Based on observations of professional pickleball games in 2024, the following three strategies have emerged as effective ways to win a point within three ball strikes (i.e., the serve, the return, and the third shot). These strategies reflect the evolving nature of high-level play, where precision, aggression, and court positioning are critical. Since my knowledge is continuously updated, I’m drawing from trends and tactics commonly discussed in the pickleball community up to March 9, 2025.
1. Deep, Aggressive Serve to Force a Weak Return
- How it Works: Pros often start with a powerful, deep serve aimed at the back third of the opponent’s service court, ideally targeting the backhand side (where most players have less control and power). The goal is to push the receiver back near or beyond the baseline, limiting their ability to hit an offensive return.
- Execution: The server uses a low, fast serve with spin (often topspin or sidespin) to make the ball skid or kick awkwardly, forcing a defensive, high return. This sets up an opportunity for the serving team to attack the third shot.
- Third Shot Opportunity: If the return is weak (e.g., a high lob or a short ball), the serving team can hit an aggressive third shot—either a drive to the opponent’s feet or a well-placed drop into the non-volley zone (NVZ)—to win the point outright or gain control of the net.
- Why It Wins: Pros in 2024 have refined their serves to be more than just a way to start the rally; it’s a weapon that disrupts the receiver’s rhythm early, often leading to a point-ending third shot.
2. Third-Shot Drive to Exploit Positioning
- How it Works: After a solid serve and a return, the serving team uses the third shot as a low, hard drive aimed at the opponent’s feet or a gap between players (in doubles). This strategy capitalizes on the fact that many pros hang back slightly after returning, expecting a drop shot rather than a drive.
- Execution: The drive is hit with pace and precision, often down the line or cross-court, targeting an opponent who is transitioning from the baseline to the NVZ. The ball’s speed and low trajectory make it difficult to return effectively, especially if the opponent is caught mid-court (the “no-man’s land”).
- Third Shot Outcome: If executed well, the drive can result in an unreturnable shot, either because it catches the opponent off-guard or forces an error (e.g., popping the ball up or hitting into the net). Even if returned, the serving team is often already moving to the net to finish the point.
- Why It Wins: Pros in 2024 have increasingly used the third-shot drive as an aggressive alternative to the traditional third-shot drop, exploiting opponents who overcommit to defending the NVZ.
3. Return and Rush: Net Control with a Drop or Lob
- How it Works: On the return of serve, the receiving team hits a deep, controlled return (often with topspin) to keep the serving team pinned back, then immediately rushes to the NVZ line. The third shot from the serving team is met with either a precise drop into the NVZ or a defensive lob, both of which can lead to a quick point.
- Execution: The returner aims for depth to prevent the serving team from advancing easily, then moves quickly to the net with their partner. If the serving team’s third shot is a drive, the returner volleys it softly into the NVZ (a “dink” or drop). If it’s a weaker shot, they might lob it over the serving team’s heads, forcing them to scramble back and potentially miss the return.
- Third Shot Outcome: A well-placed drop can catch the serving team out of position, leading to an unreturnable shot or an error. A lob, if high and deep enough, can result in an out ball or a weak return that the receiving team smashes.
- Why It Wins: Pros in 2024 have mastered the art of transitioning to the net after the return, using their positioning advantage to dictate the third shot and end the point quickly.
Key Trends Supporting These Strategies in 2024
- Aggression Over Patience: Unlike earlier years where pros often relied on long rallies and dinking, 2024 has seen a shift toward faster-paced, attacking play to end points early—often within three shots.
- Serve Evolution: The serve has become a more offensive tool, with pros experimenting with spin and placement to set up the third shot, rather than just putting the ball in play.
- Net Dominance: Controlling the NVZ remains critical, and teams that gain it by the third shot (either through a drive or a drop) tend to win points quickly.
These strategies are distilled from patterns observed in professional matches, such as those in the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP), where top players like Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, and Tyson McGuffin have showcased aggressive, point-ending tactics. While not every point ends in three shots, these approaches maximize the chance of doing so by leveraging power, placement, and positioning.
