The sport of Pickleball has evolved significantly since its inception; it is markedly different from what was played in Physical Education classes thirty years ago. The pace of the game continues to accelerate, and the strategies for executing offensive and defensive maneuvers appear to evolve daily.
The principles that were considered essential when you initially began may no longer hold the same relevance. In fact, some of them are now completely outdated. I started my pickleball journey six short years ago, today, I hardly recognize the game. Equipment has improved significantly, better paddles, balls and shoes, but what has changed about the game itself? Let’s look at some of the fundamentals of the game that we thought were etched in stone and what they look like today.
Move as one
Standard convention says you move from the baseline to the kitchen as if you’re attached to your partner with a short string. If your partner moves right, you move right. Modern pickleball demands are different. With Shake and Bake, Earnie’s, and highflyers the modern day Pickleball player must take a different approach to reaching the kitchen line. It involves communication and understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses and working as a team. As the serving team, we should see our side of the court in three zones: The baseline area is Zone 1, the mid-court transition area is Zone 2, and the non-volley area is Zone 3. Working through the zones as a team takes shot selection, ball placement, observation, and proper movement together, up or back. Understanding whether your partner is driving or dropping the third shot is important. Creating a gap between players and then exploiting it can help win points. When your partner is hitting a third, take two steps in and watch the ball’s flight. If it’s a good drop, crash the net and apply pressure wherever possible, giving your bestie time to join you. For intermediate and advanced players, the point truly begins with the third shot.
Forehand Rules
Across pickleball courts nationwide, the prevailing rule of thumb for the middle ball is that the forehand takes it. It was drilled into our minds that the player with their forehand in the middle can handle that middle ball better, and possibly do more damage with it than the player using their backhand in the middle. That was then, with the current fast pace of the game, it now requires a faster approach. That approach is called the X-Rule. Here is a breakdown of the old forehand rules and the new X-Rule.
Traditional Forehand Rules: This method was developed because forehands generally offer more power and control. A forehand in the middle avoids awkward, off-balance backhands. It simplifies decision-making: whoever has the forehand in the middle takes the ball.
Does It still work? Yes, sometimes, when rallies are slower and there are floaters in the middle. It can also work when players have clearly defined forehand zones and when both players are equally quick and comfortable switching responsibilities.
Why doesn’t it work so well today? The speed and unpredictability of modern rallies require quicker reactions and more fluid roles. Relying strictly on “forehand takes the middle” can lead to:
- Hesitation and paddle clashes
- Players being out of position
- Late or weak responses on fast-moving balls
The X-Rule (Modern Approach): This new concept is based on ball angle coverage, not just handedness or positioning. When the ball is diagonal (cross-court) the middle player takes it, even if it’s a backhand. This player has the angle and time advantage, not necessarily the stronger side. When the ball is hit straight on (down-the-line or directly in front), that player protects their sideline and their partner covers the middle, even if it’s a backhand reach.
The benefits of the X-Rule are:
- Reduces confusion as roles are based on ball direction, not just “forehand vs. backhand.”
- Prevents collisions as responsibilities are clearer when reacting to fast shots
- Increases consistency as players stay more compact and anticipate better
- Matches the pace of the game and leads to faster decisions = better results under pressure
While “forehand takes the middle” still has some value in the right context, the X-Rule better reflects the dynamics of modern pickleball. It’s not just about who can hit it better, it’s about who should hit it based on angle, court awareness, and positioning.
Dinking
Gone are the days when you can float dink shots over the net. Dinking has become a more aggressive tactic, rather than a way to extend a rally. Fast hands and excellent hand eye coordination are essential with today’s dinking game. Dinking is like a chess game, today it is used to create opportunities to attack your opponent at the net. To do this, you need to observe their movements and tendencies to exploit weaknesses and disrupt their rhythm.
To air or not to air, that is the next question when dinking. Old school taught us to extend our paddles as far as we could, then place it on the court inside the NVZ. This became our target line to take the ball out of the air or let it bounce and created an area in front of the net called the “non-attackable zone”. Today, our line should be about a foot in front of the NVZ line, anything in front of that, let it bounce, and anything between that line and the NVZ line, take it out of the air. This gives you more time to react and return a higher percentage shot.
The following shots at the NVZ line have notably impacted the game of pickleball in recent years: The Ernie, The ATP, The Backhand Flick, and The Backhand Roll. Mastering these techniques may be demanding; however, incorporating them into your skill set will significantly improve your performance at the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ).
Third Shot Drop
The third shot drop is and will be one of the best tools you can use in the game of pickleball to get to the net safely and reset the rally. With the current pace of play and strategies, what about a third shot drive instead. Choosing between a third shot drop and a third shot drive is all about strategy, positioning, and reading your opponents. Here’s some helpful tips as to when to use each:
Use the Third Shot Drop when:
- Your opponents are at the net. A drop neutralizes their advantage by forcing them to hit up or back off.
- You’re back at the baseline: You need time to move forward.
- You’re under control and confident: It requires touch and precision.
- Your opponents are aggressive at the net: A low drop can make them reset rather than attack.
Avoid the Third Shot Drop When:
- You’re rushed or off-balance.
- Wind or spin conditions make control difficult.
- Your drop shot consistently lands high (you’re feeding a smash).
When to Use the Third Shot Drive:
- You get an easy return (high and short): Capitalize with power.
- Your opponents are back or out of position: A hard shot can win outright.
- You’re better at power than touch: Drives are easier to hit consistently for some players.
- You’re playing against weaker volleyers: You may get pop-ups to finish.
When to avoid the Third Shot Drive:
- Opponents are solid at the net and ready to counterattack.
- You’re out of position or off-balance.
- You’re driving low balls (more risk of hitting into the net or giving an easy volley).
The “Hybrid” Approach
Mix it up! Many advanced players start with a third shot drive and then use a drop on the next third shot. This keeps your opponent’s guessing and off guard.
Quick Summary:
| Situation | Best Option |
| Opponents at the net | Drop |
| Opponents back or out of position | Drive |
| You need time to get to the net | Drop |
| You get a high, attackable ball | Drive |
| You’re more consistent with power | Drive |
| You’re confident with touch | Drop |
Open Play Improves My Game
Although increased playtime can contribute to skill development, attending open play events alone is insufficient for significant improvement. Optimal progress is achieved by applying practiced techniques in high-pressure situations. Consider registering for events such as tournaments or leagues, and select a specific skill—for example, backhand shots, dinking, or targeted defensive plays—to focus on throughout the experience. Engage with players of higher ability, prioritize accuracy, opt for high-percentage shots, and ensure consistent ball return over the net. Accepting potential losses as part of the process will accelerate your mastery of the chosen skill.
The Serve
Over the last 10 years, the pickleball serve has undergone several changes—both in technique and rules—as the sport has grown rapidly. Here are the key developments:
Introduction of the Drop Serve (2021): Prior to 2021 only the traditional underhand, upward arc serve was allowed. In 2021 the drop serve was added as a legal option. Players may drop (not toss) the ball and hit it after it bounces, which opens new serving styles. This made serving more accessible, especially for beginners or those with physical limitations.
Greater Variety in Spin Serves: The serve and until the past few years, were simple underhand shots with little to no spin. Now players use heavy topspin, backspin, and sidespin, especially with the drop serve. Some players even used a “chainsaw” technique (now banned) to generate spin by brushing the ball with their paddle hand.
Ban on Pre-Serve Spin (2023): To control excessive advantages, USA Pickleball banned spin manipulation with the non-paddle hand (effective January 2023). Players can still impart spin with the paddle only, but not with the hand before contact. This leveled the playing field again, especially for returners.
Stricter Service Motion Enforcement: Rules on paddle position and motion during a volley serve have been clarified and more strictly enforced. A players paddle must contact the ball below the waist and move in an upward arc. The same rules do not apply to the bounce serve.
Strategic Shift: Aggressive Serves: A decade ago, the serve was seen mostly as a formality. Today, especially at high levels, players are using deep, fast, and spin-heavy serves to gain an early advantage or even force return errors.
Target Your Opponents Weak Side
Instead of hitting every ball to an opponent’s weakness, it can be more effective to hit a ball to their strong side as a setup for the next ball. Here’s why!
To Set Up the Next Shot: When you hit to their strong side, you often predict the type of shot they’ll return—typically stronger or more aggressive. This predictability lets you anticipate and counterattack or move them out of position for a follow-up shot to their weak side.
To Move Them Out of Position: A well-placed shot to the strong side can pull them wide, especially in doubles. This opens space on the weaker side or middle for your next shot.
To Break Their Rhythm: Players often expect you to go after their weakness repeatedly. By hitting to their strength now and then, you keep them guessing and disrupt timing.
To Draw Out Aggression (and Mistakes): Many players over-hit from their strong side—especially forehands. A sharp, fast ball to their dominant side can tempt risky attacks, which you can then block, counter, or let sail out.
It’s a Game of Chess, Not Checkers: Strategic use of the opponent’s strengths helps:
- Set traps
- Create openings
- Exploit patterns
- Build pressure
As a reminder, you don’t always win by attacking weakness, you win by controlling the rally. Sometimes that means going through their strength to get to their weakness.
Although I have noted several changes in recent years, numerous additional developments have also occurred, and it is expected that the sport of Pickleball will continue to evolve. The dynamic progression of pickleball encourages ongoing improvement and adaptation within the game.