Pickleball Trick Shots

Pickleball Trick Shots: Mastering the Art of Fun

As you get better at pickleball, you’ll start noticing other players hitting shots that are a little flashier than the average dink or volley. If one of these shots looks risky and different, then it’s probably a trick shot! Trick shots in pickleball are high-risk, high-reward moves that can both entertain the crowd and elevate your game when pulled off successfully.

Top 5 Favorite Pickleball Trick Shots

We’ve put together our favorite trick shots in pickleball. While there are many to choose from, these five have become crowd favorites for their style, difficulty, and fun factor. Give them a try next time you’re on the court!

The Erne

The Erne is named after pro pickleball player Erne Perry. It’s one of the most impressive trick shots in pickleball. This shot helps you win points if timed correctly. You jump over the corner of the kitchen or run around it. Then, you hit the ball from out of bounds, just to the side of the kitchen.

How to Hit the Erne

Position yourself near the kitchen line as your opponent prepares to dink. Anticipate the ball being hit to your side. When you see the opportunity, run or jump around the kitchen corner. Stay outside the kitchen boundaries and hit the ball out of the air to surprise your opponents.

When to Hit the Erne

The Erne is ideal when your opponent hits a predictable dink near the sideline and you’re in a position to cut it off early. This shot works best during fast exchanges where your opponent won’t expect you to move outside the kitchen line.

Why to Hit the Erne

The main advantage of the Erne is that it allows you to take the ball earlier than normal, which can catch your opponent off guard and create a nearly impossible angle for them to return. It’s a shot that shows off your anticipation and timing.

How to Practice the Erne

Set up drills with a partner where they hit consistent dinks near the sideline. Focus on footwork, jumping or running around the kitchen line, and timing your shot. Start slowly and gradually work on increasing speed and reaction time.

The Tweener

The Tweener is a flashy shot where you hit the ball between your legs. There are two types: the front-facing Tweener and the backward-facing Tweener.

How to Hit the Tweener

For a front-facing Tweener, set up as if hitting a forehand. Let the ball drop between your legs and strike it from behind. For a backward-facing Tweener, chase a lob hit over your head. Let the ball drop between your legs, then swing through to hit it behind you.

When to Hit the Tweener

The Tweener is a great option when you’re caught off guard by a lob and can’t position yourself for a traditional shot. The backward Tweener, in particular, is useful when you’re running full speed and the ball has already passed you.

Why to Hit the Tweener

It’s primarily a show-stopping shot that can turn a defensive situation into a surprising point. It’s great for rallies where you want to entertain or when you’re forced to react quickly without time for a traditional stroke.

How to Practice the Tweener

Practice footwork drills to position yourself correctly when chasing down a lob. Have a partner hit high lobs over your head, then work on timing your swing between your legs. Start by practicing the front-facing Tweener before progressing to the more difficult backward-facing version.

The Kyle Yates Shot

Former world #1 Kyle Yates inspired this deceptive shot. You fake a backhand, then quickly flip your paddle into a forehand, speeding up the shot unexpectedly.

How to Hit the Kyle Yates Shot

Start by preparing for a backhand dink with your paddle in position. At the last second, flip your wrist and paddle over, turning it into a forehand shot. You’ll need quick reflexes to surprise your opponents with this switch.

When to Hit the Kyle Yates Shot

Use this shot when you want to surprise your opponent in a dink rally. It’s especially effective when you’re at the kitchen line, faking a slow backhand and then speeding up the game with an unexpected forehand shot.

Why to Hit the Kyle Yates Shot

This shot is great for breaking the rhythm of a slow dink exchange, catching your opponent off guard, and taking control of the point. It’s a strategic move that adds an element of surprise to your game.

How to Practice the Kyle Yates Shot

Practice this shot in dink rallies with a partner. Focus on your grip and wrist control, switching from backhand to forehand quickly. Drills that emphasize paddle control and reaction time will help you master this trick shot.

The ATP (Around the Post)

The ATP, or “Around The Post,” is a shot where you hit the ball around the net post. Instead of going over the net, you use the outside of the post to place the ball back into play.

How to Hit the ATP

When your opponent pulls you wide, let the ball drop low. Hit it around the outside of the net post. You must create an extreme angle to keep the ball in play. The shot often skims the net or stays just above the ground. Step off the court to get a better angle, and take your time before hitting. You don’t need to hit over the net, giving you more control. Speed and accuracy are essential, but keep the shot low. If your shot is too slow, your opponent will have time to cover the line. If it’s too fast, you might hit it out.

When to Hit the ATP

The ATP works best when your opponent pulls you wide, leaving no angle for a return over the net. It’s ideal when you’re off the court, and your opponent isn’t covering the sideline well. It turns a defensive situation into an offensive opportunity by surprising your opponent.

Why to Hit the ATP

The ATP is an excellent way to flip the rally in your favor. When pulled far out of position, it helps reset the point. It often catches opponents off guard, allowing you to win the point from a difficult position. This shot forces your opponent to stay alert and cover the court better.

How to Practice the ATP

Set up drills with a partner who hits wide shots to your sideline. Practice moving laterally and letting the ball drop low. Focus on hitting around the net post with the right height and angle. Try different speeds and placements to improve consistency. Adjust your footwork to get into the correct position quickly. Keep practicing until you can hit the ATP with confidence under pressure.

This technique takes practice, but when mastered, it’s a game-changing shot.

The Behind-the-back

This classic trick shot is a fun way to return the ball when you’re caught off guard. It can be hit off a bounce or as a volley.

How to Hit the Behind-the-back Shot

Position yourself so your arm can swing behind and around your back. You’ll need to turn your body sideways and use your arm’s natural swing to make contact with the ball.

When to Hit the Behind-the-back Shot

This shot is best used when you’re in a desperate situation, like when the ball is too far away for a standard forehand or backhand. It’s a last-ditch effort that looks cool but may not always be the most reliable option.

Why to Hit the Behind-the-back Shot

It’s not the most strategic shot, but it can entertain the crowd and buy you some time in a tough situation. It’s mostly for fun, but sometimes it’s your only option.

How to Practice the Behind-the-back Shot

Have a partner hit fast volleys or low bounces that force you to stretch for the ball. Work on body positioning and timing, as this shot requires quick reflexes and spatial awareness.

Honorable Mention: The Nasty Nelson

The Nasty Nelson is a rare but hilarious trick shot. It involves intentionally serving the ball directly at your opponent standing at the kitchen line. If the ball hits them in the air, you win the point! While it’s tough to execute, it’s certainly memorable when pulled off. Just make sure your opponent has a sense of humor! 😄

Q&A: Common Questions About Pickleball Trick Shots

Are trick shots allowed in pickleball?

Yes, trick shots are allowed in pickleball as long as they adhere to the rules of the game. For example, with the Erne, you need to re-establish your feet outside the kitchen before hitting the ball. The ATP shot must also remain inbounds. Keep in mind, while trick shots can be fun, they are high-risk and not always the best choice in competitive matches.

What is the most difficult trick shot in pickleball?

The backwards-facing Tweener is one of the most difficult shots. It requires speed, timing, and accuracy to hit the ball between your legs while running down a lob over your head. Pulling it off successfully is a great way to show off your advanced pickleball skills!

When should I use a trick shot?

Use trick shots when you feel comfortable and confident on the court. They aren’t always the best tactical choice, but they can shift momentum when opponents least expect it. Shots like the ATP and Erne are often effective, while behind-the-back and Tweener shots are mainly for fun.

Wrapping Up the Fun of Pickleball Trick Shots

Pickleball thrives on creativity and fun, and mastering pickleball trick shots enhances that experience. These shots may not always be the safest option during a match, but the Erne, ATP, and Tweener add excitement to any game. Try them out, and enjoy the challenge they bring. Remember, the fun of pickleball often comes from taking risks and living in the moment.