In pickleball, strategy often wins the rally before the paddle even makes contact. One of the smartest and most effective tactics you can use, especially at the amateur level, is learning how to locate and target your opponents’ backhands. Since most players are weaker and less consistent on the backhand side, this simple adjustment can give you a major advantage.

Tip 1: Locate Your Opponents’ Backhands

The first step is to determine your opponents’ handedness as soon as the game begins. Knowing whether your opponents are right-handed or left-handed will tell you exactly where their backhands are positioned.

• Righty-Righty Combo (most common): Backhands will be on the right side of each player from your perspective, one in the middle and one on the far wing.
• Lefty-Righty Combo:
  • If stacking: backhands are on the outside, forehands in the middle.
  • If not stacking: backhands are in the middle, forehands on the outside.
• Lefty-Lefty Combo: This setup mirrors the righty-righty, with both backhands now on the left side of each player.

Many amateur players fail to notice their opponents’ handedness and end up missing this huge strategic opportunity. Taking a moment to identify it early can shape the way you attack points.

Tip 2: Target the Backhand

Once you’ve identified where your opponents’ backhands are, it’s time to use that information to your advantage.

The reality is simple: most pickleball players have weaker backhands than forehands. Backhands are played from the non-dominant side, which means less power, less consistency, and less comfort. At the amateur level, opponents are far more likely to make errors when defending their backhand side.

This makes the backhand an ideal target for:

• Dinks – force them to stay low and out of rhythm.
• Drops and resets – keep them on defense and prevent an easy attack.
• Defensive shots – safe placement that reduces your risk while pressuring theirs.

By consistently hitting to your opponents’ backhands, you’ll limit their offensive options and eventually force an error or a weak ball you can attack.

Targeting the backhand is a pickleball strategy as old as the sport itself, but it’s often overlooked by new players. By paying attention to handedness, locating your opponents’ backhands early, and keeping shots directed there, you’ll find yourself winning more points with less risk.

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