Q-TIPS / FEBRUARY 2026

Pickleball Strategies: Mastering the First Five Shots

Gary Quantz, USA/PPR Certified Pickleball Instructor 

Did you know that over 70% of points are won within five or fewer shots at the 3.0 to 3.5 level of play? This includes the serve and return. On average, most rallies only last three shots after the serve and return are successfully made. Players at lower levels often see even shorter rallies, as serves and returns may not be consistently kept in play.

Advancing Your Game Beyond the Initial Shots

As players become skilled at the first four to five shots of a rally, pickleball evolves into a game of advanced strategies. Mastering these opens the door to techniques such as dinking, resetting, volleys, and lobs. Once the initial shots are consistent, players can begin learning how to play strategically at the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) and progress toward mastering the overall game. The risk in these opening shots diminishes, and longer rallies become more common.

Key Strategies for Early Rally Success

Focus on the first four to five shots that start each point. Build confidence and consistency in how and where you hit these shots. By mastering these opening shots, you elevate your game. Remember: every shot successfully sent over the net must be returned by your opponents. With each ball that crosses, you increase your chances of winning the point.

Breakdown of the First Five Shots

1st Shot: Improve your serve. This is the only shot you completely control. Take your time and practice hitting the ball in and deep.

2nd Shot: Work on your return of serve. Practice both forehand and backhand groundstrokes, aiming for consistency and depth. Target the middle of the court. For slower players, hit deep and with loft to move up to the NVZ quickly and join your partner.

3rd Shot: Decide whether to "Drive" or "Drop." Consistency and accuracy in groundstrokes are key. If opponents stay back, drive deep. If both are at the NVZ, learn to master the drop shot—an essential skill for advancing to the 4.0 level or higher.

4th Shot: The Pressure Shot. After serve, return, and drive/drop, ideally you should be at the kitchen line, ready to apply pressure. When opponents drive at you, try to drive or volley back at their feet or into open space. Be cautious of two common mistakes:

1.   Not applying pressure when the opportunity arises. If you receive a shot at chest height or higher, attack it with a volley. Don’t let it bounce below the net, otherwise you'll need to dink or drop defensively.

2.   Applying pressure incorrectly. When faced with a well-placed drop shot you must let bounce, respond with a drop or dink to avoid being attacked.

5th Shot: Now at the kitchen line, focus on dinking, punch, or block volleys. Practice these repeatedly. As you improve, add dink lobs, roll volleys, flick volleys, and other net play strategies.

Conclusion

Work on the four to five opening shots that start each point. Build confidence and consistency. Mastering these shots will help you advance your game. Remember: every successful shot over the net must be returned—each one gives you a better chance to win the point.