How to Play Against Bangers and Stay Confident on the Pickleball Court

We’ve all been there: facing a “banger” on the pickleball court—the kind of player who thinks every shot is an audition for the next Fast & Furious movie. It can be intimidating, sure, especially if you’re still getting comfortable with your own skills. But here’s the secret: you don’t need superhuman reflexes to take control of the game.

With a few smart strategies and a little confidence, you can neutralize their power, play your style, and maybe even make them regret turning every rally into a smash-fest. Ready to outwit the bangers? Let’s dive in.

1. Stay Cool and Play Your Game

First things first: don’t let their aggressive style throw you off. Bangers want you to play at their breakneck speed, but here’s the thing - you don’t have to. Take a deep breath, slow the game down, and focus on control. Be deliberate with your shots. The calmer you are, the more frustrated they’ll get. It’s like telling a sprinter to enjoy a leisurely walk - they hate it.

2. Embrace the Art of the Soft Game

If bangers love power, then finesse is their arch-nemesis. Shots like dinks and third-shot drops keep the ball low and close to the net, making it nearly impossible for them to smash back. Think of these soft shots as the great equalizer: they shift the game to your pace and leave the banger muttering under their breath. Plus, it’s endlessly satisfying to watch them struggle with a perfectly placed dink.

3. Back It Up - Literally

When you’re dealing with someone firing pickleballs, give yourself some breathing room. Stand slightly behind the baseline to buy yourself extra time to react to their shots. Once you’ve adjusted to their speed, start working your way back to the net. Remember, it’s all about playing smart positioning—not turning into a back-and-forth ping-pong ball yourself.

4. Use the Block and Reset

Here’s where a little restraint goes a long way. When a banger drills the ball at you, the worst thing you can do is try to match their power. Instead, use a soft block. This absorbs their shot’s energy and resets the pace of the rally. You let their intensity work against them while you stay cool, calm, and in control.

5. Patience Wins Points

Let’s be honest: bangers hate long rallies. They want quick, dramatic points. So, play the long game—literally. Keep the ball in play, focus on consistent returns, and watch as their impatience starts to show. Mistakes will creep in, and before you know it, they’ll hand you opportunities on a silver platter. All you have to do is stay steady and wait for the payoff.

6. Lean on Your Pickleball Crew

Confidence is key, but it doesn’t come out of nowhere. Lean into your pickleball community to practice against different play styles, share tips, and maybe even laugh about the banger who thought they could outsmart a dink. The more prepared you feel, the easier it is to step onto the court and own your game. And hey, every match is a learning experience—even the frustrating ones.

Final Thoughts: Your Court, Your Rules

Playing against bangers might seem like a tall order at first, but with the right mindset and a few strategic moves, their power can quickly become your advantage. The best part? Every challenge makes you a stronger, savvier player. So the next time you face a banger, remember: this is your game. Stay calm, keep control, and enjoy showing them that power alone isn’t enough to win.

Got a great story about playing against bangers? Or maybe a tip we didn’t mention? Share it with us! Let’s keep growing this amazing community together, one rally at a time.