The Problem with Playing for Winners

One of the most common mistakes developing players make in Pickleball is treating every slightly elevated ball as a green light to end the rally. While the allure of a clean winner is real—and yes, satisfying—it’s often the wrong tactical choice. Attempting low-percentage shots to finish a point early leads to errors, rushed decisions, and missed opportunities to build sustained pressure.

At the intermediate level, most matches are not won with one big shot—they're won through cumulative advantage. That means forcing your opponent to hit one uncomfortable ball after another until they make a mistake or give you an easy setup. The concept of building point pressure—systematically reducing your opponent's options while improving your own—is far more effective than looking for knockout blows.

What “Building Point Pressure” Actually Means

Think of point pressure like squeezing a tube of toothpaste: you don’t need to crush it, just apply steady, consistent pressure until something gives. In Pickleball, this looks like:

• Keeping the ball unattackable for 4+ shots in a row
• Varying depth and placement while maintaining consistency
• Forcing your opponent to reset from uncomfortable positions
• Holding the NVZ while making your opponent move laterally
• Extending rallies to capitalize on fatigue or impatience

The goal is to slowly remove your opponent’s options. Rather than “beating” them with a single shot, you wear them down mentally and strategically.

When Winners Are the Wrong Choice

Going for a winner makes sense if:

• The ball is above net height in your strike zone
• Your opponent is out of position
• Your contact is clean, balanced, and under control

But most players go for winners:

• Off-balance or on the run
• From transition zone positions
• With only a slight advantage in the rally
• Because they’re impatient

This often leads to unforced errors. And in doubles especially, a bad attack puts your partner in a terrible position. A better approach is to look for “progressive” shots—those that apply pressure without risking the rally.

The Hallmarks of Pressure-Building Play

To build consistent pressure, develop these habits:

• Play the high-percentage shot, not the flashy one
• Hit behind moving players to exploit momentum
• Target the feet, not the sidelines to reduce attack angles
• Mix speeds and depths to disrupt timing
• Make your opponent beat you with great shots—not you beating yourself

This doesn’t mean you can’t attack. It means choosing the right moment to do so, ideally after several controlled shots that gave you time, space, and tactical advantage.

Tactical Sequences That Build Pressure

Here are three examples of pressure-building rally sequences:

1. The Depth Tease

• Return serve deep to the backhand
• Prepare for a block or reset off their drive
• Reset to the feet twice, then speed up when they lean in

2. The Crosscourt Grind

• Dink crosscourt to pull the opponent wide
• Follow with a middle dink to force movement
• When they shift middle, go back wide or attack the middle seam

3. The Volley Funnel

• Third shot drop to neutralize
• Close the kitchen line
• Hit 2–3 volley resets low and soft
• Finish with a flick when they drop their paddle or get flat-footed

Each of these uses patience to build tension, then strikes when the opportunity is earned.

Why This Strategy Wins Matches

The best players win not by hitting better shots, but by hitting smarter shots. When you pressure your opponent consistently:

• They fatigue faster
• They rush decisions
• Their mechanics break down
• They start second-guessing their shot selection
• You gain more time and court space to work with

You don’t need 40 winners in a match to win—you need 20 rallies where your opponent makes the mistake.

How to Train for Pressure-First Play

These drills reinforce control, consistency, and smart attack timing:

1. Five-Ball Patience Drill

• Play out points, but no attacking until the fifth shot.
• Trains discipline and awareness of buildup opportunities.

2. Rally to Error Drill

• Rally dinks or resets until one player makes a mistake.
• No winners allowed—just consistency until an unforced error.

3. Predict and Punish Drill

• During practice games, call out your opponent’s next shot.
• If you’re right, attack. If not, reset.
• Teaches pattern recognition and discipline.

4. Balanced Attack Drill

• During games, each player gets two designated attack shots per game.
• All other balls must be neutral or resets.
• Reinforces strategic decision-making.