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How to win at singles
Paul from Pickleball Daily
December 03, 2025
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Tip of the day
This video presents essential techniques and strategies for success in singles pickleball, focusing on serving, returning, and executing passing shots.
To serve effectively, you must focus on depth, power, and spin to challenge the opponent and prevent them from immediately attacking your third shot.
On the return, it is critical to start far enough back to generate power and momentum, and then move immediately to the kitchen line, which is done by hitting the return and running forward.
It is generally advantageous to aim your return down the line or down the middle, as returning crosscourt can make it easier for the serving player to execute a down-the-line passing shot.
The four main passing shots are the hard down-the-line pass, the soft angled crosscourt pass, the hard crosscourt pass, and the doubles-style drop shot used to come to the net.
When defending a pass at the net, use a big split step upon arrival and be prepared to lunge to keep the ball low and into the open court to maintain your defensive advantage.
After hitting a successful pass, you should move forward to capitalize on an easy put-away or force a "cat and mouse" dinking rally at the net where you aim for sharp angles.
In these "cat and mouse" rallies, look for a slightly higher ball that you can attack hard to the open court, and always try to move forward to gain a volley advantage.
Key Points:
Serve with depth, power, and spin to prevent the opponent from attacking your third shot.
Hit your return and run straight to the kitchen to gain the net advantage.
Aim returns down the line or down the middle, unless the opponent has a clear weakness on one side.
The hard down-the-line drive is the most consistent and effective passing shot.
Defend passing shots by using a big split step and lunging to keep volleys low and into the open court.
After a good pass, move forward to finish the point or start an aggressive dink rally.
In dinking rallies, look for high balls to attack and use sharp angles to win the point.
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Happy pickling,
Paul