The two shots everyone ignores, but you hit the most

Let’s talk about the serve and return, the two most common shots in pickleball and the two that almost everyone does the exact same way every time.

Think about it like attacking in a match. If you attack the same way every single time, your opponents are going to figure you out. It’s the same with your serve and return. Most players get into autopilot with the same pace, same target, and same spin, and over the course of a game, your opponents start subconsciously timing and expecting what’s coming next.

But here’s where you can flip the script: mix it up. Yes, deep serves and returns are the bread and butter because they pin opponents back and set you up to control the point. But who says you can’t add variety? Try a short and wide serve with topspin that pulls your opponent off the court, or a slice serve that skids low (a padel players favorite). Even subtle changes in spin or placement can throw off their rhythm.

The same goes for returns. A deep topspin drive one point and a soft, angled return the next keeps your opponent guessing. When they can’t predict whether they’ll have to drive or drop their third shot, you’ll start to see rushed swings and easy errors.

Bottom line: depth is your foundation, unpredictability is your weapon. Serve and return with intention, not repetition, and you’ll control the pace before the rally even starts.