High-percentage shots in pickleball are shots that have a high likelihood of success and a low chance of making an unforced error.
Here are some examples of high-percentage shots:
- Shots down the middle: Hitting the ball down the middle of the court is a high-percentage shot, as it reduces the angle of the ball and makes it more challenging for opponents to hit an effective return. (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-basic-tips-improve-your-pickleball-game-joe-deshayes/)
- Deep crosscourt shots: Hitting the ball deep and crosscourt is a high-percentage shot, as it allows you to maintain the angle of the ball and keep your opponents on the defensive. (https://www.pickleballmagazine.com/tips-lessons/High-Percentage-Shots%3A-What-They-Are-And-Why-You-Need-To-Hit-Them)
- Volleys within 12 inches of the no-volley zone: Hitting volleys within 12 inches of the no-volley zone is a high-percentage shot, as it allows you to control the pace of the game and reduce the likelihood of errors. (https://pickleballcoach.com/files/Pickleball%20Strategy%20Guide.htm)
- Third shot drops: Hitting a third shot drop is a high-percentage shot, as it allows you to regain control of the point and set up for a winning shot. (https://highfivepickleball.com/the-1-pickleball-strategy-for-hitting-smart-shots-and-avoiding-errors/)
By focusing on high-percentage shots, players can increase their chances of success and reduce the likelihood of making unforced errors. It’s important to note that high percentage shots may vary depending on the player’s skill level, playing style, and the specific situation on the court.
Here are some examples of low-percentage shots in pickleball:
- Shots that are hit with too much power: Shots that are hit too hard are low percentage shots, as they are more likely to go out of bounds or result in an unforced error. (https://thepickler.com/blogs/pickleball-blog/high-percentage-pickleball)
- Shots that are hit from an awkward position: Shots that are hit from an awkward position, such as when the player is off-balance or out of position, are low percentage shots, as they are more likely to result in an error. (https://highfivepickleball.com/the-1-pickleball-strategy-for-hitting-smart-shots-and-avoiding-errors/)
- Shots that are hit with a lot of spin: Shots that are hit with a lot of spin, such as a topspin or slice shot, are low percentage shots, as they require more skill and precision to execute effectively. (https://www.pickleballmagazine.com/tips-lessons/High-Percentage-Shots%3A-What-They-Are-And-Why-You-Need-To-Hit-Them)
- Shots that are hit from too far back in the court: Shots that are hit from too far back in the court are low percentage shots, as they give the opponent more time to react and prepare for the shot. (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-basic-tips-improve-your-pickleball-game-joe-deshayes/)
- Shots that are hit with a lot of angle: Shots that are hit with a lot of angle, such as a crosscourt shot that is hit too close to the sideline, are low percentage shots, as they require more skill and precision to execute effectively. (https://thepickler.com/blogs/pickleball-blog/high-percentage-pickleball)
By avoiding these low-percentage shots, players can reduce the likelihood of making unforced errors and increase their chances of winning points. It’s important to note that low-percentage shots may vary depending on the player’s skill level, playing style, and the specific situation on the court.
The information in this blog post comes from my research and experience playing pickleball and can be found in my books — HOW TO GET STARTED PLAYING PICKLEBALL and HOW TO IMPROVE FROM BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE IN PICKLEBALL — both available on Amazon. I hope you learn something from this post that you can take onto the courts to help you improve your game.