Pickleball 3.5 Strategy

If you are a 3.5 pickleball player, you are probably looking for ways to improve your game and win more matches. In this guide, we will cover some of the best pickleball 3.5 strategies. We will discuss positioning and footwork, shot selection and tactics, and how to play against different opponents. By following these tips, you can improve your pickleball game and start winning more matches.

What is a 3.5 player in pickleball?

A 3.5 player in pickleball is someone who has mastered the basic skills and techniques of the game, such as serving, returning, volleying, dinking, and dropping. A 3.5 player can also execute some advanced shots, such as lobs, spins, ernies, and ATPs. A 3.5 player can play consistently and confidently, but still has some areas to improve, such as accuracy, placement, power, variety, and strategy.

According to the [USAPA rating system], a 3.5 player in pickleball has the following characteristics:

• Consistently serves and returns the ball in bounds
• Can sustain a short rally at the net with dinks, volleys, and blocks
• Can use the third shot drop or drive to transition to the net
• Can hit overheads, lobs, and groundstrokes with some success
• Can vary the speed and spin of the ball
• Can control the direction and depth of the ball
• Can move effectively with a partner using basic court positioning and communication
• Can anticipate the opponent’s shots and react accordingly
• Can avoid making unforced errors and keep the ball in play
• Can adjust to different opponents, styles, and situations

Skills and strategies for 3.5 pickleball players

If you are a 3.5 player in pickleball, you already have a solid foundation of skills and techniques. However, to take your game to the next level, you need to refine and improve your skills and strategies. Here are some tips and tricks for 3.5 pickleball players to enhance their game and win more matches.

Backhand returns

One of the most important skills in pickleball is the return of serve. The return of serve sets the tone for the rally and determines who has the advantage. A good return of serve should be deep, low, and accurate, forcing the server to hit a weak third shot or make an error.

Many 3.5 players struggle with their backhand returns, especially when facing a fast or spinny serve. They tend to hit the ball too high, too short, or too wide, giving the server an easy opportunity to attack. To improve your backhand returns, you need to practice the following:

• Favor your backhand on volleys and hit backhands as backhands. Many 3.5 players tend to use their forehand for every shot, even when the ball is on their backhand side. This can cause them to lose balance, power, and accuracy. Instead, you should use your backhand for volleys and groundstrokes that are on your backhand side. This will help you develop a more consistent and reliable backhand stroke.
• Keep your paddle up and ready. Another common mistake that 3.5 players make is to drop their paddle too low or too far back when preparing for the return of serve. This can cause them to be late, miss the ball, or hit it out of bounds. To avoid this, you should keep your paddle up and ready, in front of your chest, with your elbow slightly bent. This will help you react faster, hit the ball earlier, and control the angle and direction of the ball.
• How to BEND Your Slice Return and Force a Bad 3rd Shot in Pickleball. One of the best ways to improve your backhand return is to add some slice to it. Slice is when you hit the ball with a downward motion, creating backspin. Slice can make the ball skid and stay low, making it harder for the server to hit a good third shot. To hit a slice backhand return, you need to do the following:
  • Use a continental grip. A continental grip is when you hold the paddle like a hammer, with the edge of the paddle perpendicular to the ground. This will help you create more spin and slice on the ball.
  • Swing from high to low. To generate backspin, you need to swing from high to low, brushing the ball with the bottom edge of the paddle. This will create a downward force on the ball, making it spin backwards.
  • Aim for the center of the ball. To hit a slice backhand return, you need to aim for the center of the ball, not the top or the bottom. This will help you hit the ball with more power and accuracy, and avoid hitting it too high or too low.
  • Follow through across your body. To complete the slice backhand return, you need to follow through across your body, with your paddle finishing on your opposite shoulder. This will help you control the direction and depth of the ball, and avoid hitting it too wide or too short.

For more tips and examples on how to hit a slice backhand return, you can watch this video 

Hit A Perfect Backhand Slice Return In 7 Steps (Technique Explained)

Forehand shots

Another essential skill in pickleball is the forehand shot. The forehand shot is the most common and powerful shot in pickleball, and it can be used for a variety of purposes, such as driving, dropping, dinking, lobbing, and volleying. A good forehand shot should be smooth, consistent, and accurate, allowing you to hit the ball with different speeds, spins, and angles.

Many 3.5 players have a decent forehand shot, but they tend to use it in a predictable and repetitive way. They often hit the ball with the same speed, spin, and direction, making it easy for the opponent to anticipate and counter. To improve your forehand shots, you need to practice the following:

• Coach Phil | How to get Quick Hands in Pickleball Volleys. One of the best ways to improve your forehand shot is to develop quick hands. Quick hands are when you can hit the ball with a short and fast motion, without taking a big backswing or follow-through. Quick hands can help you hit the ball earlier, harder, and more accurately, especially when you are at the net or under pressure. To develop quick hands, you need to do the following:
  • Use a continental grip. A continental grip is the same grip that you use for the slice backhand return, and it can also help you hit better forehand shots. A continental grip allows you to hit the ball with different angles and spins, without changing your grip or paddle position. This will help you hit the ball faster and more efficiently, and avoid wasting time and energy.
  • Keep your paddle up and ready. Just like for the backhand return, you should keep your paddle up and ready, in front of your chest, with your elbow slightly bent. This will help you prepare for the shot, react faster, and hit the ball earlier.
  • Swing from the elbow, not the shoulder. To hit the ball with quick hands, you need to swing from the elbow, not the shoulder. This means that you should keep your shoulder still and stable, and only move your elbow and wrist. This will help you reduce the length and speed of your swing, and increase the power and accuracy of your shot.
  • Hit the ball in front of your body. To hit the ball with quick hands, you need to hit the ball in front of your body, not behind or beside it. This will help you hit the ball at the optimal contact point, and avoid hitting it too late or too early.

For more tips and examples on how to get quick hands in pickleball volleys, you can watch this video by [Coach Phil].

Coach Phil | How to get Quick Hands in Pickleball Volleys

• 5 Awesome Shots to Add to Your Pickleball Arsenal. Another way to improve your forehand shot is to add some variety to it. Variety is when you can hit the ball with different speeds, spins, and directions, making it harder for the opponent to predict and defend. Variety can also help you create more opportunities and win more points, by surprising and outsmarting the opponent. To add some variety to your forehand shot, you can try the following shots:
  • The forehand roll. The forehand roll is when you hit the ball with a topspin motion, creating a forward spin. Topspin can make the ball bounce higher and faster, making it more difficult for the opponent to return. To hit a forehand roll, you need to do the following:
    • Use a continental grip. A continental grip is the same grip that you use for the slice backhand return and the quick hands, and it can also help you hit a forehand roll. A continental grip allows you to hit the ball with different angles and spins, without changing your grip or paddle position. This will help you hit the ball faster and more efficiently, and avoid wasting time and energy.
    • Swing from low to high. To generate topspin, you need to swing from low to high, brushing the ball with the top edge of the paddle. This will create an upward force on the ball, making it spin forward.
    • Aim for the top of the ball. To hit a forehand roll, you need to aim for the top of the ball, not the center or the bottom. This will help you hit the ball with more power and accuracy, and avoid hitting it too high or too low.
    • Follow through over your shoulder. To complete the forehand roll, you need to follow through over your shoulder. This will help you control the direction and depth of the ball, and avoid hitting it too wide or too short.

For more tips and examples on how to hit a forehand roll, you can watch this video by [Collins Johns].

The Forehand Roll Attack with Collin Johns

• The forehand slice. The forehand slice is when you hit the ball with a downward motion, creating backspin. Backspin can make the ball skid and stay low, making it more challenging for the opponent to return. To hit a forehand slice, you need to do the following:
  • Use a continental grip. A continental grip is the same grip that you use for the slice backhand return, the quick hands, and the forehand roll, and it can also help you hit a forehand slice. A continental grip allows you to hit the ball with different angles and spins, without changing your grip or paddle position. This will help you hit the ball faster and more efficiently, and avoid wasting time and energy.
  • Swing from high to low. To generate backspin, you need to swing from high to low, brushing the ball with the bottom edge of the paddle. This will create a downward force on the ball, making it spin backwards.
  • Aim for the center of the ball. To hit a forehand slice, you need to aim for the center of the ball, not the top or the bottom. This will help you hit the ball with more power and accuracy, and avoid hitting it too high or too low.
  • Follow through across your body. To complete the forehand slice, you need to follow through across your body, with your paddle finishing on your opposite shoulder. This will help you control the direction and depth of the ball, and avoid hitting it too wide or too short.

For more tips and examples on how to hit a forehand slice, you can watch this video by [Coach Phil].

Coach Simone | Pickleball Slices – How and When to hit a slice

• The forehand lob. The forehand lob is when you hit the ball high and deep, over the opponent’s head. The lob can be used as a defensive shot, when you are in trouble or out of position, or as an offensive shot, when you see an opening or a weak return. To hit a forehand lob, you need to do the following:
  • Use a continental grip. A continental grip is the same grip that you use for the slice backhand return, the quick hands, the forehand roll, and the forehand slice, and it can also help you hit a forehand lob. A continental grip allows you to hit the ball with different angles and spins, without changing your grip or paddle position. This will help you hit the ball faster and more efficiently, and avoid wasting time and energy.
  • Swing from low to high. To generate height and distance, you need to swing from low to high, lifting the ball with the top edge of the paddle. This will create an upward force on the ball, making it fly higher and farther.
  • Aim for the back of the ball. To hit a forehand lob, you need to aim for the back of the ball, not the center or the front. This will help you hit the ball with more power and accuracy, and avoid hitting it too low or too short.
  • Follow through over your head. To complete the forehand lob, you need to follow through over your head, with your paddle pointing to the sky. This will help you control the direction and depth of the ball, and avoid hitting it too wide or too long.

For more tips and examples on how to hit a forehand lob, you can watch this video by [Coach Joey].

Coach Simone | How to Hit Offensive Lobs

• The forehand dink. The forehand dink is when you hit the ball softly and low, over the net and into the opponent’s non-volley zone. The dink can be used as a neutralizing shot, when you want to slow down the pace of the game and keep the opponent at the net, or as a setting shot, when you want to create an opening or a mistake. To hit a forehand dink, you need to do the following:
  • Use a continental grip. A continental grip is the same grip that you use for the slice backhand return, the quick hands, the forehand roll, the forehand slice, and the forehand lob, and it can also help you hit a forehand dink. A continental grip allows you to hit the ball with different angles and spins, without changing your grip or paddle position. This will help you hit the ball faster and more efficiently, and avoid wasting time and energy.
  • Swing from high to low. To generate softness and control, you need to swing from high to low, tapping the ball with the center of the paddle. This will create a downward force on the ball, making it drop over the net and into the non-volley zone.
  • Aim for the front of the ball. To hit a forehand dink, you need to aim for the front of the ball, not the center or the back. This will help you hit the ball with more power and accuracy, and avoid hitting it too high or too long.
  • Follow through across your body. To complete the forehand dink, you need to follow through across your body, with your paddle finishing on your opposite hip. This will help you control the direction and depth of the ball, and avoid hitting it too wide or too short.

For more tips and examples on how to hit a forehand dink, you can watch this video.

How To Hit A Perfect Forehand Dink | Briones Pickleball

• The forehand drive. The forehand drive is when you hit the ball hard and flat, over the net and into the opponent’s court. The drive can be used as an attacking shot, when you see a weak or high ball, or as a pressure shot, when you want to keep the opponent on the defensive and force an error. To hit a forehand drive, you need to do the following:
  • Use a continental grip. A continental grip is the same grip that you use for the slice backhand return, the quick hands, the forehand roll, the forehand slice, the forehand lob, and the forehand dink, and it can also help you hit a forehand drive. A continental grip allows you to hit the ball with different angles and spins, without changing your grip or paddle position. This will help you hit the ball faster and more efficiently, and avoid wasting time and energy.
  • Swing from low to high. To generate power and speed, you need to swing from low to high, hitting the ball with the center of the paddle. This will create a forward force on the ball, making it fly faster and straighter.
  • Aim for the center of the ball. To hit a forehand drive, you need to aim for the center of the ball, not the top or the bottom. This will help you hit the ball with more power and accuracy, and avoid hitting it too high or too low.
  • Follow through over your shoulder. To complete the forehand drive, you need to follow through over your shoulder, with your paddle pointing to the target. This will help you control the direction and depth of the ball, and avoid hitting it too wide or too short.

For more tips and examples on how to hit a forehand drive, you can watch this video by [Coach Simone].

Coach Simone | Forehand Topspin Groundstrokes

An excellent serve

One of the most fundamental skills in pickleball is the serve. The serve is the first shot of the rally and determines who has the advantage. A good serve should be deep, low, and accurate, forcing the receiver to hit a weak return or make an error.

Many 3.5 players have a decent serve, but they tend to use it in a passive and predictable way. They often hit the ball with the same speed, spin, and direction, making it easy for the receiver to anticipate and counter. To improve your serve, you need to practice the following:

• Backhand Slice Success | How To Hit A Great Pickleball Backhand Slice. One of the best ways to improve your serve is to use a backhand slice serve. A backhand slice serve is when you hit the ball with a downward motion, creating backspin. Backspin can make the ball skid and stay low, making it harder for the receiver to return. To hit a backhand slice serve, you need to do the following:
  • Use a continental grip. A continental grip is the same grip that you use for the slice backhand return, the quick hands, the forehand roll, the forehand slice, the forehand lob, the forehand dink, and the forehand drive, and it can also help you hit a backhand slice serve. A continental grip allows you to hit the ball with different angles and spins, without changing your grip or paddle position. This will help you hit the ball faster and more efficiently, and avoid wasting time and energy.
  • Swing from high to low. To generate backspin, you need to swing from high to low, brushing the ball with the bottom edge of the paddle. This will create a downward force on the ball, making it spin backwards.
  • Aim for the center of the ball. To hit a backhand slice serve, you need to aim for the center of the ball, not the top or the bottom. This will help you hit the ball with more power and accuracy, and avoid hitting it too high or too low.
  • Follow through across your body. To complete the backhand slice serve, you need to follow through across your body, with your paddle finishing on your opposite shoulder. This will help you control the direction and depth of the ball, and avoid hitting it too wide or too short.

For more tips and examples on how to hit a backhand slice serve, you can watch this video by [Coach Simone].

Coach Simone | Pickleball Slices – How and When to hit a slice

• Pro Tips to move from 3.5 to 4.0 Pickleball: Focus on the Depth of Your Serve and Return. Another way to improve your serve is to focus on the depth of your serve and return. Depth is when you hit the ball deep into the opponent’s court, near the baseline. Depth can make the ball bounce higher and farther, making it more difficult for the receiver to return. To hit a deep serve and return, you need to do the following:
  • Use a continental grip. A continental grip is the same grip that you use for the slice backhand return, the quick hands, the forehand roll, the forehand slice, the forehand lob, the forehand dink, the forehand drive, and the backhand slice serve, and it can also help you hit a deep serve and return. A continental grip allows you to hit the ball with different angles and spins, without changing your grip or paddle position. This will help you hit the ball faster and more efficiently, and avoid wasting time and energy.
  • Swing from low to high. To generate height and distance, you need to swing from low to high, hitting the ball with the center of the paddle. This will create a forward force on the ball, making it fly higher and farther.
  • Aim for the back of the ball. To hit a deep serve and return, you need to aim for the back of the ball, not the center or the front. This will help you hit the ball with more power and accuracy, and avoid hitting it too low or too short.
  • Follow through over your head. To complete the deep serve and return, you need to follow through over your head, with your paddle pointing to the sky. This will help you control the direction and depth of the ball, and avoid hitting it too wide or too long.

For more tips and examples on how to focus on the depth of your serve and return, you can watch this video by [Primetime Pickleball].

Deep Serves & Returns | How to start each point on a high note

Dink and drop shots

One of the most advanced skills in pickleball is the dink and drop shot. The dink and drop shot are soft and low shots that are hit over the net and into the opponent’s non-volley zone. The dink and drop shot can be used to transition from the baseline to the net, or to maintain a rally at the net. A good dink and drop shot should be accurate, consistent, and unpredictable, forcing the opponent to hit a weak or high ball or make an error.

Many 3.5 players have a basic understanding of the dink and drop shot, but they tend to use it in a limited and ineffective way. They often hit the ball too high, too short, or too predictable, giving the opponent an easy opportunity to attack. To improve your dink and drop shot, you need to practice the following:

• Don’t Dink Crosscourt When You See These TWO Things in Pickleball. One of the best ways to improve your dink and drop shot is to know when to dink crosscourt and when to dink straight. Crosscourt dinks are when you hit the ball diagonally over the net, from one corner of the court to the other. Straight dinks are when you hit the ball straight over the net, from one side of the court to the other. Crosscourt dinks are generally safer and easier to hit, because they have more margin for error and more distance to travel. However, crosscourt dinks are not always the best option, especially when you see these two things:
  • The opponent is leaning or moving towards the crosscourt side. If the opponent is leaning or moving towards the crosscourt side, they are anticipating your crosscourt dink and preparing to attack it. In this case, you should dink straight, to catch them off guard and make them stretch or scramble.
  • The opponent is leaving a gap on the straight side. If the opponent is leaving a gap on the straight side, they are exposing a weakness and inviting you to exploit it. In this case, you should dink straight, to hit the open space and create pressure.

To avoid dinking crosscourt when you see these two things, you need to do the following:

• Use a continental grip. A continental grip is the same grip that you use for the slice backhand return, the quick hands, the forehand roll, the forehand slice, the forehand lob, the forehand dink, the forehand drive, the backhand slice serve, and the deep serve and return, and it can also help you hit a straight dink. A continental grip allows you to hit the ball with different angles and spins, without changing your grip or paddle position. This will help you hit the ball faster and more efficiently, and avoid wasting time and energy.
• Swing from high to low. To generate softness and control, you need to swing from high to low, tapping the ball with the center of the paddle. This will create a downward force on the ball, making it drop over the net and into the non-volley zone.
• Aim for the front of the ball. To hit a straight dink, you need to aim for the front of the ball, not the center or the back. This will help you hit the ball with more power and accuracy, and avoid hitting it too high or too long.
• Follow through across your body. To complete the straight dink, you need to follow through across your body, with your paddle finishing on your opposite hip. This will help you control the direction and depth of the ball, and avoid hitting it too wide or too short.

For more tips and examples on when to dink crosscourt and when to dink straight, you can watch video by [Coach Phil].

• Learn to ATTACK With This Sneaky Pickleball Shot!. Another way to improve your dink and drop shot is to learn how to attack with it. Attacking with a dink or drop shot is when you hit the ball softly and low, but with an unexpected angle, spin, or direction, that catches the opponent off guard and makes them hit a weak or high ball or make an error. To attack with a dink or drop shot, you need to do the following:
  • Use a continental grip. A continental grip is the same grip that you use for the slice backhand return, the quick hands, the forehand roll, the forehand slice, the forehand lob, the forehand dink, the forehand drive, the backhand slice serve, the deep serve and return, and the straight dink, and it can also help you attack with a dink or drop shot. A continental grip allows you to hit the ball with different angles and spins, without changing your grip or paddle position. This will help you hit the ball faster and more efficiently, and avoid wasting time and energy.
  • Swing from high to low. To generate softness and control, you need to swing from high to low, tapping the ball with the center of the paddle. This will create a downward force on the ball, making it drop over the net and into the non-volley zone.
  • Aim for the side of the ball. To attack with a dink or drop shot, you need to aim for the side of the ball, not the center or the front. This will help you hit the ball with more power and accuracy, and create some side spin on the ball. Side spin can make the ball curve and bounce in an unexpected way, making it harder for the opponent to return.
  • Follow through towards the target. To complete the attack with a dink or drop shot, you need to follow through towards the target, with your paddle pointing to the direction you want the ball to go. This will help you control the direction and depth of the ball, and avoid hitting it too wide or too short.

For more tips and examples on how to attack with a dink or drop shot, you can watch video by [Coach Phil].

• Stop Standing HERE in Pickleball (why you’re losing). A third way to improve your dink and drop shot is to know where to stand when you hit it. Where you stand when you hit a dink or drop shot can make a big difference in how effective and successful it is. A good dink or drop shot should be hit from a balanced and stable position, that allows you to cover the court and anticipate the opponent’s shot. To know where to stand when you hit a dink or drop shot, you need to do the following:
  • Use a continental grip. A continental grip is the same grip that you use for the slice backhand return, the quick hands, the forehand roll, the forehand slice, the forehand lob, the forehand dink, the forehand drive, the backhand slice serve, the deep serve and return, the straight dink, and the attack with a dink or drop shot, and it can also help you know where to stand when you hit a dink or drop shot. A continental grip allows you to hit the ball with different angles and spins, without changing your grip or paddle position. This will help you hit the ball faster and more efficiently, and avoid wasting time and energy.
  • Stand at the non-volley line. The non-volley line is the line that is 7 feet away from the net, and it marks the boundary of the non-volley zone. The non-volley zone is the area where you are not allowed to hit the ball in the air, or volley. The non-volley line is the best place to stand when you hit a dink or drop shot, because it gives you the following advantages:
    • It reduces the distance and time that the ball has to travel, making it easier to hit a soft and low shot over the net and into the non-volley zone.
    • It allows you to cover the most amount of the court, making it easier to defend and attack the opponent’s shot.
    • It puts pressure on the opponent, making them hit a weak or high shot or make an error.

To stand at the non-volley line when you hit a dink or drop shot, you need to do the following:

• Move forward as soon as you hit the serve or return. To get to the non-volley line quickly, you need to move forward as soon as you hit the serve or return. This will help you reduce the time and distance that you have to travel, and avoid being caught in the middle of the court, where you are vulnerable and exposed.
• Split step before you hit the shot. To balance and stabilize yourself before you hit the shot, you need to split step before you hit the shot. A split step is when you hop slightly and land on both feet, with your knees bent and your weight evenly distributed. This will help you prepare for the shot, react faster, and hit the ball earlier.
• Stay close to the line, but not on it. To maintain your position at the non-volley line, you need to stay close to the line, but not on it. This will help you avoid stepping into the non-volley zone, which is a fault, and also give you some margin for error, in case you hit the ball too high or too long.

For more tips and examples on how to stop standing here in pickleball, you can watch video by [Coach Phil].

Volleys

One of the most exciting skills in pickleball is the volley. The volley is when you hit the ball in the air, before it bounces on the ground. The volley can be used to end the rally quickly, by hitting the ball hard and fast, or to keep the rally going, by hitting the ball softly and low. A good volley should be accurate, consistent, and unpredictable, forcing the opponent to hit a weak or high ball or make an error.

Many 3.5 players have a basic understanding of the volley, but they tend to use it in a limited and ineffective way. They often hit the ball too high, too short, or too predictable, giving the opponent an easy opportunity to attack. To improve your volley, you need to practice the following:

• Defending Against The Pickleball Body Shot – Mini-Lesson with Sarah Ansboury. One of the best ways to improve your volley is to learn how to defend against the pickleball body shot. The pickleball body shot is when the opponent hits the ball hard and fast, towards your body. The body shot can be very difficult to return, because it gives you less time and space to react and hit the ball. To defend against the pickleball body shot, you need to do the following:
  • Use a continental grip. A continental grip is the same grip that you use for the slice backhand return, the quick hands, the forehand roll, the forehand slice, the forehand lob, the forehand dink, the forehand drive, the backhand slice serve, the deep serve and return, the straight dink, the attack with a dink or drop shot, and the dink and drop shot, and it can also help you defend against the pickleball body shot. A continental grip allows you to hit the ball with different angles and spins, without changing your grip or paddle position. This will help you hit the ball faster and more efficiently, and avoid wasting time and energy.
  • Keep your paddle up and ready. To react faster and hit the ball earlier, you need to keep your paddle up and ready, in front of your chest, with your elbow slightly bent. This will help you prepare for the shot, and avoid dropping your paddle too low or too far back.
  • Block the ball, don’t swing at it. To return the ball, you need to block the ball, not swing at it. Blocking the ball is when you hit the ball with a short and fast motion, without taking a big backswing or follow-through. Blocking the ball can help you reduce the speed and power of the ball, and control the angle and direction of the ball.
  • Aim for the feet of the opponent. To counter the body shot, you need to aim for the feet of the opponent, not the chest or the head. This will help you hit the ball low and deep, making it harder for the opponent to return.

For more tips and examples on how to defend against the pickleball body shot, you can watch this video by [Sarah Ansboury].

Defending Against The Pickleball Body Shot – Mini-Lesson with Sarah Ansboury

• 3 Ways To Hit A Legal Ernie In Pickleball. Another way to improve your volley is to learn how to hit a legal ernie in pickleball. An ernie is when you hit the ball in the air, before it bounces on the ground, from outside the court. An ernie can be a very effective and surprising shot, because it allows you to hit the ball at a sharp angle, that the opponent cannot reach. To hit a legal ernie in pickleball, you need to do the following:
  • Use a continental grip. A continental grip is the same grip that you use for the slice backhand return, the quick hands, the forehand roll, the forehand slice, the forehand lob, the forehand dink, the forehand drive, the backhand slice serve, the deep serve and return, the straight dink, the attack with a dink or drop shot, the dink and drop shot, and the pickleball body shot, and it can also help you hit a legal ernie in pickleball. A continental grip allows you to hit the ball with different angles and spins, without changing your grip or paddle position. This will help you hit the ball faster and more efficiently, and avoid wasting time and energy.
  • Anticipate the crosscourt dink. To hit an ernie, you need to anticipate the crosscourt dink, which is the most common and safest dink in pickleball. A crosscourt dink is when the opponent hits the ball diagonally over the net, from one corner of the court to the other. To anticipate the crosscourt dink, you need to do the following:
    • Watch the opponent’s paddle and body position. To predict the direction and angle of the opponent’s shot, you need to watch the opponent’s paddle and body position. If the opponent’s paddle and body are facing the crosscourt side, they are likely to hit a crosscourt dink. If the opponent’s paddle and body are facing the straight side, they are likely to hit a straight dink.
    • Move to the sideline, but not over it. To prepare for the ernie, you need to move to the sideline, but not over it. This will help you get closer to the ball, and avoid stepping on or over the sideline, which is a fault. You should also keep your paddle up and ready, in front of your chest, with your elbow slightly bent.
  • Jump over the non-volley zone. To execute the ernie, you need to jump over the non-volley zone, which is the area where you are not allowed to hit the ball in the air, or volley. The non-volley zone is marked by the non-volley line, which is 7 feet away from the net. To jump over the non-volley zone, you need to do the following:
    • Push off with your back foot. To generate momentum and height, you need to push off with your back foot, which is the foot that is farther away from the net. This will help you propel yourself forward and upward, and avoid landing in the non-volley zone, which is a fault.
    • Swing from low to high. To hit the ball, you need to swing from low to high, hitting the ball with the center of the paddle. This will help you generate power and speed, and control the angle and direction of the ball.
    • Aim for the opposite corner of the court. To hit a legal ernie, you need to aim for the opposite corner of the court, not the same corner or the middle of the court. This will help you hit the ball at a sharp angle, that the opponent cannot reach, and avoid hitting the ball out of bounds, which is a fault.
    • Land outside the court. To complete the ernie, you need to land outside the court, not inside the court. This will help you avoid stepping on or over the sideline or the baseline, which are faults. You should also keep your balance and stability, and avoid falling or tripping.

• Coach Dekel | ATP – Around The Post. A third way to improve your volley is to learn how to hit an ATP – around the post. An ATP is when you hit the ball around the post, not over the net, and into the opponent’s court. An ATP can be a very effective and surprising shot, because it allows you to hit the ball at a wide angle, that the opponent cannot reach. To hit an ATP, you need to do the following:
  • Use a continental grip. A continental grip is the same grip that you use for the slice backhand return, the quick hands, the forehand roll, the forehand slice, the forehand lob, the forehand dink, the forehand drive, the backhand slice serve, the deep serve and return, the straight dink, the attack with a dink or drop shot, the dink and drop shot, the pickleball body shot, and the ernie, and it can also help you hit an ATP. A continental grip allows you to hit the ball with different angles and spins, without changing your grip or paddle position. This will help you hit the ball faster and more efficiently, and avoid wasting time and energy.
  • Anticipate the wide ball. To hit an ATP, you need to anticipate the wide ball, which is the ball that is hit wide and low, near the sideline. The wide ball is the best opportunity to hit an ATP, because it gives you more space and angle to hit the ball around the post. To anticipate the wide ball, you need to do the following:
    • Watch the opponent’s paddle and body position. To predict the direction and angle of the opponent’s shot, you need to watch the opponent’s paddle and body position. If the opponent’s paddle and body are facing the wide side, they are likely to hit a wide ball. If the opponent’s paddle and body are facing the straight or crosscourt side, they are likely to hit a straight or crosscourt ball.
    • Move to the sideline, but not over it. To prepare for the ATP, you need to move to the sideline, but not over it. This will help you get closer to the ball, and avoid stepping on or over the sideline, which is a fault. You should also keep your paddle up and ready, in front of your chest, with your elbow slightly bent.
  • Swing from low to high. To hit the ball, you need to swing from low to high, hitting the ball with the center of the paddle. This will help you generate power and speed, and control the angle and direction of the ball.
  • Aim for the opposite corner of the court. To hit an ATP, you need to aim for the opposite corner of the court, not the same corner or the middle of the court. This will help you hit the ball at a wide angle, that the opponent cannot reach, and avoid hitting the ball out of bounds, which is a fault.
  • Land inside the court. To complete the ATP, you need to land inside the court, not outside the court. This will help you avoid stepping on or over the baseline or the sideline, which are faults. You should also keep your balance and stability, and avoid falling or tripping.

For more tips and examples on how to hit an ATP, you can watch this video by [Coach Dekel].

Coach Dekel | ATP – Around The Post

• How To Avoid Getting Jammed With Pickleball Body Shots To The Shoulder. A fourth way to improve your volley is to learn how to avoid getting jammed with pickleball body shots to the shoulder. A jam is when the opponent hits the ball hard and fast, towards your shoulder. The jam can be very difficult to return, because it gives you less time and space to react and hit the ball. To avoid getting jammed with pickleball body shots to the shoulder, you need to do the following:
  • Use a continental grip. A continental grip is the same grip that you use for the slice backhand return, the quick hands, the forehand roll, the forehand slice, the forehand lob, the forehand dink, the forehand drive, the backhand slice serve, the deep serve and return, the straight dink, the attack with a dink or drop shot, the dink and drop shot, the pickleball body shot, the ernie, and the ATP, and it can also help you avoid getting jammed with pickleball body shots to the shoulder. A continental grip allows you to hit the ball with different angles and spins, without changing your grip or paddle position. This will help you hit the ball faster and more efficiently, and avoid wasting time and energy.
  • Keep your paddle up and ready. To react faster and hit the ball earlier, you need to keep your paddle up and ready, in front of your chest, with your elbow slightly bent. This will help you prepare for the shot, and avoid dropping your paddle too low or too far back.
  • Turn your body sideways. To create more space and angle, you need to turn your body sideways, facing the net. This will help you avoid getting hit by the ball, and also allow you to hit the ball with your backhand or forehand, depending on which shoulder is targeted.
  • Block the ball, don’t swing at it. To return the ball, you need to block the ball, not swing at it. Blocking the ball is the same technique that you use to defend against the pickleball body shot, and it can also help you avoid getting jammed with pickleball body shots to the shoulder. Blocking the ball can help you reduce the speed and power of the ball, and control the angle and direction of the ball.
  • Aim for the feet of the opponent. To counter the jam, you need to aim for the feet of the opponent, not the chest or the head. This will help you hit the ball low and deep, making it harder for the opponent to return.

The third shot

One of the most crucial skills in pickleball is the third shot. The third shot is the shot that is hit by the serving team, after the serve and the return. The third shot can be used to transition from the baseline to the net, or to maintain the advantage at the net. A good third shot should be soft, low, and accurate, forcing the opponent to hit a weak or high ball or make an error.

Many 3.5 players have a basic understanding of the third shot, but they tend to use it in a limited and ineffective way. They often hit the ball too high, too short, or too predictable, giving the opponent an easy opportunity to attack. To improve your third shot, you need to practice the following:

• How To Take Dinks Out Of The Air | An Easy Way to Learn & Master the Volley Dink. One of the best ways to improve your third shot is to learn how to take dinks out of the air, or volley dink. A volley dink is when you hit the ball softly and low, over the net and into the opponent’s non-volley zone, before it bounces on the ground. A volley dink can be a very effective and surprising third shot, because it allows you to get to the net faster, and catch the opponent off guard. To hit a volley dink, you need to do the following:
  • Use a continental grip. A continental grip is the same grip that you use for the slice backhand return, the quick hands, the forehand roll, the forehand slice, the forehand lob, the forehand dink, the forehand drive, the backhand slice serve, the deep serve and return, the straight dink, the attack with a dink or drop shot, the dink and drop shot, the pickleball body shot, the ernie, the ATP, and the volley, and it can also help you hit a volley dink. A continental grip allows you to hit the ball with different angles and spins, without changing your grip or paddle position. This will help you hit the ball faster and more efficiently, and avoid wasting time and energy.
  • Keep your paddle up and ready. To react faster and hit the ball earlier, you need to keep your paddle up and ready, in front of your chest, with your elbow slightly bent. This will help you prepare for the shot, and avoid dropping your paddle too low or too far back.
  • Swing from high to low. To generate softness and control, you need to swing from high to low, tapping the ball with the center of the paddle. This will create a downward force on the ball, making it drop over the net and into the non-volley zone.
  • Aim for the front of the ball. To hit a volley dink, you need to aim for the front of the ball, not the center or the back. This will help you hit the ball with more power and accuracy, and avoid hitting it too high or too long.
  • Follow through across your body. To complete the volley dink, you need to follow through across your body, with your paddle finishing on your opposite hip. This will help you control the direction and depth of the ball, and avoid hitting it too wide or too short.

• The Pickleball Forehand Roll Attack with Collins Johns. Another way to improve your third shot is to learn how to hit the pickleball forehand roll attack. The pickleball forehand roll attack is when you hit the ball with a topspin motion, creating a forward spin. Topspin can make the ball bounce higher and faster, making it more difficult for the opponent to return. To hit the pickleball forehand roll attack, you need to do the following:
  • Use a continental grip. A continental grip is the same grip that you use for the slice backhand return, the quick hands, the forehand roll, the forehand slice, the forehand lob, the forehand dink, the forehand drive, the backhand slice serve, the deep serve and return, the straight dink, the attack with a dink or drop shot, the dink and drop shot, the pickleball body shot, the ernie, the ATP, the volley, and the volley dink, and it can also help you hit the pickleball forehand roll attack. A continental grip allows you to hit the ball with different angles and spins, without changing your grip or paddle position. This will help you hit the ball faster and more efficiently, and avoid wasting time and energy.
  • Swing from low to high. To generate topspin, you need to swing from low to high, brushing the ball with the top edge of the paddle. This will create an upward force on the ball, making it spin forward.
  • Aim for the top of the ball. To To hit the pickleball forehand roll attack, you need to aim for the top of the ball, not the center or the bottom. This will help you hit the ball with more power and accuracy, and avoid hitting it too high or too low.
• Follow through over your shoulder. To complete the pickleball forehand roll attack, you need to follow through over your shoulder, with your paddle pointing to the target. This will help you control the direction and depth of the ball, and avoid hitting it too wide or too short.

For more tips and examples on how to hit the pickleball forehand roll attack, you can watch this video by [Collins Johns].

The Forehand Roll Attack with Collin Johns

Overall strategy

One of the most important skills in pickleball is the overall strategy. The overall strategy is the plan and approach that you use to play the game, based on your strengths, weaknesses, goals, and opponents. A good overall strategy should be flexible, adaptable, and smart, allowing you to win more points, games, and matches.

Many 3.5 players have a basic understanding of the overall strategy, but they tend to use it in a rigid and simple way. They often play the same way, regardless of the situation, the score, or the opponent. To improve your overall strategy, you need to practice the following:

• Pickleball Stacking Strategy. One of the best ways to improve your overall strategy is to learn how to use the pickleball stacking strategy. The pickleball stacking strategy is when you and your partner switch positions on the court, to keep your stronger side or player in the best position. The pickleball stacking strategy can be used to gain an advantage, create confusion, or avoid a weakness. To use the pickleball stacking strategy, you need to do the following:
  • Know your strengths and weaknesses. To use the pickleball stacking strategy, you need to know your strengths and weaknesses, and those of your partner and opponents. For example, you may prefer to play on the right or left side of the court, or you may have a stronger forehand or backhand. You may also have a better or worse chemistry with your partner, or a better or worse matchup with your opponents. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses can help you decide when and how to stack, and what to avoid.
  • Communicate with your partner. To use the pickleball stacking strategy, you need to communicate with your partner, before and during the game. You need to agree on when and how to stack, and what signals to use. You also need to coordinate your movements, and avoid bumping into each other or leaving gaps on the court. Communication is key to make the pickleball stacking strategy work, and avoid confusion and mistakes.
  • Switch positions at the right time. To use the pickleball stacking strategy, you need to switch positions at the right time, depending on the situation and the score. You can switch positions when you are serving, receiving, or during the rally. However, you should not switch positions when you are in trouble, out of position, or under pressure. Switching positions at the right time can help you gain an advantage, create confusion, or avoid a weakness.

• Coach Phil | Cover the Middle in Pickleball. Another way to improve your overall strategy is to learn how to cover the middle in pickleball. The middle is the area between you and your partner, and it is the most vulnerable and exposed part of the court. The middle is also the easiest and safest place to hit the ball, because it has the most margin for error and the least distance to travel. To cover the middle in pickleball, you need to do the following:
  • Use a continental grip. A continental grip is the same grip that you use for the slice backhand return, the quick hands, the forehand roll, the forehand slice, the forehand lob, the forehand dink, the forehand drive, the backhand slice serve, the deep serve and return, the straight dink, the attack with a dink or drop shot, the dink and drop shot, the pickleball body shot, the ernie, the ATP, the volley, the volley dink, and the pickleball forehand roll attack, and it can also help you cover the middle in pickleball. A continental grip allows you to hit the ball with different angles and spins, without changing your grip or paddle position. This will help you hit the ball faster and more efficiently, and avoid wasting time and energy.
  • Keep your paddle up and ready. To react faster and hit the ball earlier, you need to keep your paddle up and ready, in front of your chest, with your elbow slightly bent. This will help you prepare for the shot, and avoid dropping your paddle too low or too far back.
  • Move with your partner. To cover the middle in pickleball, you need to move with your partner, as a team. You need to stay close to each other, and adjust your position according to the ball and the opponent. You also need to communicate with each other, and use hand signals or verbal cues. Moving with your partner can help you cover the middle, and avoid leaving gaps or overlaps on the court.
  • Hit the ball to the opponent’s middle. To counter the middle in pickleball, you need to hit the ball to the opponent’s middle, not to their sides. This will help you create confusion and pressure, and force the opponent to make a decision or a mistake. Hitting the ball to the opponent’s middle can also help you open up the court, and create more opportunities to attack.

For more tips and examples on how to cover the middle in pickleball, you can watch video by [Coach Phil].

• When To ATTACK Their Dink PLUS What To Do With Those Pesky Midheight Balls. A third way to improve your overall strategy is to learn when to attack their dink and what to do with those pesky midheight balls. A dink is a soft and low shot that is hit over the net and into the opponent’s non-volley zone. A midheight ball is a ball that is neither high nor low, but somewhere in between. A dink and a midheight ball can be very tricky and tempting to deal with, because they can be either an opportunity or a trap. To know when to attack their dink and what to do with those pesky midheight balls, you need to do the following:
  • Use a continental grip. A continental grip is the same grip that you use for the slice backhand return, the quick hands, the forehand roll, the forehand slice, the forehand lob, the forehand dink, the forehand drive, the backhand slice serve, the deep serve and return, the straight dink, the attack with a dink or drop shot, the dink and drop shot, the pickleball body shot, the ernie, the ATP, the volley, the volley dink, the pickleball forehand roll attack, and the cover the middle in pickleball, and it can also help you know when to attack their dink and what to do with those pesky midheight balls. A continental grip allows you to hit the ball with different angles and spins, without changing your grip or paddle position. This will help you hit the ball faster and more efficiently, and avoid wasting time and energy.
  • Keep your paddle up and ready. To react faster and hit the ball earlier, you need to keep your paddle up and ready, in front of your chest, with your elbow slightly bent. This will help you prepare for the shot, and avoid dropping your paddle too low or too far back.
  • Watch the ball and the opponent. To decide whether to attack their dink or not, you need to watch the ball and the opponent. You need to consider the following factors:
    • The height of the ball. The height of the ball is the most important factor to consider when deciding whether to attack their dink or not. If the ball is high enough, above the net or your shoulder, you can attack it with a hard and fast shot, such as a drive, a smash, or a volley. If the ball is low enough, below the net or your knee, you should not attack it, but rather hit it back with a soft and low shot, such as a dink, a drop, or a lob. If the ball is somewhere in between, you need to be careful, and use your judgment and skill to hit the best shot possible.
    • The position of the opponent. The position of the opponent is another factor to consider when deciding whether to attack their dink or not. If the opponent is close to the net, in the non-volley zone, you can attack their dink with a sharp angle, a lob, or an ernie, to make them stretch or scramble. If the opponent is far from the net, at the baseline, you can attack their dink with a deep and hard shot, to make them back up or miss. If the opponent is somewhere in between, you need to be careful, and use your judgment and skill to hit the best shot possible.
    • The speed and spin of the ball. The speed and spin of the ball are other factors to consider when deciding whether to attack their dink or not. If the ball is slow and flat, you can attack it with more power and confidence, because it gives you more time and space to react and hit the ball. If the ball is fast and spinny, you should not attack it, but rather hit it back with more control and caution, because it gives you less time and space to react and hit the ball. If the ball is somewhere in between, you need to be careful, and use your judgment and skill to hit the best shot possible.
• To practice when to attack their dink and what to do with those pesky midheight balls, you can watch video by [Coach Phil]. He demonstrates how to read the ball and the opponent, and how to hit the best shot possible, depending on the situation and the score. He also gives some drills and exercises that you can do with your partner or by yourself, to improve your decision making and execution.
• For more tips and examples on when to attack their dink and what to do with those pesky midheight balls, you can visit this website by [Pickleball Strategy]. It has a lot of articles and videos that explain the different factors and scenarios that you need to consider, and how to hit the most effective and appropriate shot. It also has a quiz that you can take, to test your knowledge and skills.
• If you want to learn more about when to attack their dink and what to do with those pesky midheight balls, you can read book by [Jennifer Lucore]. She is a professional pickleball player and coach, who has won many national and international titles. She shares her secrets and insights on how to play smart and win more, by using the right strategy and technique. She also provides some diagrams and illustrations that show you how to position yourself and hit the ball.