Many pickleball players make the mistake of speeding up the ball without a plan, leaving them vulnerable to aggressive counters. By treating your attack as a two-shot sequence—where the first shot dictates the opponent's response—you can anticipate the next ball and position yourself to win the point.
Three High-Probability Attack Combinations
According to coach Jordan Briones of Briones Pickleball Academy, attacking with intention requires understanding court geometry and probability. Here are three specific combinations to help you control the point:
- Outside Ball to the Chicken Wing: When you receive an outside ball near the sideline, attack straight into your opponent’s "chicken wing" zone on their dominant side. Because the opponent must move laterally to cover the line, their contact will likely be late or awkward. After firing this shot, shift your weight toward your backhand side, as the ball will almost certainly return as a weak floater, a spray toward the middle, or a late forehand.
- Middle Ball to the Backhand Stretch: This strategy uses a two-handed topspin dink to force your opponent to shade toward the middle of the court. Once they are committed to the center, attack cross-court to their backhand, forcing them to reach or hit a low half-volley. Because this forces the opponent to stretch, their counter will almost always travel down the line toward your forehand. Immediately after your attack, shift your ready position to favor your forehand side to prepare for that return.
- Backhand Speed Up Down the Middle: This is the most straightforward combo, focusing on hitting the ball directly down the center of the court. By targeting the middle, you remove the opponent's angles and force them to make a quick decision between their forehand and backhand. This shot is designed to jam the opponents and limit their ability to counter effectively, allowing you to stay centered and ready for a defensive return.
By shifting your focus from simply hitting a hard ball to executing these two-shot sequences, you transform your game from reactive to proactive. Instead of standing flat-footed after an attack, you will find yourself already in the correct position to handle the incoming ball, effectively turning your speed-up into a setup for a winning shot.
