In pickleball, the player who gets to hit down is usually the one who wins the point. That’s why pro players are so good at working the ball into a position where they can swing from high to low — ideally at their opponent’s feet or into an open space.
But here’s the secret: you don’t have to wait around for your opponent to make a mistake or float a ball. You can actively force them to hit upward by placing the ball in difficult spots, changing speeds, and attacking their balance. And when you do that consistently, you’ll create more chances to finish points on your terms — not theirs.
Let’s break down seven smart ways to make your opponents hit up at you.
Why You Want to See the Ball Rise
A ball coming upward is easier to attack. It gives you time. It gives you options. And it usually means your opponent is in a defensive position.
Here’s the basic equation:
- A ball below the net = must be hit up.
- A ball above the net = can be hit flat or down.
Your job? Create situations where your opponent’s contact point is below net level — or their body can’t do anything but lift the ball to survive.
1. Keep the Ball at Their Feet
This is the #1 tactic for a reason. Whether you’re driving, dropping, or pushing from the NVZ, your goal is to land the ball near their shoelaces.
- Balls at the feet are hard to attack.
- Most players respond by lifting the paddle to get under the ball — which sends it up.
Use this tactic especially when your opponent is moving or off balance. A low ball near the feet leaves them no good option but to float one up.
2. Use Topspin to Push the Ball Downward
Topspin isn’t just for flair — it’s a pressure tool. A dipping shot with topspin forces your opponent to contact the ball lower than they expected, often rushing their response.
- Topspin makes the ball bounce low and fast.
- Most players try to “help” it back over the net — resulting in a lifted, softer return.
This works especially well when driving from midcourt or returning a high dink.
3. Dink to the Sideline, Not the Middle
Wide dinks that pull your opponent off the court force them to reach and stretch. And when they’re reaching, they can’t stay low.
- A reach reduces paddle control.
- Upward replies are more common from wide balls than center dinks.
Once you force the weak dink, look to pounce on the next middle ball or poach for the finish.
4. Hit Into the Transition Zone
The midcourt is one of the most uncomfortable places for any player. They’re not at the baseline, but they’re not at the kitchen either — and most people don’t like making decisions from there.
- Balls that land just in front of them make them guess: reset or drive?
- That hesitation often leads to a floaty ball or a rushed pop-up.
Place your shot into the “gray area” and watch their confidence disappear.
5. Jam Their Paddle Shoulder (Especially Backhand Side)
Targeting the paddle-side shoulder or hip is a high-level move that doesn’t require power — just accuracy.
- This is the “no man’s zone” for clean swings.
- Most replies are awkward flicks or half-swings that sail up.
Especially effective when you hit from midcourt or step in on a high dink — catch them squared up and feed it right into their hands.
6. Make Them Move Before Contact
Even if your shot isn’t perfect, forcing your opponent to move laterally before hitting it changes everything.
- A moving player is rarely balanced.
- Their paddle angle suffers and they tend to lift the ball to keep it in play.
Combine this with a low, off-speed ball and you’ll get plenty of juicy floaters to finish.
7. Change Tempo to Break Their Rhythm
Most players fall into a rhythm — and rhythm equals control. When you break that rhythm with a sudden change of speed, your opponent will often be late, upright, or indecisive.
- Follow a soft dink with a quick speed-up.
- Or mix in a high, loopy ball followed by a skidding drive.
It doesn’t have to be dramatic. Even subtle tempo shifts are enough to earn an upward reply from a standing opponent.
What to Do Once You Get the Upward Ball
Creating a high ball is step one — finishing it is step two.
When the ball rises above net level:
- Stay balanced — don’t jump or lunge.
- Aim down the middle to avoid low-percentage sideline winners.
- Use a punch or roll finish, not a full swing (unless it’s a true sitter).
And if it’s not quite high enough to attack? Stay patient. Keep applying pressure with another low ball — and wait for the next one.
Drills to Train These Pressure Tactics
Drill 1: Depth & Dip
- Feed deep drives or drops that land near your partner’s feet.
- Their goal: reset or return without lifting.
- Track how often they pop it up — then trade roles.
Drill 2: Crosscourt Reach Dinks
- Stand in diagonal NVZ corners.
- Try to pull your partner wide enough that they have to reach.
- This develops placement and forces upward balls from the outside edges.
Drill 3: Paddle Shoulder Targeting
- Hit controlled drives into your partner’s paddle-side shoulder and hip.
- Focus on accuracy, not power.
- Switch roles every 10 balls.
Drill 4: Tempo Change Rally
- In live play or drilling, alternate slow-soft shots with quick-hard ones.
- Keep the opponent guessing.
- Reward any lifted reply with a controlled attack.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Power to Earn Putaways
Most players wait around for a pop-up — hoping the other team gives them one. But you can create them with smarter placement, better patterns, and the right kind of pressure.
These seven tactics don’t require more strength — just more intention.
Train them regularly, and you’ll stop hoping for chances… and start building them yourself.
