, helping to reset the tempo of the point. 

Hitting the ball high into the air and over the heads of your rivals can force them away from the net, giving you the chance to take control. 

A sudden change in pace can cause panic, increasing the likelihood of a mistake while playing in Pickleball

However, poorly executed lobbing can result in the ball being smashed right back at you, or it might drift out if hit too far. 

While a short lob may be easily countered, a strategic one can disrupt aggressive smashing, creating a much-needed pause in the game.

The Cross-Court Dink

The cross-court dink is a highly effective yet frustrating shot to master in pickleball, as it requires precise control over distance and power.

This delicate stroke is sent from one side of the court to the opposite side, forcing your opponent to stretch and react. Unlike a straight dink, which is much shorter, a cross-court shot is at least twice as long, demanding greater force to get it over.

Players have unique ways of doing this shot, but the key is to understand the right distances and maintain accuracy. 

If you don’t remember to adjust, the ball may fall short or sail too far. Developing this shot is crucial for soft-game strategy, allowing you to control the pace and set up your next move. 

Though it’s hard to perfect, learning to perform and return it will give you a major edge in your game.

The Drive

A powerful drive in pickleball is all about precision and force, making it an effective offensive shot when executed correctly. 

Whether it’s a groundstroke or a volley, a well-placed hit can be unstoppable, especially if struck hard and fast. 

Players with upper body strength can pull off this aggressive tactic more easily, while those who find it difficult may need to refine their timing. 

The key is knowing when to use it, spotting an opening on the court or when an opponent is running towards the net allows for strategic driving into key positions. 

However, since this shot is a tool rather than a go-to strategy, it should not be used regularly, but rather when the moment calls for it.

The Block Shot

The block shot is a defensive move in pickleball that helps stop fast-paced drives, including the third shot, preventing your opponent from gaining an advantage. 

When a hard shot comes your way, it’s easy to mess up, but a well-executed block can help you regain control by slowing the game. 

This simple yet effective technique involves performing a controlled movement where you keep your paddle steady, holding it out in front in a backhand position.

 Instead of swinging, let the ball naturally collide with your paddle; there is no need for extra force or power. 

The key is to remember that the shot should land correctly, making the ball limp into the kitchen, creating a difficult return for your opponent. 

If done right, this shot acts as a stick against aggressive play, allowing you to reset and take control.

The Deep Return Serve

Mastering the deep return serve is an important skill in pickleball that takes time to learn and execute effectively. 

Many players find it difficult at first, especially when trying to understand how far they are hitting the ball into the backcourt. 

Our depth perception can feel funky when we attempt to judge long distances, making control tricky. 

The best way to train is to practice with a friend or buddy who can tell you how far your serve is landing. 

This feedback will help you figure out your consistency and placement. Over time, your brain will develop a pattern, and you’ll get used to hitting precise returns with confidence.

The Backhand Punch

The backhand punch is a cool and aggressive shot that can catch your opponent off guard, especially when played at the net.

It literally involves using your paddle in a backhand position and making a quick, sharp motion—almost like you’re throwing a fist forward. 

This move is designed to turn a high dink into a fast-paced return that shoots straight at your opponent, forcing them to react quickly.

 The technique is simple to perform—just pretend you are making a small punch, and let the ball do the work. 

This shot is easy to add to your game but can be a real challenge for your opponent to counter.

The Overhead Smash

The overhead smash is an aggressive shot designed to destroy any high ball that your opponents pop up, making it nearly impossible for them to return. 

This opportunity arises when the ball floats over your head, giving you a chance to reach up and put it downward with force. 

The key to a successful smash is accuracy if you find yourself hitting into the net, adjust your wrist action accordingly. 

On the other hand, if the shot goes past the baseline, using a lighter paddle might help with control. 

Many players, myself included, consider this their favorite finishing move, but overuse can take a toll—I can always tell when I’ve been smashing too much because my back, chest, and muscles feel sore the next day!

The Third Shot Drop

The third shot drop is an important technique to master in pickleball, especially for those looking to play at an advanced level. 

This essential move allows players to regain control when their opponents are already in the kitchen, holding an advantage while you and your partner are stuck near the baseline. 

The goal is to execute a soft shot that arcs upward and lands softly into the kitchen, forcing your opponent to dink rather than drive aggressively. 

However, if the shot is hit too far or too high, it can easily be smashed, making it likely that you will lose the point. 

To practice, a great method is to work with a friend who stands at the line and can tell you where the ball landed, helping you refine your accuracy and develop a better idea of depth control.

The Dink Fake

One of the sneakiest and slyest shots in pickleball, the dink fake is a brutal trick that, when executed correctly, can leave your opponents completely shocked. 

This move is difficult to pull off but highly effective when done right. The idea is to make it seem like you are about to hit a soft dink on a semi-high ball, only to suddenly drive it forward instead. 

The key to success is speed and deception—the motion must be sudden and fast, almost as if the shot came out of nowhere. 

This can also be used as a third shot drive if the return is short. 

Two requirements are necessary for a successful execution: the ball must be high enough to clear the net, and you need enough topspin to make it curve over rather than sending it past the baseline. 

Mastering the art of acting and learning to convince your opponents that you are about to play a soft shot—only to switch to a powerful attack—can make this move a game-changer.

The Backspin Return Serve

The backspin return serve is an effective yet risky shot that, when executed correctly, can leave your opponent struggling to return it. 

The key is to wait for a semi-high serve that looks easy and soft, then quickly slice the ball in a straight, downward motion using your paddle.

This technique generates a tremendous amount of sidespin, causing the ball to sail through the air and then land with a sharp bounce to the side, making it nearly impossible for your opponent to predict its movement. 

When performed perfectly, the shot can place the ball near the kitchen, where it barely lifts off the ground. However, if mistimed, it can easily go out, into the net, or just turn into a regular return. 

Intermediate pickleball Players looking to add extra spin should consider using a fiberglass-faced paddle, as it enhances the spin to an extreme level. 

Though this move can be hilarious to watch when done right, its brutal effect on opponents makes it a valuable trick in the game.

The Around-the-Post Shot

The around-the-post shot is one of the most flashy and rare moves in pickleball, known for its prestige and difficulty. 

You can only pull it off when your opponent sends a powerful cross-court dink or shot that is bouncing far beyond the sideline of the court. 

The key to executing this trick is to run with the ball, keeping up with its speed while waiting for it to bounce enough to legally hit it around the post. 

If done right, this deadly shot can completely surprise your opponent, sending the ball to their side without ever crossing the net. 

However, if the ball touches the post, it’s a fault, no matter where it lands. When executed lightly and perfectly, this move can create eruptions of cheers, leaving you to bathe in the excitement of an unforgettable play.

Backhand spin dink

The around-the-post shot is one of the most flashy and rare moves in pickleball, known for its prestige and difficulty. 

You can only pull it off when your opponent sends a powerful cross-court dink or shot that is bouncing far beyond the sideline of the court. 

The key to executing this trick is to run with the ball, keeping up with its speed while waiting for it to bounced enough to legally hit it around the post.

If done right, this deadly shot can completely surprise your opponent, sending the ball to their side without ever crossing the net.

 However, if the ball touches the post, it’s a fault, no matter where it lands. When executed lightly and perfectly, this move can create eruptions of cheers, leaving you to bathe in the excitement of an unforgettable play.

Conclusion

Pickleball is a dynamic and engaging sport where mastering different shots is crucial to improving gameplay.

From essential shots like the groundstroke, volley, and dink to advanced techniques such as the overhead smash, around-the-post, and third shot drop, each shot serves a strategic purpose.

Developing these skills enhances control, precision, and tactical awareness, making the game more competitive and enjoyable.

Whether you’re a beginner level Player or an advanced player, continuous practice and experimentation with different shots will elevate your performance and give you an edge on the court.