The 4 Pickleball Shots That Statistically Lead to the Most Points Won

These four shots aren't flashy, but they're where points actually end. The research backs it up: master the dink, the pop-up, the drive, and the volley, and you'll win way more matches.

Pickleball has exploded in popularity, but not all shots are created equal. If you're serious about winning more points, you need to focus on what actually matters.

The team at Cracked Pickleball did the research and identified the four shots that statistically lead to the most errors and point-ending opportunities.

Master these four, and you'll see a real difference in your game.

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1. The Dink: Your Foundation Shot

The key is picking a target and sticking with it. If your opponent struggles with their backhand, especially around their feet, keep hitting there until they prove they can handle it. Don't mix it up just for variety.

When you dink, aim for what Cracked Pickleball calls the "pressurized zone" around your opponent's back foot. This forces them to either take the ball out of the air low to the ground or step backward, both uncomfortable positions.

To hit this zone consistently, you need aggressive push dinks with topspin. Get your paddle underneath the ball and brush up the back side. Your paddle face is everything; wherever it points is where the ball goes.

2. The Pop-Up: Three Zones, Three Techniques

When your opponent hits the ball too high, you get a chance to finish the point. But how you finish depends on exactly how high that ball is.

• Overhead: Ball goes over your head. Use your off-hand to point at the ball, snap your wrist at contact, and follow through across your body for maximum power.
• Chest to head height: You're still above net height, so hit downward. Focus on angle and placement rather than power, aiming at their feet or wide angles.
• Net height: This is tricky. You can't hit straight down without going into the net. Instead, hit underneath the ball with topspin, aiming for their feet, angles, or backhand. The goal is to make them pop it up again, not necessarily to win outright.

3. The Drive: Power Meets Placement

Drives pack pace and force your opponent to handle speed, one of the hardest things in pickleball. The power comes from your legs and hips, not just your arm.

When you set up, stay on the balls of your feet so you can pivot and generate real power. Get below the ball and brush it with topspin; without that spin, your hard-hit drives will sail out.

For placement, a well-placed drive to your opponent's forehand low is often better than a blast to their strength. Most players sit on their backhand at the kitchen line, so moving them to their forehand takes time and puts them off balance.

4. The Volley: The Number One Point Ender

Volleys win more points than any other shot in pickleball – but they're also where people get tripped up a lot.

There are two main types worth mastering: volley dinks and hands battles.

Volley dinks take time away from your opponent. Find your farthest reaching point at the kitchen line, and if the ball lands past your paddle, volley it instead of stepping back. Focus on placement over pace. Use volley dinks to move your opponent around and set up that pop-up you're hunting for.

Hands battles are those fast-action rallies where you're trading volleys. Bias your backhand by tilting your paddle slightly left so you can cover your body better. Aim at your opponent's feet; the moment the ball is high enough to target their feet is when you have a real chance to win the point.

If you can't hit their feet, aim for their right shoulder. It's awkward to defend and leads to plenty of errors. And don't be afraid to reset a hands battle if your opponent is getting the upper hand. Pop the ball back into their kitchen and reset the point rather than getting into a speed war you'll lose.

The Bigger Picture

These four shots aren't flashy, but they're where points actually end. The research backs it up: master the dink, the pop-up, the drive, and the volley, and you'll win way more matches.

The common thread? Placement and consistency beat raw power almost every time. Set up your points, move your opponent around, and let their mistakes do the work.