When to Attack and When to Chill
Slow. Sloth. Snail. I’ve been called all of them while working my way up to the net. Okay, maybe not so much anymore. Honestly, I never minded it then, or now. When I move forward, I feel calm and in control. Actually, it’s not just a feeling, it’s a fact. I control the tempo, and that creates a patient mindset – exactly what you want when setting up the perfect attack.
Being chill, calm, and patient, and knowing when to attack.
Kind of like a stealth bomber: calm, quiet, ready to strike.
So let’s get down to the nitty gritty. THE WHY.
Keep it simple. Like, really simple. Dumb down the game. What I mean is don’t overcomplicate it in your head with mechanics, shot types, strategies, all swirling at once. After practicing the right way, your body starts to memorize the shots, and knows when to attack or stay chill with high-percentage plays. That keeps you from scrambling around the court.
When to Attack
High Balls in the Kitchen
If your opponent floats you a meatball above net height, chest high and near the kitchen, that ball deserves punishment. This is your moment. Make them regret everything. Kind of a no-brainer.
Pop-Ups
When your opponent short-hops a ball upward after your killer dink at their feet, they just gave you a gift. Don’t return the favor!
You Caught Them Out of Position
If they’re stuck in the transition zone and not moving up with purpose, keep targeting their feet. And remember: attacking doesn’t always mean smashing the ball. It can be a softer shot with aggressive purpose. Aim for open space, or their size 10s.
You're Ahead in the Game and Feeling Confident
It’s 10-2 after a side out, and you’ve earned a little chaos.
What do I mean by that? You feel it – you’re in control. Confident. Dominant. Like the Packers own the Bears… 🙃
It’s okay to try something aggressive, even experimental. Maybe it’s a shot you’ve been working on during rec play. Nothing wrong with testing it when the risk is low and the confidence is high.
Simple rule of thumb:
At the kitchen line
Ball below the knees = chill and controlled
Ball waist high = read the situation, maybe flick or go more aggressive. Again, read the situation. Still ok to put the ball back into play.
Ball above the belly button = do something with it! Be aggressive and end the point… or at least try to.
When to Chill
Sometimes, the best move is no move.
Or rather, a gentle, angled dink that shows your patience while waiting for the perfect opportunity.
You’re Dinking and Winning
If your opponent keeps popping balls up after your third or fifth dink, why rush? Stay chill. Let them mentally implode on their own.
They Want You to Attack
That low, tempting donut – you know, the apple fritter. (Okay, that’s my fave.) But you know what I mean. It’s a trap and you know it. Pickleball clickbait. It’s part of their plan. Resist. Reset. Let them make the mistake.
You’re Off-Balance or Out of Position
If your form’s off, don’t force it. Reset. Live to dink another day. The opportunity will come. You don’t always have to speed things up or return fire with fire. Get your positioning right first.
You’re Tired, Losing Badly, or Just Had Coffee and a Gas Station Bean Burrito
If your judgment is off, whether from fatigue, frustration, or the burrito, take the chill route. Just keep the point alive. You want to smack the ball because you’re annoyed. We’ve all been there. But don’t. Chip away. One point at a time….And DUDE, stay away from the gas station burrito.
Got it? Good.
Take this to the courts and be in control. Know your game. Know when it’s time to strike or time to keep it alive intelligently.
And lastly. Name-calling isn’t nice 😆
Who cares if someone calls you Sloth? The only thing that matters is that you know your next shot and how you’re going to win the point!