Pro pickleball players don’t just hit great shots—they keep their opponents guessing. One of the most effective ways to do this is through deception, and the key to deception is consistency in your setup and impact point. When your preparation looks the same for multiple shots, you force your opponent to react late, giving you the advantage.
The Power of a Consistent Setup
A strong, consistent setup is the foundation of deceptive play in pickleball. When you prepare the same way for different shots, your opponent has a more challenging time reading your intentions, allowing you to get easier shots, move up to the net or finish the point.
For example, if you have a massive backswing before you drive the ball compared to little to no backswing when you drop the ball, your opponent will gain an advantage by accelerating your shot. Instead, when preparing for a third-shot drop or drive, set up in a similar stance with a consistent paddle position to keep your opponents in suspense. If your setup for a drop and drive look the same, they’ll be forced to stay neutral instead of anticipating early. The later they react, the more control you have over the point.
Masking Your Intentions with Impact Point
Where you make contact with the ball can be just as important as your setup. A consistent impact point—whether on volleys, dinks, or drives—allows you to execute multiple shot types without telegraphing your choice.
Take the kitchen game as an example. If your dinks, speed-ups, and misdirections come from the same setup and impact point, your opponent won’t know whether to prepare for a soft exchange or a sudden attack. The slight hesitation before hitting your shot creates opportunities to take control and increase your chance of winning the point.
Forcing Your Opponent Into Uncertainty
When your opponent can’t tell what’s coming, they hesitate. And in pickleball, even a split-second of hesitation can be the difference between a well-placed return and a weak, defensive shot.
By maintaining a consistent setup and impact point, you can disguise your shots, keep your opponents guessing, and dictate the pace of play. Master this skill, and you’ll take your game to the next level.