One common player we all encounter is the ‘banger’.

Bangers are players who consistently hit the ball hard, aiming for speed over strategy.

While this style can be intimidating, it’s not unbeatable. Here are some strategies to help you outsmart a banger in your next pickleball game.

1. Keep Your Cool

Bangers thrive on speed and power, often hoping to intimidate their opponents into making mistakes. The key is to stay calm and focused. Remember, pickleball is as much a mental game as it is a physical one.

2. Master the Soft Game

The soft game is your best friend when playing against a banger. This involves hitting soft shots, dinks, into the non-volley zone. By keeping the ball low and close to the net, you force the banger to hit upwards, making it difficult for them to maintain their hard-hitting style.

3. Use the Block Shot

A well-executed block shot can use a banger’s power against them. Instead of swinging at the ball, hold your paddle still with a soft grip and let the ball hit it. The goal is to absorb the ball’s energy and drop it softly into the non-volley zone.

4. Duck and Let Balls Go Out

Bangers often hit balls out of bounds due to their aggressive play style. If you see a high fast ball coming your way, instead of trying to return it, duck and let it go. There’s a good chance it will land out of bounds.

5. Improve Your Serve and Return

A deep serve or return can push a banger back, limiting their ability to hit hard shots. Aim for the back third of the court to maximize your chances of success.

6. Practice Patience

Patience is crucial when playing against a banger. Wait for the right opportunity to hit a winning shot. Often, this means engaging in several dink rallies before finding an opening.

7. Work on Your Court Positioning

Good court positioning can limit a banger’s options, forcing them to hit less aggressive shots. Try to stay at the center of your side of the court to cover the most ground.

While bangers can pose a challenge, they are not unbeatable.

By staying calm, mastering the soft game, using block shots, ducking to let balls go out, improving your serve and return, practicing patience, and working on your positioning, you can turn the tables and beat a banger at their own game.

Practice makes perfect. So, keep these strategies in mind – and see you on the courts!

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