net control with The Roll Shot

If you want to apply pressure through spin, you need to blend finesse and aggression.

What Is a Roll Shot in Pickleball?

A shot loaded with topspin intended to drop sharply and bounce high

The roll shot is an aggressive and precisely controlled topspin shot used near the kitchen or midcourt. It is executed with a brushing motion that causes the ball to arc extremely close to the net and then dip sharply, resulting in an almost instantaneous bounce that carries the ball fast and high on the opponent’s side. The roll shot is often employed as an attacking option out of a dink rally. It is a shot that can cause the opponent to mess up, resulting either in a pop-up that can be smashed or in a rally that gets the opponent off-balance.

When to Employ a Roll Shot

Applying pressure takes a chance

The roll shot is ideal when:

Your opponent leaves a dink slightly high
You want to attack but keep the ball dipping low over the net
You need a safe but aggressive alternative to a full-speed drive

It’s a perfect in-between shot less risky than a flick, but more aggressive than a dink.

Common Mistake

Flat Contact (No Spin)

Turns a roll shot into an attackable ball

Hitting the ball flat without topspin causes it to float or pop up. Focus on brushing up the back of the ball. Feel the paddle spin the ball, not slap it.

Overpowering the Roll

Excessive speed when not controlled = errors.

Players often swing too hard and send the ball into or over the net. Use a short, controlled swing. Let your topspin, not your arm’s brute force, do the work.

Telegraphing the Shot

Makes it easy for your opponent to prepare

If your body language or paddle position changes drastically from your dink motion, opponents will read the roll. Keep your setup the same as your dink or drop shot, then roll at the last second with wrist acceleration.

How to Execute a Correct Roll Shot

Gentle hands, swift brush

Begin in a dinking stance near the net.
Keep the paddle low with a neutral grip.
Place the ball in front of your body, positioned at a height between your knees and waists.
Brush the ball with the paddle using a motion that goes from low to high.
Generate topspin using your forearm and wrist.
Move forward and slightly upward, maintaining a compact shot.

Try to aim for the opponent’s feet or backhand, preferably with enough spin to make the ball bounce high and go out of reach.

Roll Shot Strategy Tips

Utilize it to outmaneuver rivals and establish aggressive positioning

Hit the ball so that it travels in a way that makes your opponent hit it wide on their side of the court.
Disrupt their core balance by rolling the ball away from their body.
Force pop-ups, then follow up with a put away volley.

When it’s disguised, well-placed, and followed up quickly, the roll shot is capable of clinching every rally.

Drills to Improve Your Roll Shot

Perfect the essential building blocks of the spin, control, and timing

Dink-to-Roll Drill: Begin with a partner and perform dinking. After some time, mix in roll shots.
Wall Topspin Drill: Work on brushing up the ball against a wall until you can do it with reliable topspin.
Target Rolling: When you are aiming to roll the ball to your opponent, try for the cones positioned at their feet or next to the sideline. This will give you a good line to work with and help you dial in your accuracy.
Shadow Roll Swings: Develop muscle memory for rolling by making the rolling motion with your arm but without a ball.