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The Toughest Shots in Pickleball — And How High-Level Players Actually Win With Them
Pickleball only looks simple from the outside. At higher levels, points are no longer decided by who can keep the ball in play, but by who can manage pressure, control space, and make better decisions in tight situations.
The reality is this: advanced matches are shaped by a small number of high-difficulty, high-leverage shots. These are not just technical skills; they are tactical tools that determine whether you stay in a rally or take control of it.
These are the seven shots that truly define high-level pickleball.
1. The Third Shot Drop
What it is
The third shot drop is the gateway to the kitchen line. After the serve and return, it is the shot that allows the serving team to neutralize the returner’s advantage and transition forward into the point.
Why it is difficult
This is not a static shot. You are often hitting it while moving forward, dealing with varying return depths and spin, and under immediate pressure. The margin for error is small, especially when trying to keep the ball low enough to prevent an attack.
What matters technically
- Stable base and balance through contact
- Soft hands rather than forced swing mechanics
- Clean contact slightly in front of the body
High-level principle
A “perfect” drop is not required. What matters is consistency and depth. A slightly higher ball that lands deep in the kitchen and forces an upward reply is far more effective than an overly aggressive drop that sits up.
How elite players counter it
- Step in and take higher drops early
- Use controlled topspin to apply pressure
- Target the middle to create indecision
2. The Reset (Transition Zone Soft Shot)
What it is
The reset is the shot that allows you to recover from a defensive position, typically from the transition zone, and bring the rally back to neutral at the kitchen.
Why it is difficult
You are often absorbing pace from an attacking opponent while moving, off-balance, and with very little time. Most unforced errors at intermediate levels come from failed resets.
What matters technically
- Soft hands that absorb incoming pace
- Minimal backswing and compact motion
- Letting the ball drop gently into the kitchen
High-level principle
If you cannot reset under pressure, you cannot compete at a high level. This is the single most important skill for extending rallies and giving yourself a second chance in points that are slipping away.
How elite players counter it
- Maintain pressure and avoid giving time to settle
- Attack balls that are even slightly elevated
- Keep opponents trapped in transition
3. The Dink (Neutral and Angled)
What it is
Dinking is a controlled exchange at the kitchen line, designed to move your opponent, create openings, and set up attackable balls.
Why it is difficult
It requires precision and patience. You must maintain consistency while moving laterally, controlling height and direction, and resisting the urge to attack prematurely.
What matters technically
- Stable paddle face and consistent contact point
- Direction generated from the body, not the wrist
- Ability to vary placement and depth intentionally
High-level principle
Dinking is not about winning the point directly. It is about creating a situation where your opponent gives you a ball you can attack safely.
How elite players counter it
- Reset when pulled out of position
- Control the middle to reduce angles
- Stay disciplined and avoid low-percentage attacks
4. The Speed-Up (Initiation of Attack)
What it is
The speed-up is a controlled offensive shot used to break a neutral rally, typically from the kitchen line.
Why it is difficult
The difference between a winning attack and an immediate error is extremely small. Timing, ball height, and placement must all align.
What matters technically
- Compact, efficient motion with no large backswing
- Contact on balls that are clearly above net height
- Targeting the body, backhand shoulder, or inside hip
High-level principle
Speed-ups are about disruption, not power. The goal is to surprise and jam your opponent, not to overpower them.
How elite players counter it
- Keep the paddle in front and reactions compact
- Block, reset, or counter based on ball height
- Use the middle to simplify defensive angles
5. The Counterattack (Hands at the Kitchen)
What it is
The counterattack is the ability to respond to an opponent’s speed-up with a controlled and often offensive reply, initiating a fast exchange at the net.
Why it is difficult
At this stage, reaction time is extremely limited. You must read the attack early, maintain positioning, and execute with precision under pressure.
What matters technically
- Short, compact punch rather than a swing
- Paddle positioned in front of the body at all times
- Strong, balanced stance for stability
High-level principle
Many advanced points are decided in one or two exchanges at the kitchen. The ability to counter effectively turns defense into an immediate opportunity.
How elite players counter it
- Vary pace and avoid predictable attacks
- Reset when out of position rather than forcing speed
- Anticipate patterns rather than reacting late
6. The Erne
What it is
The Erne is an aggressive interception in which a player moves outside the kitchen to volley the ball before it bounces, often finishing the point at a sharp angle.
Why it is difficult
It requires precise timing, disciplined footwork, and strong anticipation. Any mistake results in either a fault or an exposed position.
What matters technically
- Staying fully outside the non-volley zone
- Reading the opponent’s patterns early
- Explosive but controlled lateral movement
High-level principle
The Erne is not random. It is a response to predictable cross-court patterns and is most effective when your opponent is locked into repetition.
How elite players counter it
- Mix in down-the-line and middle shots
- Recognize early positioning shifts
- Avoid becoming predictable in dink patterns
7. The Around-the-Post (ATP)
What it is
The ATP is a shot taken around the net post when pulled wide, creating an extreme and often unreturnable angle.
Why it is difficult
The opportunity is rare and requires immediate recognition, correct positioning, and precise execution from a compromised stance.
What matters technically
- Early preparation before the ball passes the post
- Low, controlled contact point
- Clear directional intent toward open space
High-level principle
The ATP is not a trick shot. It is the natural result of strong cross-court pressure and correct positioning over time.
How elite players counter it
- Avoid over-creating sharp angles
- Recover quickly when pulled wide
- Maintain balance during lateral exchanges
The Bigger Picture
At advanced levels, pickleball is a game of control, not force.
- The third shot drop gets you to the kitchen
- The reset keeps you alive under pressure
- The dink creates opportunities
- The speed-up and counter decide points
- The Erne and ATP punish predictability
The best players are not just technically sound. They are situationally aware. They know when to stay neutral, when to apply pressure, and when to take calculated risks.
Master these seven areas, and you move from playing points to controlling them.
