The Pickleball Shake and Bake
If you’ve spent any time around pickleball courts, you’ve probably heard the terms ‘Shake and Bake’ or ‘Crush and Rush’. The Shake and Bake is an aggressive, high-pressure play designed to seize control of the rally and keep your opponents on their heels. It involves driving the third shot hard and immediately charging the net—it’s all about dictating the pace and taking the fight to your opponents.
This play is a great option if you’re confident in your ability (or your partner’s) to execute a strong third shot drive. It’s not for the faint of heart—this is advanced 3.5+ level play.
To execute the Shake and Bake successfully, you’ll need two key skills:
- A solid 3rd shot drive to initiate the attack.
- Quick, confident volley skills at the net to finish the job.
It’s a bold strategy, but when done right, it puts your opponents under immediate pressure and often forces errors or weak returns. If you’re ready to level up your game, the Shake and Bake might just be your new favorite move!
Pickleball Shake and Bake Scenario
In the illustration below, a drive is hit (the shake) on the third shot, both offensive players advance quickly, and a popup response is put away (the bake).
1 – Drive the Third Shot (Shake)
Drive the 3rd shot at the opponent in front of you or your partner. Look for a good drive going just over the net. Before the ball even gets there, you and your partner move in towards the kitchen line..
2 – Look for an attackable block or pop-up
Your opponent is moving in towards the kitchen line or is at the kitchen line already. They volley or block the hard drive. The block comes back across in the air and above the net height. You are hoping for a pop up but if you are fast enough you can also deal with a volley shot hit right at you.
3 – Attack for a winner (Bake)
You have moved in, and you anticipate the ball coming to you in the air and above net height. When this happens, you or your partner attack it for a winner.
The “Shake” is the hard drive shot and the “Bake” is the put away shot.
Keys to Success for the Shake and Bake
To nail the Pickleball Shake and Bake, the key is to ensure the third shot drive is solid before charging the net.
- The drive should be sharp—just over the net and moving with good pace. If it has topspin, even better! The topspin helps the ball dip below net height after crossing, forcing your opponent into a defensive volley that’s likely to pop up.
- Timing is everything. This play happens fast, and you’ll need quick judgment to decide whether to commit or hang back.
Watchouts for the Shake and Bake
- Beware of a bad drive. If your shot sits up high, your opponent will gleefully volley it downward toward your feet as you move in. That’s not the kind of “baking” you’re looking for!
- If the defensive volley doesn’t pop up or at least rise toward you, your rush to the net will end in frustration—and probably a lunge for a ball heading straight for the ground.
- Adjust as needed. Watch the drive. If it’s good, commit to moving in. If not, stay back and be ready for your opponent’s return.
With experience, you’ll sharpen your ability to decide when to go for it. When you execute it successfully, the Shake and Bake is not only effective but incredibly satisfying—nothing beats putting away that final shot with authority.
Communication is Key
Don’t forget to loop in your partner! Let them know when you plan to attempt the Shake and Bake. If they have a great drive shot, switch things up by having them drive it at the opponent in front of you while you charge in to finish the play. Teamwork makes this move even more effective—and keeps your opponents guessing.
Summary
The Pickleball Shake and Bake is a bold and exciting play that puts immediate pressure on your opponents. Use it strategically to surprise them, force weak returns, and seal the point with a satisfying put-away shot. Timing, execution, and teamwork are your recipe for success—so go ahead, mix it up, and bake those points!
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Keep Learning
- Watch the video 🎥 below on the Shake and Bake play.
- Read the next post in the Third Shot series: Pickleball Strategy – Using the Drop Shot Against Power Players.
🎥 Pickleball Shake and Bake Action Video
Courtesy of “In2Pickle”
Watch this video on the Pickleball Shake and Bake on Youtube.