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5 shots to master in 2026
Paul from Pickleball Daily
November 20, 2025
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Tip of the day
This video identifies five crucial skills that players need to master to keep up with the fast and evolving style of pickleball play.
The first critical skill is the drive-drop combo, which acts as a strategic blend of offense to draw errors and a practical way to set up an easier fifth shot drop.
Next, players must be able to hit strong return of serves, timing the first step with the shot to use momentum and dart forward to the kitchen line.
The third skill is handling opponent drives, which requires you to keep your paddle out in front of your body in your ready position to minimize timing errors.
You must also be able to speed balls up off the bounce, which is an investment in the match that pressures opponents late in tight games.
When attacking off the bounce, only speed up balls that are hit out wide, as this gives you more options and keeps your opponent guessing.
Target the opponent's paddle-side shoulder (chicken wing), paddle-side hip, or backhand side to make it difficult for them to generate power.
The fifth and final skill is developing fast hands at the net by keeping your base completely still and generating power through a quick wrist snap rather than a full arm swing.
To win hand battles, aim your counter-shots down toward the opponent's knees to force them to hit up, giving you an easier next ball.
Key Points:
Use the drive-drop combo (third-shot drive, then fifth-shot drop) as an offensive strategy to gain free points and make the drop easier.
Time your return of serve with your first step forward to use momentum and stability before running to the kitchen.
When defending a drive, keep your paddle out in front of your body to simplify the reaction and reduce timing mistakes.
Speed up balls off the bounce only when they are hit out wide to maximize your attacking options.
At the net, keep your feet still and generate power for counters using a fast wrist snap and aim down at the opponent's knees.
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That’s it for today! As always, thank you for reading. 🙏
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Happy pickling,
Paul