Pickleball is NOT about smashing, driving, being overly aggressive with every shot. There is a time for that, but the fact is, the best players in the world are pretty low-key. They’re actually geniuses at making their opponents look bad—well, maybe that’s harsh, but they create situations that lead to errors and low-percentage shots. And sometimes, they look like they’re barely trying. Annoying, right!?

However… if you’re not a human highlight reel but still want to win games, improve, understand the why and the how to execute, let’s chat.

1. Dink with Precision with Intention

The goal? To create their errors.

What to do: Hit dinks at your opponent’s feet—repeatedly and mercilessly.

Why it works: No one likes digging a dink off their shoelaces, not even pros. Low dinks at the feet force your opponent to hit upward or short-hop a ball, which opens them up to popping the ball or making awkward, rushed footwork decisions. It’s even better if they’re moving when you do it. Here’s the important thing to know: when it is at the feet, it is often a defensive shot on their part so if they are lucky, they are extending the rally, but not aggressively. If you are lucky, it leads to their error or something you can attack.

Drill it: Set up cones just inside the kitchen line on both sides of the net. Aim for 10 dinks in a row landing near the cones. You’ll develop accuracy, touch, and the “feel” which is something you will love! You can even place balls to the top of the cones (soccer cones) to make it more interesting with a drill partner.

2. Angles Are Your Best Friend

What to do: Use sharp cross-court angles to pull your opponent out of position. This works for serve returns, dinks, and even serves. The focus is on moving your opponent out of position, making their shots uncomfortable and poorly executed.

Why it works: Pickleball courts are small, but angled shots can put your opponent into a world of discomfort. Most don’t train enough on lateral movement. We get out there and play, right? Pull them wide with a dink or a return, then go to the open court. See why the leg and foot work are so crucial to good pickleball? Don’t believe me? Watch a pro like JW Johnson. Look at the footwork and the quads. There is a reason for that!

Drill it: Work cross-court dinks sideline to sideline with a partner. Play a game where every shot must land outside the centerline cone. You’ll develop a feel for how wide you can go. Drill until someone makes an error…then…wait for it…DO IT AGAIN. It’s called drilling and practice. Don’t forget to practice angled serves and returns too.

3. The Art of the Lob

Quick note: Years ago, I would have said, “What they heck?! A lob! Seriously?” No pro is using a lob. Well, I opened my mind a bit. There is a time and place for it and in a world of tendencies (we all have them), it’s time to not show any. So a well executed lob when no one is anticipating it is an EXCELLENT idea!

What to do: Throw in a third-shot lob or a kitchen lob when your opponents least expect it. A third shot lob is a nice addition to your toolbox of third shot drives and drops, and rolls. It can be very effective off a serve return that is a cut or slice. When lobbing, go for the corners in the back of the court if you are feeling confident. Try not to be too perfect on the depth, but try to shoot for the area between the transition zone and the baseline.

Why it works: Well-timed lobs aren't as risky when your opponent is crowding the net foaming at the mouth to smash a ball. A soft third-shot lob with a little pace can disrupt rhythm, court positioning, and if you think about it, comfort level. Execute it well and they will have it in the back of their mind next time you are gearing up for a third shot. Use it sparingly and intelligently. Don’t make a habit, although it is fine if you are in a tournament and your opponents have yet to adapt to it, do it again and again, relentlessly.

Drill it: With a partner at the kitchen, practice third-shot lobs just out of reach. Have them hold their paddle as high as possible after feeding you a ball from the baseline. Use cones or hula hoops to improve depth and placement as you adjust the areas the targets are in.

4. Bait and Switch

What to do: Fake like you’re covering one direction, then cover the other. It really is just a jab step sometimes. It’s smart, a bit manipulative and effective.

Why it works: When you subtly shift your weight or glance one way, many opponents will unconsciously aim there. Plus, it catches their attention and will even affect their concentration. One split second where they lose a little focus can cause an UNFORCED ERROR.

Example: Lean slightly left after your partner’s cross-court dink, then move on that attempted down-the-line pass like a cat on a laser pointer. (Shout out to Chi-Chi the cat!) Who knew? A laser pointer could provide hours of mindless fun for a cat!?

Drill it: Practice reading your opponent's paddle and disguising your own intentions. Try mirror footwork drills—lean one way, push off the other. You can do this in the gym too. In fact, I encourage this because most gyms have mirrors to use while demonstrating proper technique. Try this. Add 3-5 lb. dumbbells to increase the effect. Besides, this leads to better footwork and by now, no one in the gym is thinking you are crazy for working on pickleball drills and preparation. They all know it will be the Olympics some day!

5. Footwork, Footwork, Footwork

What to do: Make your opponent move—especially diagonally or backward.

Why it works: Moving forward feels natural; moving backward or diagonal doesn’t. Poor footwork leads to rushed shots, pop-ups, and some of the juiciest unforced errors you'll ever see. It affects preparation. You study for a test because you want to prepare. Same concept. Essentially, you’re forcing poor preparation.

How to create it: Use diagonal dinks, deep returns and shot angles at the kitchen to force lunges. I say it time and time again in my lessons. Nothing good usually comes from lunging. It often creates errors—or at least slows their recovery.

Drill it: Try “Zigzag Dink”—alternate shots side to side across the net while moving your feet between each shot. Stand tall in between as you await their shot. It is easy to start slouching.

Play Smart, Not Just Hard and Force Errors

Forcing errors doesn’t mean playing risky. It means outthinking, outmoving, and out-positioning your opponent until they hand you the point. It’s chess with a paddle. Stay calm, stay patient, and remember—it’s a sport of unforced errors, but you can be the one forcing those errors.

Give it a try and have fun playing!

About the Author: Neil Friedenberg is a certified pickleball coach and Head of Education for Empower Pickleball. He is passionate about helping players of all levels grow their skills and confidence on the court. A lifelong player with deep roots in the sport, Neil also brings experience as a paddle company owner, blending technical expertise with a love for the game.

How to Force Errors in Pickleball Without Taking Big Risks