How to Beat Bangers in Pickleball [Tips by Pros + Videos]

Bangers—players who rely on powerful, aggressive shots—can be tough opponents in pickleball. Their goal is to overwhelm you with speed, forcing you into errors. But with the right strategy, patience, and control, you can neutralize their power and take control of the game.

At 11 PICKLES, we're dedicated to helping you elevate your game. Here's an in-depth guide on how to beat bangers in pickleball, complete with expert tips and resources.​ We'll cover:

• Understanding a banger’s playing style
• Defensive positioning and shot selection
• Strategies to counter hard hitters
• Drills to improve your game
• Mental strategies for staying composed

Let’s dive into the best ways to beat a banger in pickleball!

Understanding the Banger’s Style

A banger is a player who primarily uses hard, flat shots to dominate rallies, often avoiding the soft game like dinking or drop shots. Recognizing this playstyle is the first step in developing an effective counter-strategy.​

Key Characteristics of a Banger

• Hard, fast drives instead of soft dinks
• Reluctance to engage in kitchen exchanges
• Prefers baseline play over net play
• Tries to force opponents into defensive errors

To beat a banger, you must disrupt their rhythm and make them play your game.

Strategies to Beat Bangers

Bangers thrive on power, but their game falls apart when they’re forced into longer rallies, soft exchanges, and unexpected shot placements. The key to beating them isn’t to match their speed but to control the pace, absorb their power, and dictate play. Below are the most effective strategies to take them out of their comfort zone and make them play on your terms.

Absorb and Reset Their Power

When faced with aggressive shots, maintaining composure is crucial. Instead of matching power with power, focus on absorbing the ball's speed and executing a soft return into the kitchen. This tactic disrupts their rhythm and forces them into uncomfortable positions.​

For a visual demonstration, check out this video:

Target Their Weaknesses

Most bangers have a dominant forehand and a comparatively weaker backhand. By directing shots to their backhand side, you increase the likelihood of inducing errors or weak returns. Additionally, moving them around the court can break their stability, making it harder for them to execute powerful shots.​ With that being said, you should laso improve how you handle backhand dinks and drives.

Watch this video to master two-handed backhand in pickleball:

Watch this video to learn ho to master backhand dinking:

Master the Block and Counter

Developing a compact swing and firm grip allows you to block powerful shots effectively. By positioning your paddle correctly and using the opponent's power against them, you can redirect the ball strategically without exerting excessive force.​

Learn it from pickleball pro Catherine Parenteau:

Keep the Ball Low

Low shots are challenging for bangers to attack effectively. By keeping your returns close to the net, you limit their offensive options and force them into a defensive stance.​

Stay Patient and Let Them Make Mistakes

Bangers often rely on quick points and may become frustrated during extended rallies. By maintaining consistency and patience, you can capitalize on their impatience, leading to unforced errors.​ If you're playing anybody under a 4.0 DUPR, they will make mistakes. Dont' have a DUPR? Here's how you get one.

Lob Strategically

Implementing well-placed lobs can push bangers away from the net, disrupting their aggressive play. Targeting their backhand side with lobs adds an extra layer of difficulty, increasing the chances of weak returns.​

Take Control at the Kitchen Line

Dominating the non-volley zone (kitchen) is essential against bangers. By maintaining a strong presence at the net and engaging in dinking, you force them to adapt to a softer game, neutralizing their power.​

Change Up the Pace

Varying the speed and spin of your shots can throw bangers off balance. Mixing soft dinks with occasional fast drives prevents them from settling into a rhythm, increasing the likelihood of mistakes.​

Drills to Practice Against Hard Hitters

Beating a banger isn’t just about knowing what to do—it’s about practicing the right techniques until they become second nature. The following drills will help you build the skills necessary to neutralize aggressive hitters and take control of the game.

Reset Drill

Practicing resets is essential for handling bangers effectively. In this drill, have a partner hit hard shots at you while you work on blocking and resetting the ball into the kitchen. The goal is to absorb their power, using soft hands to take the pace off the ball and regain control of the rally. Instead of countering with force, focus on redirecting the ball with precision and placement.

Dinking Under Pressure

A banger’s comfort zone is in fast-paced exchanges, but you can disrupt their rhythm by forcing them into dinking battles. In this drill, engage in dinking rallies with a partner who intermittently fires a drive at you. The challenge is to stay composed and return to dinking after every hard shot. This practice will improve your ability to handle pressure and reset the rally when necessary.

Targeted Blocking

Blocking is an effective way to neutralize a banger’s power, but precision is key. Set up cones in deep court corners and practice deflecting their shots toward these targets. This drill enhances your control and teaches you how to absorb pace while placing the ball in difficult spots for your opponent. The more you refine your blocking skills, the less effective a banger's aggressive shots will be.

Compact Swing Drill

When facing hard hitters, long, exaggerated swings can lead to errors. This drill focuses on keeping your swings short and controlled when returning fast drives. By using compact movements, you can react faster and maintain accuracy. Practicing this will help improve reaction time, ensuring that you stay consistent under pressure and make fewer mistakes against powerful opponents.

Strategic Lob Practice

Lobbing can be an excellent tool against bangers, forcing them away from their preferred attacking position. In this drill, work on executing precise lobs over your opponent’s backhand side. A well-placed lob disrupts their rhythm, pushing them back and making it harder for them to execute their aggressive game plan. Mastering this skill adds another weapon to your arsenal when facing hard-hitting opponents.

Mastering Positioning and Footwork

Positioning is a crucial aspect of defending against bangers in pickleball. Staying low and balanced allows you to react quickly to their powerful drives, giving you more control over your returns. Positioning yourself near the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) line is another key factor, as it forces your opponent to adjust their shots and reduces their ability to rely solely on power. Additionally, anticipating their shots rather than reacting to them gives you a strategic advantage, allowing you to stay ahead in the rally rather than playing catch-up.

Essential Pickleball Footwork Techniques

Good footwork is the foundation of effective defense against hard-hitting opponents. Quick lateral movements help track fast shots, allowing you to adjust swiftly to different angles and maintain balance. Using controlled split steps prepares you for sudden speed changes, ensuring you remain agile and ready to respond to aggressive plays. Another essential technique is practicing angling approaches, which enhances shot accuracy and defensive coverage by positioning yourself optimally for counterattacks. Mastering these footwork techniques will improve your overall ability to neutralize bangers and take control of the game.

Outsmarting the Banger: Your Path to Victory

Bangers may rely on power, but pickleball is a game of strategy. The best way to beat them isn’t by trying to out-hit them—it’s by outsmarting them. By controlling the pace, forcing them into uncomfortable positions, and capitalizing on their impatience, you can systematically dismantle their game. Every shot you place should have a purpose, whether it’s a deep return to push them back, a well-timed block to neutralize their power, or a soft dink that lures them into the kitchen. The key is to stay composed, let them make the mistakes, and dictate the rhythm of the match.

At 11 PICKLES, we’re here to help you refine your game and take on any challenge the court throws at you. Whether you’re looking for more expert strategies, high-quality training resources, or exclusive pickleball merch, we’ve got you covered. Check out our store today and equip yourself with the tools you need to dominate the game.