Pickleball Pro Tips Control the First Two Shots

Points are often decided before they really begin. The serve and return may seem routine, but at advanced levels, they set up everything that follows.

A deep, consistent serve pushes your opponent back and makes their return more predictable. On the flip side, a well-placed, deep return gives you time to reach the kitchen and puts pressure on their third shot.

Focus on depth, placement, and consistency—not power. When you consistently win the first two shots, you start the rally on your terms, forcing your opponents to play from behind.