Mastering Pickleball Attacks – How to Control Speed-Ups and Instigate Like a Pro

Introduction

In the fast-paced game of pickleball, mastering the art of attacking is crucial for players aiming to take their game to the next level. In a recent episode of the "4.0 to Pro" podcast, hosts Michael O'Neal and Scott Fliegelman delve into the intricacies of speed-ups, instigations, and strategic attacks. They provide invaluable insights for players looking to improve their offensive strategies on the court. Here’s a summary of their discussion, along with key takeaways to help you sharpen your attacking skills.

Instigations vs. Attacks: The Strategic Difference

Instigating Over Attacking: Scott Fliegelman prefers the term "instigate" over "attack" because instigating involves setting up a sequence of two or three shots, rather than going for a risky one-shot winner. This approach allows for a greater margin of error and often leads to better outcomes by keeping your opponent off-balance and unprepared.

Targeting and Anticipation: Michael O'Neal shares a tactic where he instigates an attack aimed at the opponent’s left shoulder. This forces a predictable cross-court return, allowing his partner to be ready with a forehand volley. This strategy highlights the importance of understanding and anticipating your opponent’s tendencies to create winning opportunities.

Mastering the Angle and Timing of Your Attacks

No Ball is Unattackable: Scott explains that with the right timing and technique, even low balls can be attacked effectively. He compares this to strategies in bike racing—attack when it’s least expected. By returning the ball faster than your opponent anticipates, you can create an advantage, even with seemingly unattackable shots.

Raising the Angle of Attack: When attacking, especially on lower balls, it’s crucial to raise the angle to avoid the net. Targeting the opponent's shoulders or head can be more effective than aiming for the waist, as these shots are harder to defend and can catch opponents off guard.

Defensive Strategies and Counterattacks

Always Assume the Ball Will Come Back: A key mindset in pickleball, as emphasized by both hosts, is to always expect the ball to return. This prepares you for quick counters and keeps you mentally ready to handle even the toughest returns. Top players like Matt Wright and Colin Johns excel at this by maintaining a high level of alertness and anticipation.

Commit to a Defensive Position: Scott discusses the importance of committing to either a forehand or backhand defensive position, especially during fast-paced exchanges. Players who successfully anticipate and commit to a specific defense often win the upper hand in intense volleys and firefights.

Enhancing Your Game with Spin and Technique

Utilizing Top Spin: The hosts also talk about the importance of adding top spin to your shots. A well-executed top spin can make your attacks more difficult to defend by causing the ball to dip quickly, catching your opponent off guard. They recommend practicing this technique to add another layer of complexity to your game.

Lob with Purpose: Offensive lobs, particularly those with top spin, can be effective when used strategically. By varying your attacks with lobs, you can keep your opponent guessing and open up the court for more aggressive plays.

Conclusion

Key Learnings:

1. Instigate Instead of Attack: Set up multi-shot combinations rather than going for risky one-shot winners.
2. Targeting is Crucial: Focus on strategic areas like the opponent’s shoulders to maximize the effectiveness of your attacks.
3. Always Be Ready: Expect every ball to come back and maintain a defensive position that allows for quick counters.
4. Use Top Spin Effectively: Incorporate top spin into your shots to add difficulty for your opponent and improve your attacking success.
5. Vary Your Offense: Mix in offensive lobs with your attacks to keep opponents off-balance.

Mastering the art of attacking in pickleball requires a combination of strategic planning, precise targeting, and quick adaptation. By following the tips shared by Michael O'Neal and Scott Fliegelman, you can elevate your attacking game and become a more formidable opponent on the court.

For more in-depth strategies and to listen to the full discussion, check out the podcast episode here: Let’s Attack: Speed-Ups, Instigations & Attacks.

‍