Pickleball has taken the sports world by storm, drawing players of all ages with its fast pace, social vibe, and addictive fun. While easy to learn, mastering pickleball requires an understanding of the various shot types that can make or break a rally. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to up your game, knowing when and how to use different shots is essential. Here’s a breakdown of the different type of shots in pickleball.

1. Serve

The serve starts every point and sets the tone for the rally. It must be:

• Underhand (with paddle contact below the waist)

• Hit with an upward motion

• Made behind the baseline and land in the diagonal service box

Types of serves:

• Power Serve: A fast, deep serve to push opponents back

• Lob Serve: High and slow, designed to throw off timing

• Topspin Serve: Adds spin and bounce to make returns harder

2. Return of Serve

This shot is all about control and positioning. It must bounce before being returned due to the “double bounce” rule.

Tips:

• Aim deep to keep the serving team back

• Stay ready to move forward after the shot

3. Dink Shot

A dink is a soft shot that lands in the opponent’s non-volley zone (a.k.a. “the kitchen”). It’s a strategic shot used near the net to neutralize power and set up winning opportunities.

Why use it?

• Reduces your opponent’s ability to smash

• Forces them to play soft and precise shots

Dinking tips:

• Use a relaxed grip

• Keep the paddle face open

• Aim just over the net

4. Drive

A drive is a fast, flat shot typically hit from mid-court or the baseline.

Best for:

• Putting pressure on your opponent

• Forcing errors or weak returns

When to use it:

• When the ball is high enough for an aggressive swing

• As a third-shot alternative to a drop

5. Drop Shot (Third Shot Drop)

The drop shot is a soft shot that lands in the kitchen from deeper in the court, especially as the third shot after a serve and return.

Purpose:

• Gives you time to advance to the net

• Shifts the pace of the rally

• Neutralizes an opponent’s aggressive positioning

6. Volley

A volley is when you hit the ball out of the air without letting it bounce, but not while standing in the kitchen.

Types of volleys:

• Punch Volley: A compact, firm shot to block and redirect pace

• Drop Volley: A softer volley that gently lands in the kitchen

• Roll Volley: Adds topspin to curve the ball down quickly

7. Lob

The lob sends the ball high over your opponent’s head, ideally pushing them back or forcing a weak overhead.

When to use:

• To reset the rally if you’re under pressure

• When your opponent is crowding the net

Warning: A poorly executed lob can get smashed back.

8. Smash (Overhead)

The smash is the pickleball equivalent of a tennis overhead—an aggressive shot used to finish points when the ball is high.

Key tips:

• Watch the ball carefully

• Use a fluid overhead motion

• Aim at open space, not directly at opponents

9. Reset Shot

A reset shot is a soft, controlled shot used to slow down a fast-paced rally and bring the game back to neutral—usually from a defensive position.

When to use it:

• When you’re on the run or out of position

• After an aggressive attack from the opponent