From Dinks to Slammers: Your Complete Shot Arsenal
Discover the full spectrum of pickleball shots, from fundamental techniques to advanced strategies. Whether you're a beginner learning the basics or an experienced player refining your game, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.
What is it?
The initial shot that starts each point, performed diagonally from the baseline.
Purpose?
Deep serve: Forces receiver back, creates court space
Short serve: Disrupts receiver's rhythm, limits return options
Spin variations: Makes return more challenging
Execution
Paddle face angle: 5-10 degrees upward for topspin, or 10-15 degrees upward for backspin
Contact point: Below waist height, approximately mid-thigh level
Paddle path: Low to high for topspin (45-degree upward angle), high to low for backspin
Follow through: Continue upward motion to shoulder height for topspin, stop at contact for backspin
Sweet spot contact: Center of paddle face, slightly toward handle for more control
Defense
Ready position: Paddle face vertical (90 degrees)
Split step timing: As server's paddle contacts ball
Return angle adjustments: 5-15 degrees closed for deep returns, slightly open (5 degrees) for short returns
Weight distribution: 60/40 on balls of feet
What is it?
The receiving team's first shot in response to serve.
Purpose?
Deep return: Keeps serving team back
Short angle return: Creates immediate pressure
Middle return: Forces communication, creates confusion
Execution
Deep return paddle angle: 5-10 degrees closed (tilted downward)
Short return paddle angle: 10-15 degrees open (tilted upward)
Cross-court angle: 15-20 degrees horizontal rotation
Contact height: Between knee and waist level
Sweet spot contact: Upper third of paddle for more control
Defense
Server position: 45-degree angle facing receiver
Partner ready position: Paddle vertical, chest height
Court coverage: 60/40 weight split toward likely return direction
Movement pattern: Small adjustment steps, never crossing feet
What is it?
A soft shot hit by serving team that lands in the NVZ.
Purpose?
Neutralize net player advantage
Create approach opportunity
Reset aggressive points
Execution
Initial paddle angle: 25-30 degrees open for maximum backspin
Contact point angle: 45 degrees upward trajectory
Follow-through angle: Gradually opening to 45 degrees
Height over net: 3-4 feet for proper descent angle
Contact position: In front of body, paddle face visible to opponent
Defense
Ready position: Paddle at 45-degree angle upward
Movement stance: Knees bent 30 degrees
Reaction position: Paddle face vertical at chest height
Counter angle: 10-15 degrees closed for punch volleys
What is it?
Soft control shot from NVZ line landing in opponent's kitchen.
Purpose?
Pattern disruption
Opponent movement
Court positioning
Attacking setup
Execution
Basic dink angle: 20-25 degrees open
Cross-court dink: 30-35 degrees open with 45-degree horizontal rotation
Straight ahead dink: 20 degrees open, neutral horizontal position
Topspin dink: Start 30 degrees open, close to 0 degrees through contact
Backspin dink: Start 45 degrees open, maintain through contact
Defense
Ready position: 15-degree upward paddle angle
Reset position: Vertical paddle at chest height
Counter-dink: Match opponent's trajectory +5 degrees
Attack position: Quick transition to 0-degree angle for put-away
What is it?
Hard, flat shot hit with pace and power.Â
Purpose?
Pass net players
Pressure weak returns
Change point pace
Force defensive shots
Execution
Basic drive: 0-5 degrees closed paddle face
Low drive: 10-15 degrees closed
High drive: 0-5 degrees open
Cross-court drive: 15-20 degrees horizontal rotation
Contact point: Waist height, in front of body
Defense
Block angle: 10-15 degrees open for loft
Counter-drive: 0 degrees (perfectly flat)
Defensive slice: 30 degrees open with low-to-high path
Reset position: 45-degree upward paddle face
What is it?
Shot hit in air before bounce, typically at net.
Purpose?
Quick point ending
Pressure creation
Court position maintenance
Tempo control
Execution
Punch volley: 5 degrees closed
Drop volley: 20-25 degrees open
Angle volley: 30-45 degrees horizontal rotation
High volley: 15 degrees closed for downward angle
Low volley: 10 degrees open for lift
Defense
Ready angle: Vertical paddle face
Block position: 5-10 degrees open
Reset angle: 15 degrees upward
Counter volley: Match incoming angle
What is it?
High arcing shot over opponents.
Purpose?
Reset net pressure
Change court position
Defensive recovery
Pattern disruption
Execution
Initial paddle angle: 45-50 degrees open
Contact point: Low body position, paddle below ball
Arc trajectory: 60-70 degrees upward angle
Follow-through: Continue upward motion to full extension
Sweet spot: Lower third of paddle face
Defense
Overhead ready: Paddle at 45-degree downward angle
Tracking position: Paddle vertical while moving
Smash angle: 30-45 degrees downward
Reset position: Quick return to neutral vertical
What is it?
Defensive shot using opponent's pace.
Purpose?
Neutralize power
Maintain position
Create reset opportunity
Force slower pace
Execution
Hard block: 5-10 degrees closed
Soft block: 15-20 degrees open
Cross-court block: 30-degree horizontal rotation
Drop block: 25-30 degrees open
Sweet spot: Upper third of paddle for control
Defense
Ready position: Vertical paddle face
Reset angle: 15 degrees upward
Counter position: Match incoming angle
Recovery position: 45-degree upward paddle face
What is it?
Shot hit around net post instead of over net.
Purpose?
Create unreturnable angles
Surprise attack
Court position change
Momentum shift
Execution
Initial angle: 10-15 degrees open
Contact point: Outside hip, low to ground
Swing path: 30-45 degrees upward trajectory
Follow-through: Continue toward target
Sweet spot: Edge of paddle for maximum spin
Defense
Ready position: Vertical paddle face
Coverage angle: 45 degrees toward post
Reset position: Quick return to neutral
Partner communication: Verbal and hand signals
What is it?
Aggressive downward shot hit above head.
Purpose?
End points
Attack high balls
Force weak replies
Pressure opponents
Execution
Initial angle: 45 degrees upward in trophy position
Contact angle: 30-45 degrees downward
Follow-through: Continue downward to hip
Sweet spot: Center of paddle face
Wrist angle: Firm and locked at contact
Defense
Ready position: 45 degrees upward
Block angle: 15-20 degrees open
Reset position: Vertical paddle face
Movement pattern: Backward diagonal steps
