How to Beat Pickleball Bangers: Strategies for Smart Play

“Bangers” aren’t always the best shot makers. Some bangers get by on sheer muscle and may lack control or touch when it comes to making winning shots. They’re not the kind of player you want to be when you’re not hitting your targets and are instead relying on power to win points.

While powerful shots may feel threatening at first, bangers often lack variety and consistency. If you can absorb their speed and stay calm, you’ll force them into errors or set yourself up to take control of the point.

• Stay low and balanced: Bend your knees and keep your paddle up.
• Use soft hands: Absorb the speed instead of trying to counter-hit.
• Reset the ball into the kitchen: Neutralize the rally and force them to slow down.
• Block instead of swinging: A controlled paddle angle beats a rushed swing.
• Take time away from them: Hit to their feet or backhand to reduce wind-up space.
• Watch for high balls: They’ll often pop up under pressure then you strike.

Key times to counter:

• Off a pop-up
• When you’re stable and balanced
• When you can redirect to their body or sideline

Wait for a high or poorly placed drive, then counter with a speed-up or sharp angle.

• Fast Volley Drills: Practice blocking hard shots at the kitchen line.
• Reset Drills: Have a partner feed fastballs and work on dropping them softly into the kitchen.
• Split-Step Timing Drill: Improve your reaction time and paddle prep.
• Targeted Blocking: Practice blocking hard shots with accuracy to the feet or sideline.

If you panic and speed up your game, you’re playing their style. Breathe, slow down, and focus on placement and control. Remind yourself: you don’t have to win the rally, you just have to neutralize it.