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7 Smart Ways to Beat Young Pickleball Players (Even If They Seem Unstoppable)

We’ve all been there—facing off against younger, faster players who seem to reach every ball, smash every shot, and make you feel like you’re barely keeping up. I know, because I’ve been there too. As a 37-year-old, I’ve been on both sides of the equation, and let me tell you, it’s humbling!

 But here’s the thing: young players might have speed and energy, but they also have a few key weaknesses.

Let me share some insider tips to help you flip the script and catch them off guard.

1. Let Them Make the Mistakes
Young players love to play flashy and bold. I’ve done it myself—going for those impossible, low-percentage shots just to impress. Here’s the secret: let them. Focus on consistently getting the ball over the net and let them try for the crazy shot that’s bound to fail. Dinking low and soft is your best weapon here. They’ll get impatient, and that’s when the mistakes roll in.

2. Wear Them Out
Younger players love to run, so let them! Hit deep lobs or angle shots that force them to sprint around the court. During a rec game in Dallas, I found myself chasing every ball an older player hit, and eventually, I was so worn out that my performance dropped. Trust me, they’ve got energy, but you can tire them out by making them work for every point.

3. Don’t Pop It Up!
If there’s one thing young players love, it’s smashing a high ball. Do not—under any circumstances—give them that chance! If you pop the ball up into their smash zone, it’s game over. Instead, keep your shots low and controlled, letting your paddle do the work. They can’t smash what they can’t reach!

4. Target the Weak Partner
If you’re playing doubles, don’t hit the ball to the young star every time. Target their weaker partner instead. Sure, it’s not the flashiest way to play, but if you’re trying to win, it’s effective. The less their strong player gets involved, the fewer chances they have to dominate the game.

5. Lob Your Serve
Here’s a fun trick: serve a high lob shot to a young player. The temptation to smash it is almost irresistible. I’ve been in that spot many times, and half the time, I either hit it out or into the net. It’s a psychological game—tempt them into making a mistake instead of going for power every time.

6. Block Their Power Shots
Young players often rely on power, but here’s a simple solution: don’t swing at their fast returns! Just block the ball and let the paddle do the work. The harder they hit, the more your paddle will send it back without needing extra force. Over time, you’ll learn to use their own power against them, frustrating their attempts to dominate with speed.

7. Know Your Paddle
Your paddle matters! Some paddles are better for control, while others are designed for power. Take time to learn what kind of paddle you’re using and how it handles power shots. Understanding your equipment will give you an edge when facing off against younger players who may not know how to handle your finesse game.

And there you have it—seven tried-and-true strategies to help you stand your ground (and even dominate) when facing younger pickleball players. You might not outrun them, but with these tactics, you can definitely outsmart them. Keep these in mind the next time you step on the court, and watch as the tide turns in your favor!

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How to Catch Your Opponent Off Guard in Pickleball

In pickleball, it’s not always the strongest or fastest player who wins—it’s the one who can outthink and outmaneuver their opponent. Catching your opponent off guard can give you the edge you need to dominate the game. Here are a few strategies that combine technique, form, and mindset to help you stay one step ahead.

1. Mix Up Your Shots
Don’t let your opponent predict your next move. One of the best ways to keep them on their toes is to mix up your shot selection. Instead of constantly going for power shots, alternate between dinks, lobs, and soft returns. This forces your opponent to adjust to different ball speeds and heights, often catching them off guard.

Mark’s Tournament Story: During Mark’s most recent pickleball tournament, he was up against a player known for his aggressive volleys. Instead of matching power for power, Mark mixed in some softer dinks and lob shots. By doing this, he disrupted his opponent’s rhythm and forced errors, giving him the upper hand.

2. Change Your Positioning
Switching up your court positioning can also confuse your opponent. By occasionally stepping further into the kitchen or hanging back near the baseline, you alter the angles they have to work with, throwing off their shot placement.

3. Use Deceptive Body Language
Your form can be a powerful weapon. By disguising your shot intentions, you make it harder for your opponent to anticipate where the ball is headed. For example, by preparing your body for what looks like a hard smash, then following through with a soft dink, you can completely catch them off guard.

4. Play the Mental Game
Mindset plays a huge role in staying unpredictable. If you’re constantly thinking two steps ahead, planning how to lure your opponent into making mistakes, you’ll be in control of the game. Use shot patterns and court positioning to set traps—luring your opponent into a pattern and then breaking it with an unexpected move.

Mark’s Mindset Shift: Mark realized that focusing solely on hitting great shots wasn’t enough. During his tournament, he began to anticipate his opponent’s next move, setting up plays two or three shots ahead. By doing so, he gained control of the rally and forced his opponent into a defensive mindset.

Final Thoughts......
By mixing up your shots, adjusting your positioning, using deceptive form, and playing the mental game, you can throw your opponent off balance and gain the upper hand. Just like Mark’s success in his tournament, these strategies can help you outsmart your opponent and lead to more wins on the pickleball court.

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SECRET HACK!

Hey there!

One secret hack to make friends in Pickleball is to invite players for a friendly post-game chat or a celebratory drink.

Building camaraderie off the court can strengthen your bond on the court.

So, don't be shy to extend that invitation and foster lasting friendships through this awesome sport!

August 8th