7 Core Shots Every 4.0+ Player Must Master

Elevating your game beyond intermediate isn’t about flashy winners—it’s about mastering essential concepts that improve consistency, control, and point construction. These seven fundamental shots separate a 3.5 from a dependable 4.0+ player, and practicing them with purpose makes all the difference.

1. The Serve Sets the Tone

The serve is the only shot you fully control, and at higher levels it’s a tactical weapon that can dictate the pace of a point. A deep, precise serve limits your opponent’s options and often produces weaker returns, setting you up to attack or control the next shot.

• Aim 3–5 feet inside the baseline—deep but safe.

• Visualize a “depth window” and train your eyes to hit it consistently.

• Mix middle, wide, and occasional jam serves to disrupt rhythm.

• Slightly higher trajectory adds margin over the net.

• Topspin increases consistency, especially in wind.

• Change pace occasionally to disrupt timing.

Drill: Place three targets 5 feet inside the baseline. Serve 15 balls topspin and 15 flat, focusing on depth and consistency.

2. The Return: Take Control Early

The return of serve is pivotal—it can immediately shift momentum in your favor. A well-placed return neutralizes opponents, forces them into defensive positions, and creates opportunities for you to take control of the rally.

• Aim for the back third to force a defensive position.

• Return down the middle to confuse doubles partners.

• Target weaker sides, often backhands.

• Short backswing, long follow-through; generate power from legs.

• Make contact out in front to maintain forward momentum.

Drill: Serve-Return Sequence – Alternate every 10 serves, targeting 5 feet inside the baseline. Progress to targeting backhands or specific zones.

3. The Third Shot Drop: The Game’s Turning Point

Often called the most important shot in pickleball, the third shot drop allows you to transition to the kitchen, neutralize opponents, and set up control. Consistency here separates strong 4.0+ players from the rest.

• Quick adjustment steps, knees bent, balanced stance.

• Relaxed grip absorbs pace for a soft, floating trajectory.

• Contact slightly in front with smooth follow-through.

• Arc high enough to clear the net but avoid easy attacks.

• Move forward after contact, staying balanced.

• Practice from different depths to adjust distance and trajectory.

Drill: Serve-Return-Drop Combo – Player A serves, Player B returns, Player A hits a drop. Rotate roles, progress to half-court points.

4. The Drive: Smart, Targeted Aggression

A drive is more than hitting hard—it’s about pressure, precision, and point construction. Drives force weak returns and open opportunities for follow-up shots.

• Choose balls in your strike zone, slightly out in front.

• Avoid overreaching or swinging low.

• Prepare early; swing with forward weight transfer and smooth follow-through.

• Target an opponent’s feet, body, or backhand.

• Drive down the middle to confuse doubles partners.

• Drives can lead to a fifth shot drop or force weak returns.

Drill: Drive-Drop Decision – Feed balls from the kitchen; decide mid-flight to drive or drop.

5. The Dink: Control the Pace, Create Opportunity

At higher levels, the dink is far more than a defensive tool—it’s strategic. Proper footwork, paddle control, and placement allow you to manipulate positioning, create discomfort, and open attacking chances.

• Move the ball strategically—alternate crosscourt and to an opponent’s inside foot.

• Target weaker sides, backhands or feet to force awkward contact.

• Keep the ball in front with small balanced steps.

• Exercise patience; capitalize on precise, controlled dinks.

• Observe opponents’ positioning; adjust placement to keep them uncomfortable.

• Take balls out of the air when possible to create openings.

Drill: Crosscourt Dinking – Dink crosscourt repeatedly, then alternate inside-foot dinks. Track points for consistency.

6. Fast Hands: Dominate the Kitchen

High-level kitchen exchanges are rapid-fire. Success depends on anticipation, positioning, compact technique, and instant transitions between offense and defense. Fast hands allow you to dictate points, create openings, and capitalize on mistakes.

• Keep paddle up, in front, wide stance, weight forward.

• Use short pushes or punches from shoulder/elbow.

• Mix redirections, low placements, and pace changes.

• Keep wrists firm but flexible for control.

• Coordinate footwork with hand movement; small shuffles maintain balance.

• Watch the ball leave the opponent’s paddle and monitor positioning.

Drill: Fast Hands Firefight – Start with slow volleys, gradually increase pace and vary direction. Focus on balance and reaction.

7. The Reset: Calm in the Chaos

A smart reset slows the point, neutralizes aggression, and creates space to recover or advance. Proper body positioning, soft hands, and paddle stability make this shot effective.

• Loosen grip to absorb pace, guiding the ball softly to the opponent’s kitchen.

• Keep paddle slightly open and stable; avoid wrist flicks.

• Maintain low, balanced stance with knees bent.

• Read the ball; let pace work for you, adding lift only if needed.

• Recover immediately, moving forward or holding position.

Drill: Midcourt Reset – Partner hits varied pace balls; absorb each with soft hands, land softly, and recover forward.

Mastering these shots isn’t just about technique—it’s about knowing when and why to use them. Drilling combinations, focusing on placement, footwork, anticipation, and decision-making, turn technique into instinct. Recognize patterns, read opponents, and choose the right shot at the right time to control points, maintain consistency, and elevate your overall game to 4.0+ and beyond. •

Kyle McMakin is a touring pickleball professional, former Division I tennis player (UC Davis) and head pro for LevelUp Pickleball Camps. Kyle is a two-time Triple Crown winner. His DUPR is above 6.0 in both singles and doubles.