8 Killer Tennis Shots You Can Use in Pickleball

Pickleball is undeniably America's fastest-growing sport, captivating players with its accessibility and fun-loving community. For those coming from a tennis background, or simply looking to add some serious offensive firepower to their repertoire, the good news is that many advanced tennis techniques translate beautifully to the pickleball court.

Uncle Greg, a seasoned expert, highlights several tennis shots that can be devastating offensive strategies in pickleball. Let's dive into these game-changing techniques and see how you can start incorporating them today!

1. The Deceptive Topspin Lob: A Net Player's Nightmare

Imagine your opponents are camped at the kitchen line, dominating the net. What's your secret weapon? The Topspin Lob. This isn't just a defensive bailout; when executed with intent, it's a surprising offensive maneuver.

The key is disguise. Mimic a regular groundstroke swing, but at the last moment, use a strong wrist flick to generate heavy topspin. This causes the ball to arc high over your opponents' heads and then drop sharply, often landing deep in the backcourt for a winner or forcing a weak return. It can be hit effectively on your forehand, or even with a two-handed or one-handed backhand. You can even do a underspin slice lob if the ball is too low to make it more challenging to smash.

2. The Powerful Inside-Out Forehand: Creating Angles and Opportunities

Feeling cramped on your backhand side? The Inside-Out Forehand allows you to run around your backhand and unleash a more powerful forehand shot. This stroke allows you to attack the ball earlier and with greater authority.

By striking the ball from the "inside" (closer to the center of the court) and driving it "out" (towards your opponent's right sideline), you create a sharp angle that pulls your opponent off the court. You can also direct it down the line for a surprise attack, keeping your opponents guessing and opening up the court for your next shot.

3. The Wicked Crosscourt Forehand: A Dipping Dilemma

Looking for a shot that combines spin and precision? The Crosscourt Forehand with a sharp angle is your answer. This shot utilizes topspin to create a short, dipping trajectory that goes to your opponent's left side (assuming a right-handed opponent).

The heavy topspin makes the ball drop quickly after clearing the net, making it incredibly difficult for opponents to reach or return cleanly. It's a great way to put immediate pressure on your opponent and set up an easy put-away on the next ball.

4. The Stealthy Drop Volley: Surprise at the Kitchen Line

When you're at the kitchen line and your opponent is expecting a deep, driving volley, unleash the Drop Volley. This shot is pure finesse and requires soft hands.

Instead of driving through the ball, you "kill" its pace, allowing it to barely clear the net and drop lifelessly on your opponent's side of the kitchen line. It can be played crosscourt for a wider angle or straight over the net, catching your opponents off guard and forcing them to scramble forward, often resulting in an unforced error or a pop-up.

5. The Tricky Slice Approach Shots: Underspin Dominance

Receiving a serve and looking to get to the net? The Slice Approach Shot is a fantastic choice, whether on your forehand or backhand side. By hitting down and through the ball, you generate underspin.

This underspin causes the ball to skid low after the bounce, making it challenging for beginners and even intermediate players to handle. It forces your opponent to dig the ball up, often leading to a weaker return that you can then attack as you move forward to the net.

6. The Agile Swinging Volleys: Offensive Play from Anywhere

Thanks to pickleball's lighter paddles and balls, Swinging or flick Volleys are often easier to execute than in tennis. This technique allows you to take an overhead or chest-high ball and turn it into an offensive weapon, even when you're not right at the kitchen line.

Using a quick wrist flick, you can generate pace and topspin on balls that would normally be block volleys. This versatility allows you to create offensive shots from the kitchen line, mid-court, or even deep in the court, adding an unpredictable element to your game.

7. The Powerful Jumping Two-Handed Backhand: Dominating High Serves

Facing a high, spinning serve that pushes you back? The Jumping Two-Handed Backhand can turn a defensive situation into an offensive opportunity. By jumping slightly as you strike the ball, you can get above a high bounce and drive through it with authority.

This technique allows you to put significant power and topspin on your return, pushing your opponents back and immediately gaining the upper hand in the rally. You can also use the jumping two hander to smash balls that are high floaters.

8. Hitting on the Rise: Taking Time Away from Your Opponent

Channel your inner Andre Agassi! Hitting on the Rise means striking the ball immediately after it bounces, before it reaches its peak height (ideally below waist level). This is incredibly effective when you have limited space behind you or want to take time away from your opponent.

By taking the ball early, you deny your opponent precious milliseconds to react and get into position, often rushing them into a weaker shot. It's an aggressive strategy that can dictate the pace of the rally and keep your opponents scrambling.

Incorporating these tennis-inspired techniques into your pickleball game can significantly elevate your offensive prowess and surprise your opponents. While pickleball has its unique nuances, leveraging skills from other racket sports is a smart way to broaden your strategic toolkit.

If you're a tennis player transitioning to pickleball you'll be able to adapt your weapons from the tennis court to the pickleball court with in no time with a bit of practice.

What's your favorite tennis-to-pickleball crossover shot? Share your thoughts in the comments below!