20 Pickleball Strategy Questions
Do you play pickleball instinctively or strategically? These 20 questions explore the knowledge and decisions advanced players rely on throughout a match, from the serve to the kitchen line.
Every topic is covered in the Pickleball35 app (25 scenarios free) and the book.
After hitting a third-shot drop, how do you assess its quality before moving in? What are you looking for? What is your plan for advancing through the transition zone to reach the kitchen? Do you understand and use a split-step while moving through the transition zone? Do you understand the concept of a 5th-shot and 7th-shot drop?
Featured strategy preview as seen in the app
Other related topics in the app and book
Do you have a go-to third shot? Do you have a plan before the point even starts? Do you understand when it is better to hit a drive versus a drop shot? When driving the third shot, do you use the Shake and Bake or Drive and Reset strategies with your partner?
Related scenarios and articles in the app
Do you know what attributes define a 3.0, 3.5+, and 4.0 player? Can you accurately assess your current level of play?
Featured article preview
Other related topics in the app and book
Do you understand stacking and why it is so important? Do you stack when playing with an opposite-handed partner? Do you actively assess your opponents' handedness before a game or point begins? How does this impact your strategy?
Featured strategy preview as seen in the app
Other related topics in the app and book
Do you attack dinks at the right time? Are you patient? Do you know what a dink fake is? Do you know what a dink fake lob is? Have you ever attempted an Erne or an ATP (Around the Post)?
Other related topics in the app and book
Do you consistently hit deep serves and returns, and understand why they are so important? Do you try to win points with your serve or return and end up giving away free points through unnecessary errors?
Featured strategy preview as seen in the app
Other related topics in the app and book
Once your serves and returns are consistent, do you intentionally target them? What is your targeting strategy?
Related scenarios and articles in the app
Do you consistently reach the NVZ (Kitchen) after returning serve? What do you do when you find yourself caught in the transition zone as your opponent hits their third shot? Do you have a plan? What is your thought process for consistently gaining the line?
Related scenarios and articles in the app
Do you have a plan when your opponents are stacking? How does it impact your serves, returns, and third-shot decisions?
Related scenarios and articles in the app
Do you use spin shots, and do you understand how to handle opponents who use a lot of spin? Do you understand the physics of pickleball spin and how it affects both your shots and your opponent's shots?
Related scenarios and articles in the app
Do you actively communicate on the third shot? Do you call shots and move in front of your partner to take forehands whenever possible?
Featured strategy preview as seen in the app
Other related topics in the app and book
Do you use third-shot drops consistently, and do you understand why they are one of the most important shots in pickleball?
Other related topics in the app and book
Do you intentionally target your third-shot drops? What is your strategy for placement?
Related scenarios and articles in the app
Do you understand how to defend effectively against third-shot drops? Do you understand volley placement and when to volley versus dink, or are you simply reacting without a plan?
Featured strategy preview as seen in the app
Other related topics in the app and book
Do you understand what a reset shot is, when to use it, and why it is one of the most important defensive shots in pickleball?
Related scenarios and articles in the app
Do you have a plan when someone hits a lob? Do you use overhead smashes effectively? Do you know how to chase down a lob while switching correctly with your partner? If you hit a lob and recognize your opponent is going to let it bounce deep, what is your plan for your court positioning and next shot?
Related scenarios and articles in the app
Do you poach the third shot? Do you know when it is effective, how it helps your partner, and when it should be avoided?
Related scenarios and articles in the app
During a dinking rally, do you focus on pinching the middle and tethering? Do you know when to use a cross-court dink versus a forward dink?
Featured strategy preview as seen in the app
Other related topics in the app and book
Do you stay patient when rallies become difficult or the game is not going your way? Can you avoid rushing points, stay composed under pressure, recover quickly from mistakes, and continue making good strategic decisions when momentum shifts?
Related scenarios and articles in the app
Are you a good partner and opponent on the court? Do you communicate and encourage your partner, trust them to play their position, handle middle balls and line calls appropriately, and maintain positive sportsmanship with your opponents regardless of the score?
Related scenarios and articles in the app
Pickleball Strategy 3.5+ App
- 100+ strategy scenarios and articles with animated court diagrams
- 20+ modules, from serves and returns to dinking, stacking and the mental game
- Track what you want to review, work on, or make part of your game
iPhone
Android
Prefer a book?
Pickleball Strategy: A Guide to 3.5 and Beyond covers the same strategy in a complete reference, with nearly 100 court diagrams and a primer for newer players.
See it on Amazon ›Kindle: full-color diagrams · Paperback: grayscale diagrams
Explore more strategy in the free app25 scenarios included · Unlock 100+ for $9.99 · No subscription
Get the App →Explore this strategy in the Pickleball Strategy app.
Get the App →Free download · One-time $9.99 full-library unlock