Just Pickle Me
Holiday gift guide: paddle picks, gift cards and stocking stuffers $50 and under
Woman hitting a forehand on an indoor court

Targeting opponents

Find the weaker player, the weaker side, and the gap between them.

Every team has a weaker player, and every player has a weaker side, usually the backhand. Aim there until they prove you wrong. When both opponents are strong, aim at the middle, where confusion lives.

On speed-ups, the highest-percentage targets are the paddle-side hip and the shoulder of the backhand side, both of which are awkward to counter.

Keys to remember

  • Backhand and middle are the default targets
  • Speed-ups go to the paddle-side hip
  • Change targets when the opponent adjusts