How to Beat Bangers in Pickleball: Proven Strategies to Stay in Control

Main Points:

• Bangers rely on hard drives and pressure at the kitchen line.
• Your goal is to keep shots low, target their feet, and force errors.
• Step 1: Hit a deep, high-quality return and move in quickly.
• Step 2: Establish a solid split step and athletic ready position.
• Step 3: Use compact, firm volleys to absorb and redirect pace.
• Adjust return position by standing further back to handle deep, fast serves.
• Use deep, topspin returns when possible to limit their drive effectiveness.
• Stay balanced with paddle up and in front, leaning slightly backhand.
• Avoid swinging big against power—just punch and redirect.
• Redirect drives toward their partner to catch them off guard.
• Don’t try to out-bang a banger—use resets, finesse, and smart counterattacks.
• Anticipate errors and let out balls go when shots are above the shoulder.
• Even bangers will miss—stay patient and stick to the strategy.

---

---

Summary:
Beating bangers in pickleball is one of the biggest hurdles players face as they try to reach the advanced level. Modern paddles have made it easier than ever to generate power and spin, which means players who thrive on hard drives can be especially intimidating. This video breaks down a proven strategy for shutting down bangers step by step, ensuring you stay in control of points instead of giving in to their pace.

The first step to neutralizing bangers starts with the return. A deep, high-quality return is essential because a short return gives them an easy opportunity to drive directly at your feet. By standing a few feet behind the baseline, you give yourself space to handle deep, fast serves and keep your momentum moving forward. Once you hit the return, move in quickly and establish your split step so you’re balanced and ready to react to their next shot.

From there, your ready position becomes the key. A strong stance, feet slightly wider than shoulder width, and paddle out in front just above net height will give you the best chance to absorb hard drives. When the ball comes fast, avoid long swings. Instead, punch volleys compactly with a firm wrist and stable grip. This allows you to redirect their power back at their feet or into open space, often forcing errors or pop-ups you can finish.

The strategy against bangers isn’t to meet fire with fire. Instead, mix in resets, counterattacks, and smart redirections to keep them uncomfortable. Redirecting their power toward their partner is a simple but effective way to catch them off guard. Remember that bangers often overhit—if a ball is flying above your shoulder, let it go and you’ll win free points. While they will sometimes hit a great shot, patience and consistency with this approach will tilt the odds in your favor over time.

Source: Enhance Pickleball | YouTube

---

---

Tags: 3rd Shot Drive | Drive | Enhance Pickleball | Kitchen | Serve Return | Strategy | volley