In pickleball, we’re always told to keep the ball in play, react quickly, and stay engaged in every rally. But what if the secret to winning more points was knowing when not to swing?
Knowing when not to hit a shot is an underrated skill that separates high-level players from those who give away free points. Many players instinctively hit every ball that comes their way, but the best players learn to recognize which balls will go out, which will put them at a disadvantage if they return them, and when it’s better to force an opponent to hit another shot.
If you’ve ever swung at a ball and immediately thought, I should have let that go, read on. There are four key areas where not swinging can actually win you more points—and you can train yourself to make better in-the-moment decisions.
1. Recognizing Out Balls – How to Read the Flight of the Ball
One of the fastest ways to level up your game is by stopping unnecessary errors, and one of the most common unforced errors is hitting shots that would have gone out.
Many players react too quickly, swinging out of instinct instead of evaluating whether the ball is actually worth hitting. If you can train yourself to recognize when a ball is going long or wide, you’ll save free points and frustrate your opponents.
How to Recognize an Out Ball
Height Over the Net
- A ball hit more than two feet above net height at a high speed is more likely to sail past the baseline.
- Higher balls have a longer arc, making them harder to land inside the court.
Shot Speed and Spin
- Fast, flat shots from your opponent, especially from the baseline, have a higher chance of going out.
- Topspin shots dip quickly and are more likely to land in, so don’t assume a high shot will always go out.
Your Positioning
- If you’re at the kitchen line and a shot is coming toward your shoulders or higher, let it go. Unless it has extreme topspin, chances are it’s going long.
- If a drive is coming at your chest or above, it’s often a safe bet to let it go.
Opponent’s Body Position
- If your opponent leans back while hitting, the shot is more likely to be off-balance and sail long.
- A hurried, off-balance shot often lacks control, increasing the likelihood of an out ball.
Drill to Practice
The “Call It” Drill
- Have a partner feed shots at different speeds and angles.
- Instead of returning them, call “IN” or “OUT” before they land to train your judgment.
- The more you train your eye for out balls, the better your instincts will be in real matches.
2. When to Let a Shot Go – Smart Decision-Making in Play
Letting a ball go isn’t just about judging if it’s going out. It’s also about recognizing when swinging actually puts you at a disadvantage. Even if a shot might land in, sometimes it’s better to hold back and force your opponent to hit another shot.
Times When It’s Smarter to Let the Ball Go
On Deep Drives That Put You in a Bad Position
- If you’re stretched wide or backpedaling, trying to hit a defensive shot may only set up your opponent for an easy putaway.
- Instead of forcing a weak return, gamble on it going out or force your opponent to hit another ball.
When You’re Playing Defense
- If your opponent is attacking aggressively, hitting a rushed, off-balance shot could give them an easy opportunity to finish the point.
- Letting them hit another shot forces them to keep the rally going, increasing the chances that they make a mistake instead.
When a Ball Would Be Difficult to Return Well
- If you’re lunging or reaching, your shot will likely be weak, setting up an easy attack for your opponent.
- Instead of reflexively swinging, consider if letting it go gives you a better outcome.
Drill to Practice
Live Play “No Swing” Challenge
- In a practice match, focus on intentionally letting more shots go instead of automatically swinging.
- Keep track of how many points you win simply by letting the ball go instead of making an unnecessary return.
3. Training Your Reflexes to Avoid Instinctive Swings
Even when you know a ball is likely going out, your reflexes might take over anyway. It’s a common problem—players react too quickly, swinging before they’ve fully processed whether they should hit the ball.
Training your brain and body to pause for a split second before reacting is the key to developing better decision-making.
How to Stop Yourself from Swinging
Use a “Decision Delay”
- Add a microsecond hesitation before swinging to process whether the ball is actually worth hitting.
- That tiny pause can be the difference between hitting an unnecessary shot and making the right call.
Keep Your Hands Loose
- If your grip is too tight, your hands will react automatically and swing at anything.
- A relaxed grip makes it easier to stop yourself from making a reflex mistake.
Hold Your Paddle in a Neutral Position
- Keep your paddle slightly lower when an out ball is approaching. This naturally makes it harder to reflexively swing.
Drill to Practice
Partner “No Swing” Drill
- Have a partner hit a mix of deep and shallow shots.
- Instead of hitting every ball, focus on holding your paddle back when you recognize an out ball.
This drill trains your discipline and makes it easier to resist the urge to swing in real matches.
4. Overcoming the Fear of Letting Balls Go
One of the hardest parts of letting balls go is trusting yourself. The fear of making the wrong decision often leads to unnecessary swings. Many players would rather hit an out ball “just in case” than risk watching one land in.
How to Build Confidence in Letting Shots Go
Accept That Even Pros Misjudge Sometimes
- Watch any pro match, and you’ll see even the best players let close balls go incorrectly, but they win far more points by trusting their instincts than they lose by guessing wrong.
Focus on the Long-Term Benefit
- If you misjudge two shots per match but successfully let ten out balls go, you’re still coming out ahead.
Remind Yourself: A Bad Shot is Worse Than Letting a Ball Go
- If you hit a weak return on an out ball, you just gave your opponent a free point.
- Letting it go is always the smarter play.
Drill to Practice
The “Guess and Watch” Game
- In casual play, call whether a shot is in or out before it lands and track your accuracy.
The more you trust your ability to let shots go, the more confident you’ll feel in high-pressure situations.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Not Swinging
Winning more points in pickleball isn’t just about hitting great shots. It’s about eliminating unnecessary mistakes. Mastering the art of letting shots go will make you a smarter, more strategic player while reducing unforced errors and frustrating your opponents.
Key Takeaways
- Recognize out balls before they land to avoid giving away free points.
- Make intentional decisions about when returning a shot actually benefits you.
- Train reflex control so you don’t instinctively swing at every ball.
- Trust yourself. Even if you misread a shot, you’ll save more points than you’ll lose.
Next time you’re on the court, challenge yourself. Can you win a point by not swinging?
