7 Ways to Master the Art of Anticipation in Pickleball

In pickleball, success isn’t just about power, precision, or finesse—it’s about being mentally one step ahead. Anticipating your opponent’s shots can give you a significant advantage, turning defense into offense and helping you control the pace of the game. Here’s how you can sharpen your anticipation skills and become a more strategic player.

Study Your Opponent

The first step to anticipating your opponent’s shots is observing their habits:

  • Serve and Return Tendencies: Do they prefer forehand or backhand? Are their serves fast and deep or short and strategic?
  • Court Positioning: Watch how they move. Players often give away their intentions with their positioning. For example, a player moving slightly closer to the net might be preparing for a drop shot.
  • Shot Patterns: Pay attention to where they’ve placed previous shots. Some players favor cross-court shots or aim down the middle to cause confusion.

Pretty Tank

Chic, functional, and breathable for peak performance and comfort on the court

Black with Geode

Pink

Light Blue

Use Peripheral Vision

Effective anticipation requires keen awareness of the entire court. Train yourself to see beyond the ball and notice:

  • Your opponent’s paddle angle, which can indicate the direction of their next shot.
  • The movement of their shoulders and feet, which can signal an aggressive drive or a defensive dink.
  • The positioning of your partner (in doubles), ensuring you’re ready to cover any gaps.

Stay Balanced and Ready

Being ready for your opponent’s shots starts with your stance:

  • Neutral Position: Stand with your knees slightly bent, weight on the balls of your feet, and your paddle up.
  • Quick Recovery: After hitting a shot, return to a balanced position as quickly as possible to prepare for the next play.
  • Footwork Awareness: Keep your movements light and efficient to adjust quickly to any unexpected plays.

Think One Shot Ahead

To anticipate effectively, ask yourself:

  • What are their options? Depending on their position, are they more likely to attempt a lob, drive, or dink?
  • What shot would you make in their situation? This mental exercise puts you in their shoes and can guide your next move.
  • What’s the next smart play? For example, if you’ve pushed them deep into the court, expect a defensive lob or a weak return, and position yourself to take advantage of it. 

Lulu Pickleball Tote

The perfect pickleball sidekick

Black with Geode

Blue Confetti

Pink Confetti

Practice Makes Perfect

Like any skill, anticipation improves with practice. Incorporate drills into your routine that mimic game situations:

  • Serve Drills: Ask your partner to serve you a variety of serves to practice how you will return them. 
  • Reaction Time Exercises: Play games where your partner tries to surprise you with different shot types while you focus on reacting quickly.
  • Film Review: Record your matches and analyze patterns in both your and your opponent’s play to spot opportunities for better anticipation. 

Control the Mind Game

Anticipation isn’t just about reacting to your opponent—it’s also about making them react to you. By varying your shot selection and keeping them guessing, you can disrupt their rhythm and make them more predictable. Confidence and calmness play a big role here; a focused mind is better at reading subtle cues.

Learn from the Pros

Watch professional pickleball matches to see how top players anticipate shots. Notice their positioning, their ability to read their opponents’ movements, and how they prepare for the next point. These insights can translate directly into your game.

Men's Pickleball Apparel

Simple design, stand out style

Warrior Tee - Black

Warrior Tee - Paddle Print

Kelter Short - Black

Kelter Short - Slate

Anticipation is a game-changer in pickleball, elevating your performance from reactive to proactive. By studying your opponent, improving your awareness, and practicing shot reaction, you’ll find yourself making smarter plays and staying one step ahead. Remember, pickleball isn’t just a physical game—it’s a mental one too. Master the art of anticipation, and watch your game transform!

Learn More