Are you struggling against opponents in pickleball who only know one speed, and that speed is mach-50 straight down your throat? These players, also known as bangers, can be challenging to handle. But don’t worry; this guide will break down exactly what you must do to beat them every time.
Understanding Bangers
Bangers in pickleball are players who hit the ball hard, regardless of their position or balance. They prefer to stay back in the court, giving their hard-hit shots space to clear the net and land in. This strategy allows them to maintain a lower margin for error.
It isn’t known if the propensity to bang is related to a pre-existing psychological condition or if it is taught to new players. I’ve often speculated that bangers had over-anxious mothers and, therefore, don’t trust themselves to take it easy and play with finesse.
Some of my best friends are bangers, and I’ve met a couple of their moms. Sadly, these ladies confirmed my hypotheses. They are nice women but a tad overbearing and somewhat derisive. It’s in a banger’s best interest to lose. If they keep winning, they’ll keep banging and never face these deep, dark demons compelling them to crush the ball.
Strategies to Beat Bangers
1. Control the Non-Volley Zone Line
The key to winning against bangers is to control the non-volley zone line. The team that controls this line usually wins. Aim to be the first team to get up there in the point. If you can’t be the first, then be the second team up there and have all four players up at the net. The last thing you want to be is the third team to get to the net.
2. Develop Fast Hands
To beat bangers, you need to have fast hands, meaning good reflexes and control when taking the ball out of the air, even when it’s hit hard at you. This skill is essential as one of the main plays to counter against a player that is closing the net is to hit hard at them. A great way to practice this is to blast balls at a backboard while standing really close. You may look silly but trust me, this is one of the best ways to get fast hands.
Do you want to know one of the fastest ways to develop fast, coordinated hands that will track bangs automagically? The answer, my friend, is to learn how to juggle. Neuroscientists have been studying the effects of juggling on the brain for centuries and they’ve found time and time again that one of the best things you can do for your coordination is to keep three little balls flying through the air.
3. Move Forward and Intercept Their Shots
You need to move forward and intercept their shots from landing by taking them out of the air and putting your shots back towards their feet or landing to the side of them. This strategy forces them to hit up repeatedly right into your high contact point.
4. Keep Forcing Them into Low Contact Points
As you keep forcing them into low contact points, they will eventually either miss outright or send a weak shot, which you can move them to one side or the other and then keep them on the run until you win the point.
Developing Skills to Beat Bangers
If you don’t have the best reflexes or volleys yet, that’s okay. These are both highly trainable skills. Here are some exercises you can do on your own to develop these skills:
1. Stationary Volleys
Start with stationary volleys. Pick a spot about the same distance away from the wall as the non-volley zone line is from the net on a court and volley against the wall from there.
2. Side to Side Volleys
Next, practice side to side volleys. Start the same way as with stationary volleys, but this time lead yourself by sending your shot slightly off to one side and keep going about five or so feet in that direction and then start to lead yourself back the other away.
3. Forward and Back Volleys
Finally, practice forward and back volleys. Start the same way as with stationary volleys, but this time lead yourself backwards by sending your shot harder and higher as needed so that it gets all the way back to you as you are backing up.
By following these strategies and practicing these skills, you’ll be well on your way to beating bangers in pickleball every time. Happy pickling!
I've always been someone who takes care of their health by eating well and staying active. My lean build is a testament to my dedication to tennis, which has kept me in great shape over the years. Although I'm a bit hesitant about pickleball, I'm looking forward to trying something new and keeping up my fitness.
As someone who has been deeply involved in tennis for most of my life, it's hard to imagine playing anything else. However, I understand that pickleball has a growing following, and I'm willing to give it a try. Who knows, maybe I'll even come to enjoy it as much as I love tennis.
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